Auckland City Council archives
Introduction
| Search the archives
| Family history
| About the archival system
| 1908 City of Auckland map |
War-related material | Visit our research room
| Other useful resources
Search the archives
The archives database contains descriptions of over 220,000 records that have been transferred from groups within council and former local
authorities within the Auckland isthmus. The earliest records date from 1852. You are able to search the archives database and have the option
to view the records by visiting the research room.
Search the archives database
Search help
Search the 1908 City of Auckland map
The 1908 map is a significant and unique record of Auckland City's history and early infrastructure.
The map portrays an exciting period in the city's development and documents the progress of a growing city.
Images of the map can be accessed using the options below.
Search the map by street, building or place
Browse the map
Search the indexes
Search a selection of the archives with relevance to genealogical, social and local history researchers.
Search all index databases
Search all World War I related index databases
Bicycle & Bootblack Register 1910-1918
Search the Bicycle & Bootblack Register
From 1887, a licensing programme required bicycles to be registered with the Town Clerk of Auckland City Council and the registration number
displayed on the bicycle. Registration of bicycles continued in Auckland until 1964 or later and was by then administered by the council's Traffic Department.1
This register includes details of bicycle registrations under the following headings:
- date
- number
- name
- description of bicycle (either type, eg, 'Safety', or manufacturer, eg, BSA, Raleigh).
Entries are alphabetical by surname and by date or licence number within each letter.
The register also includes bootblack licence registrations. Bootblacks were people who made a living by polishing shoes on the street and they
required a licence from the Town Clerk before taking up the occupation in any of the city's streets. The licence specified the location and hours
that the bootblack could conduct business, and was to be carried at all times whilst trading. A badge with the words 'Licensed Bootblack' was to be
displayed on either the hat, left arm or chest of the bootblack.2
The database is a full transcript of entries in the register and is searchable by name, address and date. It includes entries for 1910-1918. For
more information, please contact us.
1 ACC 426/4 Auckland City Council by-law no. 41 (bicycle and tricycle by-law), confirmed and sealed on 15 December
1887; ACC 356 record no 266 Traffic Department bicycle register 1964.
2 ACC 426/10 Auckland City Council Bylaws 1-25 and Standing Orders.
Burgess Rolls for the City of Auckland 1872/73, 1882-84 and 1890/92
Search the Burgess Rolls
Burgess rolls were compiled and printed according to directions included in the Municipal Corporations Act 1867.
The burgess rolls for the City of Auckland record the names of all adults who owned or occupied rateable property there. Each person on the burgess
roll was automatically entitled to cast between one and five votes, depending on the annual rateable value of his or her property.
The owner or occupier of a property rateable at less than £50 had one vote, while an owner or occupier with rateable property valued at £350 or more
had five votes. The Municipal Franchise Reform Act 1898 abolished plural voting.
The division of Auckland into wards as in earlier years resumed in 1879, the city being divided into three wards, designated North, South, and East.
In 1882, the amalgamation of three highway boards with the City of Auckland increased the number of wards to six: North, South, East, Ponsonby,
Karangahape, and Grafton, each ward electing three councillors. The City of Auckland abolished its ward system in 1903.
The burgess rolls are in alphabetical order by surname. The rolls list number on the roll, name of burgess, occupation, description and situation of
rateable property, and number of votes to which the burgess was entitled. There are no street numbers. Later rolls are divided into the separate wards
and include the number of each property on the council valuation roll and its rateable value. The burgess rolls include a number of married, widowed, and
single women and some organisations are listed as burgesses, for example the Auckland Rowing Club and the Bank of New Zealand.
The database is searchable by name, occupation and/or location (of property), ie street, and includes rolls for 1872/73, 1882-84 and 1890/92.
This database is a transcript of most of the information recorded in the burgess rolls. For more information, please contact us.
Auckland City Council Engineers Department Register of Employees
Search the Register of Employees for the City
Engineers Dept
This register records details of employees of the Auckland City Council City Engineers Department for the years 1901-1930. It includes:
- staff who worked in quarries
- council workshops and depots
- domains
- parks
- stables
- baths
- attendants at public conveniences
- administrative and technical staff of the department working in the Town Hall
- road staff
- and those involved in relief and improvement works and in water supply works in Huia and Titirangi.
This database is only a partial transcript of details, for full details of any particular entry you may visit us to
view the register.
City of Auckland Licensing District Register of Applications 1900-1920
Search Register of Applications
This register contains information on applications for the issue, renewal, transfer and withdrawal of publicans', wholesale, packet (on board ships) and
wine licences. The following details are recorded:
- number of application
- date application received
- name of applicant
- premises
- situation (street address)
- nature of application
- date of hearing
- how application disposed of.
