John Hobbs, 1800–1883
As a young coachbuilder and maker of agricultural implements, John Hobbs offered himself as an artisan to the Wesleyan mission in New Zealand. He arrived at the Kaeo mission station, Wesley-Dale, in 1823, where his practical skills and versatility proved very useful.
Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
(Link opens in a new browser window)
Hongi Hika, 1772–1828
In 1826, towards the end of his life, the great Ngāpuhi military leader decided to move from the Bay of Islands to Whangaroa. He had a grievance to settle with the local tribes, and he had plans to establish a power base. But in the fighting that occurred on his arrival he was injured and eventually died of his wounds at Whangaroa.
Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
(Link opens in a new browser window)
Samuel Leigh, 1785–1852
Englishman Samuel Leigh was a founder of Wesley-Dale, New Zealand’s first Wesleyan mission station at Kaeo, in 1823. However his health soon broke down and he was forced to leave, recuperating in Sydney before returning to his birthplace.
Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
(Link opens in a new browser window)
Te Pahi, ?–1810
Ngāpuhi chief Te Pahi was accused of being responsible for the burning of the sailing ship Boyd, and the massacre of its crew at Whangaroa Harbour in 1809. As a consequence, whalers attacked the island where he and his people lived, burning and killing. Soon after, Te Pahi died of wounds received in intertribal fighting over the Boyd affair.
Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
(Link opens in a new browser window)
