Thomas Kendall was one of a group of missionaries who established the first Anglican mission station at Rangihoua, Bay of Islands, in 1814. His fascination with Māori language and customs led him into activities that resulted in his dismissal by the Church Missionary Society.

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Reacting to ill-treatment by fellow-servant Thomas Bull, Maketū killed him, his employer Elizabeth Roberton, and members of her family at Motuarohai in the Bay of Islands in 1841. As a result he was tried under British law and was the first person to be hanged for murder in New Zealand.

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The impact of French explorer Marc Joseph Marion du Fresne’s visit to the Bay of Islands in 1772 was lasting. Initially relations between his crew and Māori were amicable, but after a stay of five weeks, he and 25 of his men were attacked and killed. Many Māori were killed and wounded in counter-attacks by the French.

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Samuel Marsden arrived in the Bay of Islands in 1814 and established a mission there. He maintained a base at New South Wales in Australia, visiting New Zealand periodically. During these visits he ranged throughout Northland and further afield, preaching to Māori and supporting missionary activity.

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Ngāpuhi chief Ruatara, who lived in the vicinity of Te Puna in the Bay of Islands, was one of the first Māori to associate closely with Europeans. After travelling overseas, he became acquainted with Samuel Marsden and stayed with him at Paramatta, New South Wales. It was under Ruatara’s protection that Marsden was able to establish a mission at Rangihoua.

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