This database is only a partial transcript of details, for full details of any particular entry you may visit us to view the register.
Auckland City Council Property Book c1880
Search the Property Book
This property book includes details of the leasing of council endowment properties located within the central city area. The details noted are:
- the lot or section number
- the property's situation (street name)
- the name of the previous lessee, the name of the present lessee
- the rental amount
- the date the lease expires
- a description of the property
- and, in some instances, notes regarding conditions and transfers.
The database is a partial transcript and is searchable by name (of present and previous lessees) and/or location of property, ie street or section. To view
full details of entries in the book, you may visit us.
Plans showing the location of the properties are also part of the property book and these appear within the database alongside the entries to which they
relate. Alternatively, there is a separate search that you can use to search these plans by title.
Eden Terrace Valuation Rolls 1883-1903
Search the Eden Terrace Valuation Rolls
This database provides details of each separate property in the Eden Terrace Road District area for 1883-1903. Details include:
- the name of the owner/occupier
- their trade or occupation
- a description of the property and its rateable value.
This database is a full transcript of the record. For more information, please contact us.
Karangahape Highway Board Valuation Book
Search the Karangahape Highway Board Valuation Book
This database provides details of each separate property in the Karangahape Highway Board area for 1882/83. Details include:
- the name of the owner/occupier
- their trade or occupation
- a description of the property and its rateable value.
This database is a full transcript of the record. For more information, please contact us.
Lock Hospital Register Book
Search the Lock Hospital Register Book
This is a database of admission details from 1883-1886 to the Lock Hospital, established under terms of the Contagious Disease Act, 1869.
This database is only a partial transcript of details, for full details of any particular entry you may visit us to view the register.
Mount Albert Highway District Rate Books 1867-1884
Search the Mount Albert Highway District Rate Book
In 1862 the Auckland Provincial Council passed the Highways Act to facilitate the making and repairing of highways within the Province of Auckland
and elected Highway Boards were established.
The Mount Albert Highway District was formed in 1866. Mount Albert Highway District Board became Mount Albert Road Board in 1883 and that body in
turn became Mount Albert Borough Council in 1911. Mount Albert Borough was proclaimed a city in 1978 and amalgamated with Auckland City in 1989.
These rate books cover the years 1867 to 1884 and were prepared to meet the requirements of the Highways Act 1867, Highways Act 1871, Highways Act
1871 Amendment Act 1871, Highways Act 1874, Rating Act 1876, and Rating Act 1882. The books are in alphabetical order by surname of occupier. They
include the following information:
- rate book number
- name of owner or person interested in the land
- name of occupier
- description of property
- estimated value and rates based on estimated value.
A column for remarks notes if the rates had been paid or if there were any arrears. There are no street numbers.
The database is searchable by name (occupier and owner), property description and/or the year.
This database is a partial transcript of entries. For full details of any particular entry, you may visit us to view the rate books.
Orakei Road Board Valuation Rolls 1912 and 1920
Search the Orakei Road Board Valuation Rolls
The Orakei Road Board formed in 1900 part of the Remuera Road Board area and existed until 1928 when it amalgamated with Auckland City Council. These rolls include:
- name
- occupation
- address
- capital value
- unimproved value
- value of improvements
The database is searchable by name (occupier and owner), occupation (occupier and owner), street (occupier's address, owner's address and property description) and year.
This database is a full transcript of the valuation rolls. For more information, please contact us.
Otahuhu Cemetery Applications for Burial Warrants 1921-1925
Search the Otahuhu Cemetery Applications for Burial Warrants
Otahuhu Cemetery is located at Atkinson Avenue, Otahuhu. The first burial was recorded in 1894 and the cemetery is still operational.
These applications for burial warrant forms are for persons buried from 1921 to 1925 and had to be completed before an interment warrant could be issued.
They contain similar information as is found in a burial register. Details recorded in the applications are as follows:
- name and signature of the applicant
- name and age of the deceased
- number of years they have resided in the province
- address of their last residence
- the country in which they were born
- deceased's last occupation
- date and cause of death
- number of allotment or grave and its size
- name of the officiating minister
- religion of the deceased
- name of the undertaker
- time set for the burial
- fees paid.
The database is a partial transcript. For full details of entries in the record book, you may visit us. These details include
cause of death, religion, fees and name of applicant.
View a Plan of the Otahuhu Cemetery.
See also Register of Burials Otahuhu Cemetery 1894-1922.
