A family tree stretching 500 years has been unearthed in the attic of a Waiheke Island home.
The poster-sized document covers the family history of David Jennings who emigrated from England to Nelson in 1849. It was given to Waiheke Library for safekeeping and its owner is now being sought.
Family history librarian from Auckland Central Libraries' Research Centre, Seonaid Lewis says the find is a remarkable example of genealogical research that someone has spent considerable time preparing.
"You might expect to find such a comprehensive family tree in England so it is 'pure gold' to find a piece of work like this in an attic in New Zealand."
Ms Lewis says the tree has been restored and preserved by experts.
"It had been rolled up for some time which affected the photographs and caused some damage to the paper. We have flattened the document, restored the damaged sections and put it in a protective sleeve."
The librarian says Auckland Libraries would like to reunite the family tree with its creator, or a descendent.
"It is apt that we begin the search during Family History Month and we hope to return this information to its family."
