How to request court adoption records

Most adoption records are held by Oranga Tamariki  

Most adoption records are held by Oranga Tamariki. Oranga Tamariki also holds some court adoption records.  

Learn how to request adoption records from Oranga Tamariki.

You usually need a court order to request court adoption records 

Unlike other court records, the Courts of New Zealand (the courts) usually require a Court Order if you want to request court adoption records.

A court order is a document from a judge or court, often with a decision or action for someone to follow.

The court will only make the Court Order when: 

• the court adoption records could help convict someone of a crime
• the court adoption records could help answer questions about whether an adoption is valid
• there are other special reasons. 

When you make your request for records, the court will tell you if a Court Order is required.

For example, you can request access to court records about an adoption if you are: 

• the birth parent, adoptive parent or adopted person in the adoption case 
• a member of the extended birth whānau who wants details about your relative so you can contact them, or for family history reasons. 

In your application for court adoption records, include: 

• as many of the birth and adoption details as you know 
• what information you are looking for and why you are requesting the court records  
• any relevant background information 
• any relevant documentation to support your application (for example, your pre-adoptive birth certificate, birth, death or marriage certificates), as evidence of your relationship to the person you are seeking information about
• whether you are wanting copies or certification of particular documents. 

 
Learn how to request court records.Requesting court records can be difficult and bring up a range of emotions. You may want to seek legal support or find support from support and advocacy groups to help you through this process. 

Contact your local court to apply for a Court Order 

To apply for a Court Order to see court adoption records, please contact your local courtopen_in_new and ask them for the forms you need to fill in.  

If you visit the court in person, court staff may be able to help you fill in the form. If you have access to a lawyer, they can help you fill in the forms.  

Please be aware that there are no set or standard forms, and each court may have different forms you need to fill in. 
Once you have filled out the forms, you can provide them to your local court in person, by post or by email.

Learn more about requesting court adoption records.