Otahuhu Borough Council Valuation Rolls 1886-1908
Search the Otahuhu Borough Council Valuation Rolls
This database provides details of each separate property in the Otahuhu Road District area for 1886 and 1908. Details include:
- the name of the owner/occupier
- their trade or occupation
- a description of the property
This database is a full transcript of the record. For more information, please contact us.
Parnell Borough Council Valuation Lists 1897-1901 Index Database
Search the Parnell Borough Council Valuation Lists
Index Database
The Parnell Highway District was formed in 1863. Parnell Highway District Board became Parnell Borough Council in 1877. On 15 February 1913 Parnell Borough
Council was dissolved when Parnell amalgamated with Auckland City.
The valuation lists cover the years 1897 to 1901 and were prepared to meet the requirements of the Rating Act 1894. The lists are in valuation number order.
They include the following information:
- valuation number
- name, address and trade or occupation of occupier
- name, address and trade or occupation of owner
- description and situation of rateable property
- if let, for what term and in what manner
- rateable value.
A column for remarks includes information on changes to rateable value and ownership. There are no street numbers. There is an index of street names at the back of each list.
The database is searchable by name (occupier and owner), occupation (occupier and owner), and street (occupier's address and owner's address).
This database is a partial transcript of entries. For full details of any particular entry, you may visit us.
Parnell Borough Council Ratebooks 1873-1875 Index Database
Search the Parnell Borough Council Ratebooks Index Database
In 1862 the Auckland Provincial Council passed the Highways Act to facilitate the making and repairing of highways within the Province of Auckland and
elected Highway Boards were established.
The Parnell Highway District was formed in 1863. Parnell Highway District Board became Parnell Borough Council in 1877. On 15 February 1913 Parnell
Borough Council was dissolved when Parnell amalgamated with Auckland City.
This rate book is for the years 1873 to 1875 and was prepared to meet the requirements of the Highways Act 1871, Highways Act 1871 Amendment Act 1871,
and Highways Act 1874. The book is in alphabetical order by surname of occupier. It includes the following information:
- rate book number
- name of occupier
- name of owner
- estimated value
- rates based on estimated value
- description of property
- amount paid
- arrears.
A column notes miscellaneous rates information, for example on church property that was not recoverable and poverty exemptions. There are no street numbers.
The database is searchable by name (occupier and owner), situation (street) and year.
This database is a partial transcript of entries. For full details of any particular entry, you may visit us.
Ponsonby Highway District Board Valuation List 1882-1883
Search the Ponsonby Highway District Board Valuation List
This database provides details of each separate property in the Ponsonby Highway District Board area for 1882/83. Details include:
- the name of the owner/occupierier
- their trade or occupation
- a description of the property and its rateable value.
This database is a full transcript of the record. For more information, please contact us.
Publicans' Licences 1900-1962
Search the Publicans' Licences
This database contains details of publicans' licences for the Ellerslie Hotel for 1900-1960, and the Panmure and Star & Garter Hotels 1902-1938.
This database is a full transcript of the record. For more information, please contact us.
Register of Burials Otahuhu Cemetery 1894-1922
Search the Register of Burials Otahuhu Cemetery
Otahuhu Cemetery is located at Atkinson Avenue, Otahuhu. The first burial was recorded in 1894 and the cemetery is still operational.
This burial register records burials from 1894 to 1922 and contains the following information:
- number and date of interment
- name of the person interred
- interred person's religion, occupation, last residence, where they were born and where they died
- interred person's date of death, age and number of their grave
- to whom the grave was originally sold and their address along with the price of the grave and the cemetery fees.
This database is a full transcript of the record. For more information, please contact us.
View a Plan of the Otahuhu Cemetery.
See also Otahuhu Borough Council Applications for Burial Warrants 1921-1925.
Register of Licences: Drivers, Porters, Carriages, Carters 1895-1899
Search the Register of Licences Drivers Carriages Carters
This register contains details of Drivers, Porters, Carters, Private Carts, Carriages, Tram conductors and Tram drivers. Details in the database include:
- date
- name
- address
- type of licence
- descriptions of carriages (bus, brake, hackney, hansom, bow stage, van, and road cars)
- carriage owners.
The original register also contains details regarding drivers' fines, convictions and sentences, licence cancellations and renewals.
This database is only a partial transcript of details. For full details of any particular entry, you may visit to view the register.
Remuera Road Board Valuation Rolls 1898 - 1901
Search the Remuera Road Board Valuation Rolls
The Remuera Highway District was formed in 1863 and reformed and in operation in 1867. Remuera Highway District Board became Remuera Road Board in 1883 and
was dissolved on 1 March 1915 when Remuera Road district amalgamated with Auckland City.
