Samuel Marsden – New Zealand’s Gamechanger

Born the son of a humble blacksmith in Yorkshire, England, Samuel Marsden rose to become one of the most prominent, influential — and at times controversial — figures in early colonial Australia. But who was this remarkably versatile man? A chaplain, magistrate, farmer, and a pioneer of the Australian wool industry, Marsden's legacy stretches far beyond the pulpit.

His influence wasn't limited to Australia. In the early 1800s, at the invitation of a prominent Māori chief, Marsden sailed to New Zealand’s North Island, where he established the first mission station. There, he introduced both Christianity and agricultural practices to the Māori people, while also working to curb the sale of muskets and the trade in tattooed heads.

Join us as we retrace the footsteps of Samuel Marsden and explore the legacy of a man whose vision and convictions shaped the course of history in both Australia and New Zealand.