Donor/Creator/
Agency /Series

Court and Official Assignee Bankruptcy records

Accession or other unique number

See Description

Description

There are two types of bankruptcy file: the Court file, where the petition is initially filed, and a file of the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy, in whom all bankrupts' property is vested, and which may contain inventories of property and debts. Where the files have not survived, information can often be found in the relevant bankruptcy registers.

We hold:
- Christchurch Official Assignee's files, 1884-1930 [Accession CH214] includes Timaru c.1884-90
- Official Assignee/Bankruptcy files for Timaru c.1889-1977 [Accessions CH24 & CH924]
- Official Assignee's files for Ashburton 1879-1930 [Accession CH214]
[These files are indexed, listed by bankrupt's name, and searchable by computer]

We also have some:
- Christchurch Supreme/ High Court bankruptcy indexes, registers and files
- Timaru Supreme Court registers 1909-69 and files 1909-32
- and a range of miscellaneous registers from other courts

Date Range

c.1870 - 1970

Restrictions

There is a 70 year restriction on access to Official Assignee bankruptcy files There are no restrictions for bankruptcy files, minute books or bankruptcy registers from the Supreme Court. Arrangements to access restricted material can be made with the Registrar of the relevant court.

Further information

Contact Archives New Zealand Christchurch Office 377 0760. Computerised documentation on these records can be searched onsite. Online access to information about holdings should be available late in 2005.