THE IRISH
CONNECTIONS IN
NEW ZEALAND
PAST
The Irish have contributed significantly to New Zealand's history. Some renowned figures include:
- Capt William Hobson
Born in Waterford, Hobson was Queen Victoria's representative at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
John Ballance
Born at Glenavy in County Antrim, John Ballance became New Zealand's Premier in 1891 and was influential in achieving the vote for women. His birthplace at Glenavy has been restored. Visit the Ulster New Zealand Trust website for further details. In Wellington, a statue of Ballance stands in front of the old General Assembly Library building.
William Ferguson Massey
Massey, New Zealand's Prime Minister from 1912-1925, was born at Limavady in 1856. The Massey Homestead still stands in Mangere, Auckland.
James Dilworth
Born near Donaghmore in County Tyrone, James Dilworth is renowned for founding Dilworth School for Boys and establishing a trust that continues to provide education for disadvantaged boys. A replica of the High Cross at Donaghmore was created to mark the centenary of Dilworth School.
Thomas Bracken
Born at Clones, County Monaghan, Bracken composed New Zealand's national anthem.
Robert Maunsell
Renowed for his missionary work among the Maoris, Maunsell also translated the Old Testament into Maori. He was born in County Limerick and remains one of the most well known Irish Protestant missionaries in New Zealand.
George Vesey Stewart
An Ulsterman from Ballygawley, County Tyrone, Stewart organised the Ulster plantation of Katikati which brought Ulster emigrants to the Bay of Plenty in 1875 and 1878.
... AND PRESENT
The legacy of Irish immigrants in New Zealand is found in their descendants and prominent public figures of Irish descent include: Jim Bolger (former New Zealand Prime Minister), Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (her mother was Irish), the Finn Brothers (of Split Enz and Crowded House fame), and Sean Fitzpatrick.
Catering to recent Irish emigrants and those with an interest in all things Ireland, Oliver Lee presents a weekly radio show, Ireland Calling on Wednesdays between 10 and 11.30pm on Access Radio. Oliver Lee also runs the New Zealand branch of the worldwide Ireland Funds.
There are Irish societies in Auckland (tel: 09 378 6897), Wellington(tel: 04 384 8535) and Christchurch (03) 383 4323.
Please contact me if you have any suggestions, additions, or corrections.
Last modified: 4 August 1997
This site is maintained by
Angela McCarthy
