Ancestry

The pull factor identified in our family records (Parkinsons of Opotiki, 1982) indicate that John P Parksinson decided that the opening of NZ provided better prospects and he set off to view the possibilities. John found these better prospects in Opotiki, where he purchased a number of lots of soldiers land as they were selling it off cheaply, likely this was because fighting between the Maori and English settlers was still happening in the area. The family acquired enough land to eventually be able to farm.

He also started making cordials and selling them, his diary records show this was taking a considerable amount of time, and he recorded “I am selling my cordials very well”, and being “very busy today, sold all the beer. My time from daylight till dark is fully taken up, washing bottles, making cordials”.

As a father of 12 children, prospects for a better place to raise them with job and business opportunities was also a likely pull factor. With his extended family also settling in Opotiki, they were able to enjoy the benefits of a close family, with the opportunities of a new land.

Discussion of Pull Factors

NZ provided many pull factors in the 1860’s, such as those taken up by my ancestors, and also the climate was much better in NZ than England. People also came as whalers, sealers, missionaries, and soldiers - all with the prospect of a better life in mind.

Conclusion

I think moving to NZ benefitted my ancestors because of better jobs, land availability, and business opportunities for him and his children. These ancestors contributed to the Opotiki community, such as helping to build a local church, running local business, building roads, farming, and joining NZ army.

The boat on the top is the Star of the East, which the Parkinson family travelled from England to Australia on in 1853. The boat on the bottom is the Tararua, which John P Parksinon sailed on to New Zealand, his family joining him later once he had settled in Opotiki.