Just how accurate is all this stuff?

Genealogists beware!!! The data in these files does not necessarily conform to the 'three verifications' rule.

A conscious decision was made along these lines because the Net medium is significantly different to written books. A book is researched, written, checked, rewritten and eventually published, be it formally or by private means, and the author takes very great pains to have data that is correct, at least as far as they can determine it to be so. If there is any doubt the data is either annotated as unverified, or left out entirely (a source of considerable pain and angst!). Any printed error remains as made, forever.

A web page, however, is an interactive medium. Persons reading data they consider suspect are able to communicate with the author(s) and request clarification, removal or correction, all within days. In fact, this is a vital strength that justifies to a degree posting of 'reasonably certain' as opposed to 'absolutely verified' data, for it attracts input from those persons who are most qualified to comment, and who may have the missing facts.

This does not mean the data posted is suspect; virtually all the genealogies have come from persons who have painstakingly assembled their files over years, and their names appear on the top of each page of data. Where files interconnect, or where we (the site operators) have additional info, this is melded in. Generally this only occurs for data from the Aupouri Peninsula of NZ, or for very recent family data where individuals have provided updates. The particular page will usually carry a note to this effect.

The entire work is on-going, and is intended as a resource. Inevitably there will still be errors or additional information that can be added. If you have anything to add, or even anything to correct, PLEASE email us. Otherwise, enjoy. Oh, and keep checking the site, things DO change over the weeks...