Thomas Ball, 1809–1897
In 1859 Thomas Ball organised the emigration to Northland of a group of working-class English people. Settling with his followers in Mangonui, Ball became a preacher, politician and landowner, prospering through farming, trading and coastal shipping.
Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
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Joseph Butler, 1862–1934 and William James Butler, 1858–1932
Brothers Joseph and William Butler were involved in timber milling throughout New Zealand from the 1880s. In Northland they established the White Pine Company to mill kauri and kahikatea near the Wairoa River in 1901.
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Mary Hames, 1827–1919
Mary Hames, her husband and four sons were among the Albertlanders who settled land on the shores of Kaipara Harbour. The hardships she faced were typical of those faced by settlers in the north.
Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
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Norman McLeod, 1778/1779?–1866
Charismatic minister Norman McLeod led a group of Scottish settlers, known as ‘Normanists’ from Nova Scotia via Australia to New Zealand. They settled at Waipū in Northland in the 1850s. McLeod’s autocratic manner and his hold over his followers have contributed to his controversial reputation.
Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
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John Mark Totich, 1882–1957
John Mark Totich was among the many Dalmatians who emigrated to New Zealand in the 19th century and found employment in Northland’s kauri gum fields. He became prominent in the Dalmatian community as an interpreter, translator and counsellor, and as an advocate for the rights of Dalmatians during the First World War.
Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
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