Scottish immigrants, via Cape Breton

We came across Waipu just south of Whangerei, on a circuitous journey to Auckland from Russell. Waipu was settled by a group of Scots who were forced from their homes in Scotland and emigrated to Cape Breton and Nova Scotia. They set up a god fearing community there. However the harsh winters and potato blight made survival difficult. So in 1856 they emigrated again in 6 ships to Waipu. They were tough people in those days.

The monument shows the Scottish lion rampant and details of the ships. They were quite small, the largest being only about 270 tons. The voyage must have seemed interminable - about 6 months. Many of their descendants still live in the area.