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Story: Scots

Waipū’s first settlers

Waipū’s first settlers

The first Scottish settlers reached Waipū in 1854. Eight of the original settlers, all members of the MacKay and McKenzie families, were photographed several years later. From left to right, back row: Duncan McKenzie, Alexander MacKay, Jessie McKenzie, Daniel MacKay; front row: Duncan MacKay, Mrs W. McKenzie, Hector McKenzie, Emma MacKay.

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Waipū Heritage Centre

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How to cite this page

John Wilson, Scots – 1853–1870: a surge of Scots, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/1035/waipus-first-settlers (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by John Wilson, published 4 March 2009, updated 1 August 2024.

Comments

Yvonne Park
17 January 2022
Hi there I have found a bible at Elim Christian Centre, 33 Porowini Ave, Whangarei that belonged to Alexander McKay, 1855, and was a relative of Duncan MacKay from Waipu. We would love to give it to the family and wondering if you would be able to assist me in this. Kind regards Yvonne Park m: 021 655 125.
milo
03 June 2017
The title is "Waipu's first settlers", seems incorrect if not racist to say Scots were the first in settling there