Aroha mai
A personal note: Work, life admin, and travel took over, resulting in an extended break from managing this site. However, in May 2026, I logged back in and found that many of you had reached out in my absence. I really appreciate you sharing your amazing connections, stories, and questions, and I’m sorry that you never heard back. I have a lot of catching up to do and will try to get back to every one of you.
At the same time, I discovered that almost all of the site was no longer publishing. Going by the dates or contact form submissions, its likely to only have only been for a month or so before it was noticed, which is a relief. Since then, the priority has been on getting all site content (250+ pages) back online. That process is nearing completion. However, please bear with me while we get all the links and connections sorted. This should be completed well before the end of June 2026.
I als have a ton of information that never made it onto the site, including a very detailed (100+ pages) timeline. Thank you for hanging in here while I gather steam and get back to uncovering and sharing the incredible stories and details of New Zealand’s fascinating pre-colonial history.
Governor Macquarie
A reader tells about his ancestor who was first officer on the Governor Macquarie in 1827, who settled in Hokianga, New Zealand.
A new story
Read the lovely story of Hiria Kokoro Tiratahi. The story relates in great detail, what it was like for families that had customary rights to go muttonbirding around the islands of Southern New Zealand. If you too have an ancestor’s story to tell, you can submit it here for free.
A new ship on board
Many thanks to John McCrystal for contacting us about the ship Rifleman, wrecked on the Auckland Islands in 1833, and a mystery to all including those who found her not long after, until the riddle was solved 180 years later.
Family History Survey (Just for fun)
Complete the short survey.
Note: For added security and to reduce spam, we use Google Forms.