Waitaki Society of Genealogists

Welcome to the

We are a passionate community dedicated to exploring and preserving our ancestry. Founded as the Oamaru Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists in 1981, our present and past members have spent countless hours volunteering, transcribing books, certificates, and headstones to create searchable indexes. We are still actively working on projects, so come and join us! Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just starting your journey into family history, our society offers a wealth of resources and support. Join us in uncovering the stories of our past and connecting with fellow enthusiasts who share your interest in genealogy. Together, we can bring the past to life and ensure our heritage is remembered for generations to come.

Please feel free to contact us or visit us at our next meeting. We look forward to welcoming you!

Why Join the Waitaki Society of Genealogists?

Joining the Waitaki Society of Genealogists opens the door to a world of discovery and connection. Here are a few compelling reasons to become a member:

Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge and experience of seasoned genealogists who can help you navigate the complexities of family history research.
Extensive Resources: Gain access to a wealth of resources, including historical records, databases, and specialized tools that can aid in your genealogical pursuits.
Community Support: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for genealogy. Our supportive community is always ready to offer advice, share stories, and celebrate discoveries.
Educational Opportunities: Participate in workshops, seminars, and guest lectures that provide valuable insights and skills to enhance your research.
Preserving Heritage: Contribute to the preservation of our local history and heritage, ensuring that the stories of our ancestors are remembered and cherished by future generations.

Join us at the Waitaki Society of Genealogists and embark on a rewarding journey into the past. Together, we can uncover the stories that shape our present and future.

What's On

Genealogy Help: Join Beryl and fellow Waitaki Society of Genealogists members at the Oamaru Public Library every Friday from 10 am to 12 noon. For more information, contact Beryl.

(Meetings are back on in February, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year)

Monthly Meetings: Join us on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:30 pm in the Eveline Church Hall for our regular meetings. These gatherings are a great opportunity to connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts, share discoveries, and learn from expert speakers.

Location (New)

Eveline Church Hall, next building north of the church, 424 Thames Street, Oamaru, 9400, View Map

Cemetery Tour

As part of the Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations held in November, members Beryl Miller and Campbell Braddock hosted a guided tour of the Old Oamaru Cemetery. It was a great success; day one blessed us with sunshine, and day two thankfully dodged the worst of the weather with just a light shower. We're grateful for the support, interest, and enthusiasm. What a fantastic turnout and community response!

Digitising of School Magazines

Members of the Waitaki Society of Genealogists have recently begun reviewing and cataloguing a large collection of school magazines from Waitaki Girls’ High School, Waitaki Boys’ High School, and St Kevin’s College (Redcastle). Each magazine is carefully scanned to preserve its contents, ensuring these valuable pieces of local history are safely stored and searchable. Once completed, the collection will be available for members to browse and reference, offering a rich source of memories, research material, and insight into student life across generations.