DNA genealogy
DNA is powerful evidence, but it is not proof by itself.
DNA can identify patterns, suggest relationships, and test hypotheses. It still needs careful documentary correlation, privacy awareness, and honest wording.
Autosomal DNA
Useful for recent and multi-line relationship questions. I may assess match lists, shared matches, chromosome data where available, and family trees attached to matches.
Y-DNA
Useful for direct paternal-line questions, surname projects, and deeper paternal-line testing where suitable testers are available.
mtDNA
Useful for direct maternal-line questions, usually over deeper timeframes and with more limited recent-resolution value.
What DNA can help with
- unknown parentage and missing parent or grandparent questions
- testing whether two families are probably connected
- sorting match clusters into family lines
- testing competing hypotheses
- identifying where more targeted testing may help
Limits clients need to understand
- consumer DNA is genealogical evidence, not forensic chain-of-custody proof
- tester identity cannot always be independently verified
- online trees and platform hints are clues, not proof
- privacy restrictions often affect the very generations most needed
- some cases remain unresolved or only partly resolved
DNA and Māori whakapapa
Where Māori whakapapa, whāngai, land, succession, iwi, hapū, or whānau recognition issues are involved, DNA is only one possible form of evidence. It does not determine cultural belonging, legal standing, or tikanga-based relationships by itself.