Hardwicke, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hardwicke
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Settlement graveyard, 2011
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| Etymology: Earl of Hardwicke | |
 Hardwicke
Location in New Zealand Outlying Islands
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Island | Auckland Island |
| Established | December 1849 |
| Abandoned | August 1852 |
| Population
(1850)
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| • Total | 66 |
Hardwicke was once a small community in the Auckland Islands, south of New Zealand. It was set up as a farming and whaling station. Whaling means hunting whales for their oil and other products. This settlement was built at Port Ross, a natural harbour on Auckland Island. Even though people tried hard to make it work, Hardwicke was abandoned after less than three years. Today, it is known as an abandoned settlement or "ghost town."
Contents
Why Was Hardwicke Built?
The idea for this settlement started in 1846. A British company called the Southern Whale Fishery Company was formed. Its goal was to set up a whaling station. Charles Enderby was the leader of this company. He became the governor of the new colony. Charles Enderby's father, Samuel Enderby, also ran a whaling company.
The company wanted to create a place where ships could get supplies. They also wanted a base for whaling ships. This place was called the Enderby Settlement. It was planned for Erebus Cove, Port Ross. This spot was near Enderby Island.
Who Were the First Settlers?
The first settlers arrived in December 1849. Three ships, the Samuel Enderby, Fancy, and Brisk, sailed from Britain. They brought colonists, ready-made houses, and bricks for chimneys. The people chosen were skilled workers. They included farmers, shipbuilders, a surgeon, and an engineer. Women and children also came along.
When the colonists arrived, they found other people already there. These were Ngāti Mutunga settlers from the Chatham Islands. They had arrived in 1842. The new colonists paid the Māori for land. This allowed them to build their colony. The Māori also helped clear the land and build roads. They even helped crew the ships. Two Māori chiefs, Matioro and Manutere, became constables. They helped keep order in the new community.
What Challenges Did They Face?
In January 1850, the settlement was officially named "Hardwicke." It was named after the Earl of Hardwicke. He was a governor of the company. Two areas were chosen for farming. One was on Auckland Island, and the other on Enderby Island.
However, farming was very difficult. The soil was poor, and the weather was harsh. There was a lot of rain. It was also hard to gather livestock in the thick bushes. Whaling was not very successful either. The company was losing too much money.
Why Was Hardwicke Abandoned?
After less than three years, the company decided to close the settlement. It was too expensive to keep going. Hardwicke was abandoned in August 1852. During its short life, five weddings took place. Sixteen babies were born, but two infants sadly passed away.
In 1854, the Māori also left the island. Most moved to Stewart Island. Others went back to the Chathams. