Kōnae – My Records Guide website
Kōnae – My Records Guide: A Trusted Resource for Accessing Personal Records
Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CAB) partnered with Somar Digital to design and develop Kōnae – My Records Guide, a website created in response to the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care(external link). The website provides clear guidance for individuals seeking access to their personal records, ensuring they understand their rights, available support services, and the pathways to seeking redress.
Somar Digital was selected as the trusted digital partner to bring this project to life, delivering a secure, accessible, and user-friendly website that empowers individuals to reclaim their history.
Overcoming Challenges to Deliver a Meaningful Resource
CAB required a trusted digital partner with expertise in web design and development, hosting, and long-term support to ensure the successful delivery of the Kōnae website. The project needed to be completed on time and within budget, while maintaining a strong focus on clarity, accessibility, and security.
By working closely with CAB, Somar Digital developed a website that is intuitive, easy to navigate, and fully compliant with accessibility standards, ensuring all users—regardless of technical ability—can access the information they need.
Getting Your Records
The Kōnae site provides users with clear guidance on requesting personal records, offering a step-by-step process to help them submit effective requests. It includes a list of key agencies that may hold records, along with direct contact details for easy access.
A built-in map and search tool allows users to locate places where they were in guardianship or care and identify who holds their records. With filtering options for location, search terms, religion, and date range, this feature makes it easier for users to find important and sensitive information in a user-friendly way.
Finding Support
For many individuals, accessing personal records can be an emotional and complex process. The Finding Support section helps guide users towards organisations that offer emotional, legal, and advocacy assistance. This includes helplines, counselling services, and community groups, ensuring users have the guidance they need.
Your Rights
Navigating the process of accessing personal records can feel daunting, but understanding your legal rights makes it easier. The Your Rights section provides clear explanations of New Zealand’s privacy and information laws, outlining what individuals can expect during the records request process, including potential challenges and timeframes. It also details options for appeals and complaints if records are denied or incomplete.
Claims and Redress
For individuals who experienced historical mistreatment in state care or institutions, the Claims and Redress section explains how to make a claim, seek legal support, and explore available redress options. It provides links to free legal services, advocacy organisations, and mental health support, ensuring individuals have the tools and assistance they need throughout the process.
Outcomes
Through collaboration with Citizens Advice Bureau, Somar Digital has helped create a website that ensures individuals seeking their records feel supported, informed, and empowered.
Empowering Users
Kōnae – My Records Guide provides a structured and user-friendly approach, helping individuals confidently request their personal records. With clear steps, templates, and direct contact details, users can navigate the process independently while knowing where to seek support.
Comprehensive Guidance
Users can easily find step-by-step instructions, legal rights information, and access to support services, all in plain language for clarity. The site ensures individuals have the right tools and information to make informed decisions about their records and redress options.
Ongoing Support
Somar Digital continues to provide hosting, maintenance, and updates to keep the website current and reliable. This ensures Kōnae remains a trusted, up-to-date resource, reflecting any changes in policies or redress processes.