Joshua Mewburn - Accidental New Zealand Pioneer of 1833 and Pākehā-Māori

Abstract

There are Mewburns in New Zealand today, but they are not related (other than perhaps back in the 14^th century) to the first Mewburn to come to the islands. He was Joshua Mewburn (1817-c1855). 

Joshua arrived in New Zealand first in 1833, returned to England in 1841, then shipped back again to New Zealand in 1842 and is believed eventually to have died there.  We know something of his exploits and life through court records and newspaper items, and through the journal of a voyage.  It seems that he became what is known as a Pākehā-Māori. 

Joshua was robbed and abandoned in 1833 at the Bay of Islands, then taken in by Māori tribes where he may have lived for up to eight years, unusually, having his face tattooed during that time.  He eventually returned to living with the Māori, but that last phase of his life is more obscure.

This paper seeks to unravel some of his life and doings, and determine his place in early New Zealand colonial history.  However, key aspects of his story remain intriguingly mysterious, so undiscovered sources in New Zealand archives may contain further clues.