Before enquiring about a past adoption, it is important to understand the law and practice of the time as it will help you to "walk in the shoes" of the people involved.
Article by Mary Iwanek — How past adoption practice & social standards shaped our attitudes today - 1995.
Article by Mary Iwanek - Part 2 — Assessing emerging patterns & issues around adoption in NZ - 1996
Law Commission report — Comprehensive report about law reform - includes history of NZ adoption
NZ Law Commission discussion paper — NZ adoption principles
NZ Law Commission discussion paper — History of NZ Adoption
NZ Law Commission discussion paper — Access to NZ adoption records
N Z Law Commission discussion paper — Background to this paper