The Dictionary of New Zealand Biography biographical database was created primarily for selection purposes. As a large store of information about New Zealanders, it has great potential as a research tool.
If you would like to make an enquiry about a person who might be in the database, please search the list below to establish if we have a record. Then contact us with the name or names you are interested in, and we will send you the full record. We are unable to supply more than 5 records per enquiry.
Names of people on the DNZB biographical database
An alphabetical list of the names on the biographical database is attached as a file download. You will find both a word and a pdf version of this list.
Contribute a record
We are able to add records to the database, and are particularly interested in people who were active between 1961 and 1980 (even if they are still alive). However, anyone who made a contribution to New Zealand society is eligible for inclusion in the database. Although the person you identify may not be selected for an essay in the Dictionary, his or her details will be retained permanently for the future benefit of researchers.
If you would like to contribute a recotrd, please follow these steps:
- Search the name list. Please search the list of names above to see if the person you have in mind is already on the database. If they are well-known, chances are we will already have information.
- If they are not listed, download the attached form. Click on the link below.
- Fill the form in and email it as an attachment to dnzb@mch.govt.nz. Alternatively send it to us via mail to: DNZB Nomination, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, PO Box 5364, Wellington 6145.
File download
Contribute a record_form.doc (58 KB)
Form for suggesting a person for inclusion in the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography biographical database
DNZB list of names word version (D-0403276).DOC (1.52 MB)
Dictionary of New Zealand Biography biographical database - updated 02 August 2012 (word version)
DNZB list of names word version 02 Aug 2012 (D-0434098).PDF (569.19 KB)
Dictionary of New Zealand Biography biographical database - updated 02 August 2012 (pdf version)
