The Barque Blenheim set sail from Greenock, Scotland on the 25th of August 1840 with 197 Scots, most in family groups, arriving in Port Nicholson [Wellington] at Kaiwharawhara on the 27th of December 1840.
These Scots were part of early settlement in New Zealand - building the road between Wellington and Petone, and working in many of the early exploration and surveying parties until land became available. From there they developed and farmed land mainly around the lower North Island, some opened business according to their skills, while others went further afield.
To mark this 175 years of settlement in New Zealand arrangements are in place to hold dinners In Auckland on the 22nd & Wanganui on the 25th of August to mark the Blenheim’s departure, and a picnic at Kaiwharawhara Park in Wellington on the 27th of December 2015 to mark the arrival.
For more information and details and contact information: www.blenheim175.wordpress.com