These valuation rolls cover the years 1898 to 1901 and were prepared by the Valuer-General of the central government Valuation Department to meet the
requirements of the Rating Act 1894, Government Valuation of Land Act 1896 and Government Valuation of Land Amendments Act 1900. The rolls are in valuation
number order. They include the following information:
- valuation number
- name, address and trade or occupation of occupier
- name, address and trade or occupation of owner
- description and situation of rateable property
- area
- capital value
- unimproved value.
A column for remarks includes information on changes to rateable value and ownership. There are no street numbers. There is an index of occupiers and
owners at the back of each roll.
The database is searchable by name (occupier and owner), occupation (occupier and owner), street and year.
This database is a full transcript of the valuation rolls. For more information, please contact us.
Tamaki West Road Board Valuation Roll
Search the Tamaki West Road Board Valuation Roll
This roll for the Tamaki West Road Board (renamed Tamaki Road Board in 1924) provides details regarding occupiers, their name and occupation, the
street name and legal description of their property, and details regarding rateable and capital values.
The database is searchable by name (occupier and owner), occupation (occupier), and street (occupier's address and property address) and includes
the roll for 1920.
This database is a full transcript of the valuation roll. For more information, please contact us.
Valuation lists for Newton Borough
Search the Valuation Lists for Newton Borough
The Newton Highway District was formed in 1867. Newton Highway District Board became Newton Road Board in 1883 and that body in turn became Newton
Borough Council in 1885.
Newton Borough Council was renamed Grey Lynn Borough Council in 1899. On 1 July 1914 Grey Lynn Borough Council was dissolved when Grey Lynn
amalgamated with Auckland City.
In 1887 Newton Borough was divided into three wards named Surrey, Sussex, and Richmond. These valuation lists cover the years 1886 to 1888
and were prepared to meet the requirements of the Rating Act 1882. The first and fifth list cover the whole borough and the others are for the
three separate wards. The lists are in alphabetical order by surname of occupier. The lists include the following information:
- valuation number
- name and trade or occupation of occupier
- name and trade or occupation of owner
- description and situation of rateable property
- if let, for what term and in what manner
- rateable value.
There are no street numbers.
The database is searchable by name (occupier and owner), occupation (occupier and owner) and street.
This database is a full transcript of the valuation books. For more information, please contact us.
Auckland City Council Wage Book for Men in Service in World War I
Search the Wage Book
This wage book records the wages paid to some Auckland City Council employees serving in World War I and covers the period from 1916 to 1919.
It contains the following pieces of information:
- name of employee
- their designation
- their address
- departure date
- length of service
- weekly wages
- who the order was payable to and their address
- plus any remarks that were recorded.
This database is a partial transcript of the record. For full details of entries in the wage book, you must
visit the Auckland City Council archives research room.
Where possible, images of the listed employees have been obtained and included in the database.
Waikaraka Cemetery Record Book
Search the Waikaraka Cemetery Record Book
Waikaraka Cemetery is located at 1 Alfred Street in Onehunga. The first burial took place in 1890 and the cemetery continues to operate.
This burial register for Waikaraka Cemetery contains information about people buried in the cemetery from 1890-1906. The database includes
the following details:
- date of warrant and warrant number
- the name of deceased
- occupation
- residence
- date of death
- where the deceased last came from
- age
- native place
- date of burial
The database is searchable by name, occupation and residence.
The database is a partial transcript. For full details of entries in the record book, you may visit us. These details
include cause of death, denomination, years in province, where buried (class, block, section, lot), fees, name of informant, and remarks.
View a Plan of the Waikaraka Cemetery.
War Memorials and Honour Boards
Search the War Memorials and Honour Boards online index
This database contains information from a number of sources and will be added to over time.
Auckland City Council archives currently houses two WWI-related honour boards in its research room. One lists those members of the Auckland
Mounted Rifles Club who served in WWI; the other is the Borough of Newmarket WWI Roll of Honour Board.
In addition, we also hold records regarding war memorials that were erected with some involvement by councils, for example, the donation of land
for a memorial to fallen soldiers in Epsom - The Marivare Reserve and memorial arch. We are also indexing names from memorials erected by other
organisations within the Auckland city area, for example, the memorial obelisk at Viaduct Harbour commemorating the services of the staff of the
Auckland Harbour Board in World War I.
The database contains the following pieces of information transcribed from the memorials:
- Name of soldier
- Indication if the soldier was killed whilst in service.
Additional research into those listed has also been conducted and this information is displayed where available. For more information, please
contact us.
Updated January 2012
