In this episode of Family Matters, Simon interviews Garrick Parr from FamilySearch.org – a genealogical website that helps people build their family tree. A fascinating discussion about understanding one’s identity and history. Speaking from Salt Lake City, Utah while preparing for a genealogical conference called RootsTech 2026, Garrick talks about his work in the Pacific - from New Zealand and Australia through Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands and across to French Polynesia. His work focuses on helping governments and institutions preserve treasured national records so citizens can access information and stories connecting past, present, and future. He discusses collecting both written and oral genealogies (especially in places like Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Solomons), notes varying sensitivities among Māori iwi and whānau, and stresses strict compliance with privacy laws and publication restrictions. Simon and Garrick talk about the new technologies making genealogy research easier. From the ability to digitise records and have AI read old handwritten text, DNA and more - the ability to find out more about one’s family history is becoming easier and simpler. They also talk about data privacy and how one’s personal information is protected. Garrick shares also about the RootsTech conference, where experts gather to share their knowledge and learnings. A large conference, it is both in person and online. Finally, they discuss how easy it is to start learning more about your family history but simply starting at the likes of www.FamilySearch.org. You can also find out more about the RootsTech conference, and even access the sessions, via www.RootsTech.org #familymatters #FamilyFirst #FamilyFirstNZ