In 1855, my ancestor Thomas Urquhart McKenzie packed up his wife and five children and headed “up the coast” from Porirua to Rangitīkei. This Matariki, I’m following in their footsteps. Fortunately for me, Thomas’s daughter Eliza—my second great-grandmother—left behind an extraordinary account of the journey, written nearly seventy years later. Her memories have become my […]
”Going up the coast” – the journey begins Read More »
A Waitangi Day reflection through the eyes of my ancestors Suitauloa Simon Young This post was originally a live video on the One Ancestor at a Time YouTube channel. Subscribe for weekly live video updates Waitangi Day is often described as our national day. There are concerts, flags, barbecues, and a general sense that this
What it means to be Tangata Tiriti Read More »
How an aerogramme from more than 50 years ago filled in a narrative gap in my grandfather’s story.
When life sends you a P.S. Read More »
It’s the start of a new year, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. If you’ve been following One Ancestor at a Time, you know it’s all about uncovering the stories of the past to enrich our lives today. But there’s something I haven’t told you—until now. Some of you may have already
Welcome to 2025: A Big Year for One Ancestor at a Time Read More »
