Auckland Libraries: Researching well-known people
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Researching well-known people

Are you researching an Aucklander or a local public figure? Here are some pointers to help you get started.



Search the library catalogue

If you are researching a well-known person, there is likely to be a variety of resources available in the library catalogue. Use the ‘Refine by’ menu to filter your search results.

Auckland Libraries also provides access to a range of online databases. You can search for resources in these databases using our article search. 

  • When using article search, you may see a ‘Research Starter’. This provides a short biography and other resources to look up.

Browse online resources

For researching people, try these online resources:

Bush Index 

Auckland City Council History Index covering local government from 1871 to 1970 and local government clippings from 1973 to 1996. This is now in the Index Cards collection in Kura Heritage Collections Online.

Biography in context 

A database of biographical information on people throughout history.

Literature Resource Center 

Information on literary figures from different time periods.


Ask an expert

As your research progresses, you may need to: 


Find out more about our research services. 


Auckland heritage institutions

Within Auckland, there are a number of other heritage institutions that may be able to help with your local history research.

  • Auckland Council archives  - cemetery records, Auckland Council staff records, registers and licences issued by Auckland Council
  • Auckland War Memorial Museum  - exhibitions on New Zealand history, natural history and military history, and pre-eminent Māori and Pacific collections
  • Archives New Zealand  - New Zealand government archives and national treasures

Auckland Libraries:Researching well-known people Find out what library resources can assist you with researching about well-known Aucklanders and other public figures.