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Oranga Tamariki
How to request records from Oranga Tamariki

How to request records from Oranga Tamariki

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Last updated: January 29, 2025

There is a specific process for requesting adoption records

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If you are making a claim with MSD Historic Claims, you can get your records at the same time

Find out about making a claim with MSD Historic Claims.

Request records by phone, NZ Relay Service, email, or in-person 

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

To request your records you can:

Learn what information Oranga Tamariki will ask for when you make a request. 

If you are unsure how to write your email, you can follow this template.

In the email's subject line put the name of the person you want to request records about. For example: Request for records about Jane Doe.

In your email tell Oranga Tamariki:

  • who you are (your first and last name)
  • who you want to request records about (for example, yourself or a whānau member)
  • your phone number
  • if you have a preferred way you want to be contacted (for example, by text or email)

Learn what information Oranga Tamariki will ask for when you make a request. You could also include some of this information in your email.

If you email or visit in person, they will still want to talk to you on the phone

If you make your request by email or in person, Oranga Tamariki will either phone you or ask you to phone Customer Information Requests with your records request. They will also call you to update you on their progress or ask you any questions.

Some people save the Oranga Tamariki phone number in their phone contacts, so they know when Oranga Tamariki is calling. However, this does not always work as staff call using different numbers or as unknown callers. 

Tell Oranga Tamariki if they should contact you in a different way

Talking to Oranga Tamariki on the phone might not work for you, or you might not want to talk to a staff member about your request over the phone.

  • Tell Oranga Tamariki in your request or at any time if you would prefer to talk over email or text.
  • If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, have a speech impairment or find it hard to talk you can use the New Zealand Relay Serviceopen_in_new to make your request to Oranga Tamariki.