Welcome

In New Zealand, there have been over 120, 000 people who have been legally adopted since New Zealand's first Adoption Act was passed in 1881. Taking into account that each adopted person has two birth parents and two adoptive parents, and in turn, each these people have extended family members, it is little wonder that many New Zealand families have a story to tell about adoption.

In September 2011, I retired after 37 years service with Child, Youth and Family (CYF), (now Oranga Tamariki) New Zealand; with over 20 years as an Adoptions Social Worker and Supervisor. During my time with CYF Adoption Services I successfully assisted adopted persons, and several birth parents to reConnect. I am no longer employed as a Social Worker, nor do I provide social work services.

In addition to my employment with the Adoption Service, I have experience in researching family histories. I have researched and edited two volumes about my father's wartime service in the RAF/ RNZAF. During the 1960s I prepared whakapapa for the Ikaroa Maori Land Court. Further information about my background can be found at nz.linkedin.com/pub/david-burrowes/41/b38/b8a

I have family connections through adoptions. Several family members are adopted and one is a birth parent. Some adopted family members have found their birth family, our family is in contact with the adopted person. (This was originally a closed adoption)

In January 2012, I established ConnectionsNZL to provide information and advice to help New Zealand families separated by adoption to reConnect. The information and resources on this website may be downloaded at no cost, provided that it is not for commercial purposes. I provide a free consultation for up to one hour, which is usually sufficient to review your case, and provide you with a plan, which you can follow.

If you prefer, I can work on your behalf Thereafter my fee is $75NZ an hour, plus actual expenses, which will be discussed and agreed with you before any service is provided. I require a deposit of $150NZ to cover actual expenses, such as purchasing certificates, mileage, phone calls and postage.

David M Burrowes BSW, CQSW (Massey University), Diploma of Adult Education and Training, National Certificate in Business Studies, Certificate in Counselling,

Nelson, New Zealand

updated February 2019