The company wanted a variety of settlers from both upper and working class backgrounds, with the company objective being to create a ‘slice of England’ in New Zealand with a similar class based system.
Settlers were offered paid passage with the option to buy land in the future. The principle was applied in many areas throughout New Zealand and worked well enough to attract a large number of new settlers.
The settlers, often known as Pakeha settlers, braved the three month sea journey from Britain to New Zealand to set up a new life. TheGenealogist give you the opportunity to explore further with the Roll of Early Settlers and Descendants records in our International Collection.
The settlers, often known as Pakeha settlers, braved the three month sea journey from Britain to New Zealand to set up a new life. TheGenealogist give you the opportunity to explore further with the Roll of Early Settlers and Descendants records in our International Collection.
Roll of Early Settlers and Descendants In New Zealand
Within the records on TheGenealogist, records include Title, forename, surname, date of birth and date of death are provided for the individual, both for settlers and those subsequently born in New Zealand. The vessel and first place of residence are provided about the settlement.
Here we find the example of Octavius Hadfield, who became Bishop of Wellington. Born on the Isle of Wight before settling in New Zealand, The Reverend Hadfield was a peacemaker with the local Maori population as well as prominent critic of the New Zealand government in future years and supporter of Maori rights.
New Zealand Early Military Records
TheGenealogist also has an extensive range of early military records for New Zealand. From the 1840s, New Zealand was protected by a number of militia and volunteer forces, these units were set up after requests from settlers that they felt inadequately protected by the British Army. The main military units of New Zealand (until 1909) were:
- Militia (1845-1886)
- Volunteers (1858-1909)
- Colonial Defence Force (1862-1867)
- Rangers (1863-1867)
- Armed Constabulary (1846-1886)
- New Zealand Permanent Militia (1886-1902)
New Zealand Books available on TheGenealogist
TheGenealogist has a number of book and directory collections available to view that cover early business directories, telephone directories, storekeepers and traders, Roll of Honour, history of Methodism, almanacs and other publications.
Click here to view New Zealand Books available on TheGenealogist