Lincolnshire's Connections to New Zealand

This paper examines a number of links between Lincolnshire and New Zealand. It recounts various early encounters between explorers from this county and the local Māori, many of which ended in bloodshed. It examines some rather colourful characters involved in the early settlement, with major phases in New Zealand history being illustrated through these connections, from the conflicts with the first explorers and some rather lawless pioneers. It discusses the role played by migrants from Lincolnshire in the growth of New Zealand’s towns and agriculture and how they transformed the countryside to provide agricultural surpluses for export back to Britain. It briefly evaluates more recent cultural links as well as the increasing respect of Māori culture and the bit part the author has played in that story.