Manuel José (trader)

Manuel José
Born
Manuel José de Frutos y Huerta

(1811-01-31)31 January 1811
Died1873
Resting placeTaumata, New Zealand
NationalitySpain
Other namesPaniora
OccupationTrader
Spouse(s)Te Herekaipuke "Tapita"
Kataraina
Mihita Heke
Uruhana
Maraea
Children9
Parents
  • José de Frutos (father)
  • María Huerta (mother)

Manuel José de Frutos y Huerta (31 de January 1811–1873) was a Spaniard trader and founding father of Paniora clan in New Zealand.

Biography

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Born Valverde del Majano in Segovia, he arrived to New Zealand around 1833 and lived much of his life as a trader among the Māori people; he is described possessing: pale skin, red hair, and green eyes. He retired to Tikapa on the Waiapu River.[1][2] He was married to five Ngāti Porou women, and has thousands of living descendants.[3][4][5]

Legacy

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The 2014 play "Paniora" by Briar Grace-Smith was inspired by his legacy.[6][7]

References

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  1. ^ McConnell, R. N. McConnell and V. M. "Manuel José". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
  2. ^ Encyclopedia of New Zealand, Story: Cultural Go-betweens
  3. ^ "Paniora go back to source of their Spanish roots", Aug 14, 2012, Rotarua Daily Post
  4. ^ "Spanish royals invited to Manuel Jose family reunion", Murray Robertson, Nov 26, 2015, Gisborne herald
  5. ^ "The Spanish and Maori families of Manuel Jose meet in Gisborne", Te Karere TVNZ
  6. ^ "Paniora; a tale of Spanish blood flowing in Maori veins", Mar 29, 2014, NBR.co.nz
  7. ^ "Theatre and dance meet in magical tale of Maori and Spanish culture", Dionne Christian, Mar 22, 2014, NZ Herald
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