Skip to main content

Story: Translation and interpreting – te whakamāori ā-tuhi, ā-waha hoki

Williams family, translators

Samuel Williams(3rd child) Henry Williams(5th child) Edward Marsh Williams(9th child) William Williams(9th child) William Leonard Williams(3rd child) Herbert William Williams(2nd child) Bertha Louise Gertrude Mason Mary Williams(cousin) Sarah Wanklyn Marianne Coldham Jane Nelson Thomas Williams Mary Marsh  

Click photograph for a larger image

Several generations of the Williams family contributed to translating English-language texts, especially religious publications, into Māori. They also contributed to landmark works on the Māori language, such as the first substantial Māori–English dictionary. This family tree shows some of the most significant members of this celebrated family.

Using this item

Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page

Mark Derby, Translation and interpreting – te whakamāori ā-tuhi, ā-waha hoki – First English–Māori translations, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/interactive/45223/williams-family-translators (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Mark Derby, published 13 May 2014.