Hachem Smith or John Smith

Hachem Schmidt or John Smith or Haki Mete as he became known in NewZealand, hailed from Koenigsberg, the capital of East Prussia, now known as Kaliningrad. Born 12.06.1811 Hachem may have left Konigsberg between 1825-1835. It is said that he left Prussia at the tender age of 14. An unwilling conscript for the Crimean War, Hachem seized the opportunity to solve his predicament and jumped ship. (family information) According to records "Auckland Institute and Museum Library" Hachem Smith arrived in Wellington as a British colonialist. It is mentioned that he was a whaler.

After Hachem's marriage to Tauarai Parapara Kurekure TeMau, daughter of Koterowai and Toto TeMau, Hachem Smith remained in NZ. Hachem and Tauarai had at least 13 children that I know of. Pita (Peter), Tame (Thomas) and Ringawhero (Charles); took over their father's whaling station at Te Hoe -Mahia. Whaling profits were used to acquire more land to farm along with the land Tauarai already owned in Tahaenui, where Ngati Kauaha's whare – Manutai still stands.

In his book "Story of Old Wairoa", Thomas Lambert says that "John Smith came from the Bay of Islands with Capt. Ellis", and that he, Capt. Ellis established a fishery at Mahia. It is interesting to note here, that one of Hachem Smith’s son Peter married a daughter of Captain Ellis, Emma Hallett Ellis. GO

During WW2, the German sounding names were discarded so Hachem became John Smith or Haki Mete. Tahaenui is still populated with his descendants.

Peakman Genealogy Database

This database covers genealogies of Hachem Smith, Peakman, John Hook, May Thorpe, McAneny, Sheridan, Solomon, Whakaki, Peter Smith, families. It is a database that I hope you will all help me add to. Click on the links to return here. If you know that any information contained within is incorrect please do not hesitate to inform me. I will gladly correct.
Tauarai Parapara Kurekure TeMau
Hachem Smith
Pita Smith
Tame Smith
Genealogy Database Surnames

Links to this Hachem Smith Family History Site

Genealogy Database
Peakman family history-from John Pakeman 1755 to the present day.
McAneny family history-Ireland to NZ
John Hook family history-England to NZ
May Thorpe family
Sheridan family history Solomon family history
Whakaki my home
Smith Chat
Peter Smith –Son of Hachem Smith & Tauarai.
Contact me for more information or if you have more information and would like to share it.

Disclaimer; All information published on all pages of this Hachem Smith Family history website have been gathered from sources which are thought to be reliable, but the reader should not assume that the information is official or final. All information is subject to change without notice. Some links listed within this website are not operated by nor are they my responsibility. Links from these pages to external Web sites are provided as a service to visitors and do not constitute an endorsement. This site may be freely linked to but not duplicated in any fashion without my written consent.