On top of the world: Ed Hillary
Treaty biographies
See short biographies of people associated with the Treaty of Waitangi. See also our biographies index page.
The early years - Ed Hillary
Edmund Percival Hillary was born in Auckland on 20 July 1919, the son of Percival and Gertrude Hillary (née Clark). His mother was a teacher; his father published a Dargaville newspaper, the North Auckland Times. Ed had an older sister, June, and a younger brother, Rex. The family moved to South Auckland in 1920 when Percy, who had served at Gallipoli during the First World War, was allocated land near Tuakau. Percy used returned servicemen’s assistance to train as a bee-keeper, and he also established a weekly newspaper, the Tuakau District News.
The end of the 'big mountain days' - Ed Hillary
Honouring Edmund Hillary
John Bryce
John Bryce (1833–1913) was born in Scotland, and arrived in New Zealand with his family in 1840. From humble origins, and self-taught, he entered local politics in 1859. In 1866 he was elected to represent Wanganui in the General Assembly. Bryce fought against Titokowaru in 1868, and was later accused of being involved in an incident at Handley's woolshed, where several young Maori boys out chasing pigs were killed or wounded.
Henare Wepiha Te Wainohu
Henare Wepiha Te Wainohu
Alexander Turnbull Library,
Reference: 1/2-190195,
Charlie Wainohu Collection
Tukaroto Matutaera Potatau Te Wherowhero Tawhiao
Tukaroto Matutaera Potatau Te Wherowhero Tawhiao, about 1880
Tawhiao, of the Tainui hapu (sub-tribe) Ngati Mahuta, was born at the end of the Musket Wars between Tainui and Nga Puhi. He was a Christian, was well versed in the ancient rites of the Tainui tribe, and he had the status of a prophet. His father Potatau was the first Maori King, and on his death in 1860 Tawhiao inherited the kingship and the spiritual leadership of his people. He was king for the next 34 years. The earlier years were the most turbulent period in New Zealand's race relations history.
Other Ministry Websites
