About Us
Past Presented is a New Zealand based genealogical and family history research consultancy, established by professional genealogist, Lyn Whelan (Dip F.H.S; M.A (Hons) B.A (Educ) PGDA (Educ); Dip Tch).
Lyn formed Past Presented to bring her research expertise to clients who live in New Zealand or overseas and who have New Zealand as well as UK and overseas family history connections.
Lyn has 38 years of experience researching and writing family history and she has been progressively tracing her own family history since 1984.
Past Presented undertakes evidence based research and analysis of family history using primary and secondary
source documents. Research can be customised to individual
requirements and family history research packages are also available (see package information).
Personal guidance in tracing your family history is also offered on a private tuition basis. Feel welcome to fill in the enquiry form or send an email if you wish to discuss your research requirements or seek help with a specific research problem
What to expect
You will initially be asked to provide full information about the family, or family member you wish to focus on and provide copies of relevant records in your possession (i.e birth, marriage, or death certificates).
Even small details are important. This ensures an accurate starting point and avoids repeating things and researching already known generations. If you don't have any information about the generations of your family, it's possible to start with your own birth certificate.
You have the option of commissioning customised research at an hourly rate, or selecting one of the family history research packages which focus on research into individual family histories and heritage.
You will be sent an agreement outlining the scope of agreed research, time-frame, fees and terms of trade and payment requirements. Best practice guidelines recommend research commence once the formal agreement is signed and returned.
Generally, research findings would focus on details of your ancestors, their occupations, places they lived, and background history relevant to their lives as far as accessible documentation allows, although much will depend on individual family circumstances.
What you get
Research is completed in stages. Each stage generally takes between 4 to 8 weeks unless there is some urgency. At the end of a research stage a comprehensive report detailing the findings will be prepared.
Past Presented will prepare and present a report for you including originals or copies of documentation used in the course of research. The type of research you decide to commission will determined the extent of the final report.
Customised research & Family research packages
Customised Research:
Given the unique nature of each family each research request is different. The costs of research can and will vary depending on individual requirements. Please contact Past Presented for information specific to your personal requirements for customised research.
Standard package (one family surname - either maternal or paternal line)
- 1 to 3 generations
- Up to 7 hours research and analysis using basic records
- Narrative family tree, includes name index, specifies sources used with family group records
- Copies of documents
- Suggestions for what to do next
- one copy of report
$686 (excl 15% GST)
Advanced Family Tree Package: This will include everything in the standard package plus
- Up to 4 generations back from your starting point (both lines)
- Up to 15 hours research and analysis
- Pedigree chart
- Photos included in the report (if supplied by client)
$1470 (excl 15% GST)
Supreme Family Tree Package: This will include everything in the complete package plus:
- Up to 30 hours research and analysis over several generations
- Table of contents
- Timeline of events
$2940 (excl 15% GST)