Births,deaths,marriages.
Kia ora all.
Im just wondering if anyone else has had any problems with changes to your names when getting another birth certificate?
I needed a new birth cert in order to get a replacement driver licence.
Gave them my name as spelt on my neighbourly profile.
They said they could not find my details under the name i had given.
Now, as far as spelling, everything is correct.
My last name is 2words in one. With a space between the 2. My last name
"Te Maro".
As i have always spelt it.
Just like my parents and grandparents etc.
Yet, birth,deaths,marriages say there is no person of that name with a space in the system.
They can only find me under
"TeMaro".(Still looks like 2words)
I told them i have always had the space on my birth cert. They disagreed.
Anyway i didnt think it was a huge deal. Because it seems its still 2words because of the capital "M".
Continued off to apply for replacement driver licence.
Now. Names on licences are all spelt in capitals. Hmmm.
I advised that my name has a space.
They said they have to spell it the way it is on my birth cert. No space.
"TEMARO"
Big problem.
Everything in my lifetime iv applied for has a space in my name. All accounts, banking, IRD, etc. Everything has my last name with a space.
I told them that and they told me i will just have to change ALL my accounts.
Certain accounts i have to provide photo ID. ID that has name exactly spelt as my account is.
No way.
I found a picture i took of an expired driverlicence of mine.
The last name has a space in it on that licence. Meaning, name with space is in birth,deaths,marriages files. Yes?
I know i have an older copy of a birth cert that has a space in my last name, somewhere. Just got to find it. Cant remember where iv put it. Hence why i just went to get another one.
Faster.
Im glad i did, otherwise i would never have known about the illegal change that i wasnt notified about.
What about you?
My siblings names has that space, my parents (both departed from life)marriage cert has the space.
With my grandparents names (fathers parents) on there that has the space.
So now i have been closed off from certain accounts. Because the names do not match exactly. So im told i am NOT who i am.
Once i find an older birth cert then i will have undeniable proof.
If i cant find it i will have to seek help for copies from other government departments such as IRD or hopefully my bank has a copy.
I hope its not going to cause me too much hassle.
So.
Has anyone else had this problem with their name being illegally changed by the system?
Does anyone know why this has happened?
Has there been an update in the B,D,M computer system causing this issue?
Im going to seek legal advice.
How dare the system change who i am.
Im positive i can get my name back to the way it has always been within the system.
My evidence is building.
Taking photos of ones identification papers etc and having copies of parents, grandparents and siblings ID papers are a must.
Protect your identity people.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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