Migration to New Zealand: A Historical Overview

Early Migration Patterns (1800-1900)

British and Irish Migration

For over 150 years starting in the 1800s, the majority of migrants to New Zealand came from Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and Ireland. Despite the promise of a new life, the journey was daunting—spanning about 100 days at sea, fraught with rough conditions and illness. Many hesitated to emigrate unless offered free travel or other incentives.

Via Australia Some migrants initially settled in Australia before moving to New Zealand. Notable groups included:

• Whalers and Sealers: New Zealand’s earliest non-Māori settlers.
• Gold Miners: Arrived in the 1860s from Victoria’s goldfields to Otago and the West Coast.
• Labourers: Came in the early 20th century when New Zealand prospered while Australia faced economic downturns.

Assisted Migration Many migrants were enticed to New Zealand through assisted or free travel schemes, including:

• Settlers: Sponsored by the New Zealand Company in the 1840s to establish communities in Wellington, Nelson, and other regions.
• Cheap Tickets and Free Land: Offered by New Zealand provinces in the 1850s and 1860s.
• Government Recruitment: In the 1870s, 1880s, and post-World War I, migrants received subsidized fares.

Some also arrived as soldiers during the New Zealand wars of the 1860s or as war brides accompanying soldiers returning from overseas.

Non-British Migration, Early Non-British Groups

Before World War II, non-British migrants were relatively few, including:

• French: Settled in Akaroa in 1840.
• Germans: Migrated to Nelson in the 1840s.
• Scandinavians: Settled in Manawatū and Hawke’s Bay in the 1870s.
• Chinese: Attracted by gold rushes.
• Dalmatians: Worked in the northern gumfields.

Post-World War II Migration In the 1950s and 1960s, New Zealand saw increased migration assistance, with notable numbers from the Netherlands, England, and Scotland.

Changing Policies The mid-1960s introduced immigration policies focusing on qualifications rather than race. This shift encouraged significant inflows from Asia and Africa.

The Evolution of Maritime Travel

18th to Early 19th Century The journey to New Zealand involved perilous sea travel, with migrants enduring storms and disease. Most traveled on sailing ships, facing cramped and unsanitary conditions, often resulting in health issues like typhus and dysentery.

Technological Advances The late 1800s saw the transition from sailing ships to steamships, which offered faster and more reliable travel. This advancement marked a significant improvement in the migration experience, with steamships accommodating more passengers and cargo.

Emigration to Canterbury : Shipping Lists 1856-1874

The following passenger lists are for ships to Canterbury which carried assisted immigrants. This immigration was organised by the Canterbury Provincial Government from 1856-1870, and the Central Government from 1870-1874. Schemes were put in place that offered prospective migrants some financial assistance for the voyage. Emigrants were expected to contribute to the cost of their passage or pay a sum after they had been in the province for some time. These lists are most likely clerk’s copies. The original items are held in the Christchurch City Libraries archives collection. Please note that this is not a complete collection of embarkation lists for Canterbury. Lists available in the Family History area, Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2, Tūranga  https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Digitised/Emigration/EmbarkationLists/

By Archives New Zealand from New Zealand - Stamp of NZ Company settlers arriving in Pito-one (Petone), 1840, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51249713

Some of the ships that brought immigrants directly to Timaru:

• Strathallan 1859
• Echunga 1862
• Lancashire Witch 1863
• Victory 1863
• Merope 1875
• Warwick 1897

The Cashmere : New Zealand immigrant ship 1851-1863 Learn more about the Cashmere here