NZ-based Forensic researcher, Probate researcher, Genealogist

Research is a passion of mine. I completed a BA (English, Political Studies) at Auckland University and fell into a job in the University’s General Library, thinking I would have lots of time to read books. (It doesn’t work that way!) After completing a Master of Library and Information Studies via Victoria University of Wellington, I worked in university and specialist libraries for 8 years in various roles before travelling and having children. I now work part-time as an administrator and part-time as a research/probate genealogist and record agent.

Genealogy isn’t just about getting names, places and dates right. It’s finding out the stories behind the facts which make our ancestors come alive.

I have experience analysing DNA results and have solved several unknown parentage cases. I have experience with Maori DNA and endogamy. I regularly conduct probate research identifying heirs and finding missing beneficiaries and have helped with dual citizenship applications.

I am a member of the NZ Society of Genealogists, the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Australasian Association of Genealogists and Record Agents and the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy. I began a PLCGS in 2021 which is taught remotely by the International Institute of Genealogical Studies in Missouli, Montana, USA and I am currently part of the Spring cohort of GenProof. Please contact me if you have any queries, particularly regarding intestate cases, I am actively taking new clients.

When I’m not researching for clients you can find me on Wikitree, correcting and adding to Findagrave, or indexing FamilySearch records.

If you don’t recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor your own stories and tell them too. The tales may not seem very important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us who we are.

Madeleine L’Engle