News & Events

The story behind our banner photo which is typical of many of the early settlers from whom the Founders Society members are descended.

The Barque Blenheim set sail from Greenock, Scotland on the 25^th of August 1840 with 197 Scots, most in family groups, arriving in Port Nicholson [Wellington] at Kaiwharawhara on the 27^th of December 1840.

To mark this 175 years of settlement in New Zealand arrangements are in place to hold dinners In Auckland on the 22^nd & Wanganui on the 25^th of August to mark the Blenheim’s departure, and a picnic at Kaiwharawhara Park in Wellington on the 27^th of December 2015 to mark the arrival.

At the Hawke's Bay Founders AGM in March, long standing President, Nanette Roberts, stood down after 19 years in the position. Nanette has done an amazing job at President. She thrived on the companionship she found within Founders, and was very dedicated to making every outing or meeting memorable for our members.

Letters in The Press remind me of what has been told me by pioneers.  Darfield was first named Hordon, and the name was changed to Darfield because of confusion between Hordon and Hornby.

Eighty-seven years old and still reading the newspapers without the aid of glasses and taking an active interest in current affairs, is Mr J.H. Gibbs now living in retirement in Marton.  Mr Gibbs is well qualified to speak of the birth of the Manawatu, for he was one of the first settlers at Sanson, when that district was opened up.