New Zealand’s voter registration records are among the most valuable genealogical sources, dating back to the mid-19th century. The country introduced universal male suffrage in 1879 and became the first in the world to grant women the right to vote in 1893, leading to well-documented electoral rolls. These records list names, addresses, and sometimes occupations, making them essential for confirming residency and tracking family movements. Many historical rolls are accessible through archives and online databases, complementing civil registration and immigration records. For genealogists, New Zealand’s voter lists provide a detailed and continuous record of ancestors’ locations and life events.
Census & Voter Lists
