How do I request records from the Methodist Church?

You can request records by email, post, or online 

Requesting records of whānau can bring up a range of emotions. Learn where you can find support to help you on this journey. 

You can make a records request by: 

• email to: generalsecretary@methodist.org.nz  
• post to: 

General Secretary - Private & Confidential 
c/o Methodist Connexional Office  
PO Box 931 
Christchurch 8140  

• phone: 03 3666 049 or 0800 266 639
• using the Methodist Church online contact formopen_in_new.

Or you can use our online records request form. This form lets you request records from one or more organisations at a time. 

You may be able to request records about living whānau 

You can also make a request for records about a living whānau member. The Methodist Church may give you access if: 

• the records are about you, as well as your family member and / or
• your whānau member has given you written permission to access records about them. 

If you have requested your own records and they contain information about your whānau, some information about your whānau may be redacted unless you have permission from them to access their records. Redaction means removing or hiding information. 

Learn more about redactions. 

You may be able to request records about deceased whānau

If you make a request for records about deceased whānau, the Church will ask you to provide proof of their death – for example:  

• a death certificate
• the executed will or probate file of the deceased. 

Whether the Methodist Church will give you access to records about your whānau is decided on a case-by-case basis. Their decision may be based partly on how closely related you are to the deceased family member. 

If you want to make a claim of abuse as well as get your records, contact the General Secretary

Learn more about making a claim of abuse to the Methodist Church.

If you also want to make a claim of abuse, you can contact the General Secretary of the Methodist Church to request your records: 

• email to: generalsecretary@methodist.org.nz  
• post to: 

  General Secretary - Private & Confidential 
  c/o Methodist Connexional Office  
  PO Box 931 
  Christchurch 8140  

• phone: 03 3666 049 or 0800 266 639.

If the General Secretary is the alleged abuser, email your records request to the President of the Methodist Church of New Zealand at: president@methodist.org.nz.