Find your ancestors in New Zealand Jury Rolls 1842-1862

NEW ZEALAND JURY ROLLS 1842-1862

Searching a male ancestor from New Zealand?

Jury duty officially began in New Zealand on December 23rd, 1841. These jury rolls include all individuals who were qualified and liable to serve as jurors – that is every male, British subject between the ages of 21 and 60 who resided in New Zealand, and who had not been convicted of treason, a felony or perjury (unless he had received a free pardon).


"What information can I find on these rolls?"

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Event Year
  • Residence
  • Occupation
  • Source
  • District
  • Type of record
Exempted from Jury Service were:

  • Members of the legislative Council
  • Anyone holding office by appointment of His Excellency The Governor
  • Judges of any Court
  • Ministerial officers
  • Coroners
  • Gaolers
  • Constables
  • Officers in Her Majesty's army or navy full pay
  • Clergymen priests and ministers of religion
  • Barristers and solicitors actually practising
  • Physicians and surgeons and apothecaries in actual practice
  • All licensed pilots
  • Masters of vessels actually employed in the service of the Government

This is a comprehensive genealogy tool worth searching for anyone researching family history or building a family tree.