Waipu, New Zealand
In early 1853, he wrote to the Governor of New Zealand, Sir George Edward Grey, asking for a grant of land for his people. They purchased a schooner the 'Gazelle', and set off. On 21 September 1853, their group is reported to have landed in the North Island. They settled on the far North east coast, between Auckland and the Bay of Islands, in the area around the Waipu River and Whangarei Heads. This land was virgin bush and forest, and being coastal, the skills of the Highlanders could be fully employed. The Normanites had found a permanent home. By the end of 1859, four more shiploads had arrived. It is reckoned that by 1860 there were 883 people there representing 19 Scottish clans.
Norman lived happily in Waipu until his death in 1866. His flock continued in their Normanite ways, but as the years passed and they intermarried and moved away, their Gaelic roots dwindled as they became New Zealanders.
Read more about this topic: Norman Mc Leod (minister)
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