Biographies

A biography is an account of a person’s life written by another person, while an autobiography is the author’s account of their own life.


Dictionary of New Zealand Biography

Contains over 3,000 biographies of New Zealanders who have ‘made their mark’ on this country. It does not include people who are still alive. Can be searched alphabetically.

Cultural Icons

Celebrates people who have helped to shape New Zealand’s arts and culture scene. A valuable, informative and accessible series of recorded interviews, with the aim to sharing the histories, stories and experiences of some of New Zealand's most significant arts and culture contributors.

New Zealand History

Find out more about the 40 premiers and prime ministers who have held office in New Zealand since 1856, includes information about our most recent Prime Minister. Each biography links to a page with further information. The entries are in chronological order.

New Zealand Edge

Click on the Legends link at the top of the page, to find over 100 biographies of legendary New Zealanders. There is an alphabetical listing down the left side of the page of everyone who is featured.

Te Ara Encyclopedia

Explore over 3,000 biographies of New Zealanders who have ‘made their mark’ on this country. There is also an advanced biographies filter using dates, occupations and places related to people’s lives.

Australian Dictionary of Biography

In this dictionary you will find concise, informative and fascinating descriptions of the lives of significant and representative people from Australian history.