Story: Death rates and life expectancy

Māori birth and death registration

In the 19th century, for a range of reasons, registration of Māori births and deaths was patchy. Various officials, including clergymen, doctors and district magistrates, attempted to keep records. In the case of religious groups, gaining converts was the prime motive, and the collection of birth and death data was incidental. This entry from an Anglican baptism register records the all-important day of baptism of a Māori child, but also gives the date of birth and the parents' names, occupations and place of abode.

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The Anglican Diocese of Auckland, Auckland Anglican Diocesan Archives
Reference: Register No. 23, p. 4

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How to cite this page:

Ian Pool, 'Death rates and life expectancy - Recording births and deaths', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/zoomify/26569/maori-birth-and-death-registration (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Ian Pool, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 14 Mar 2019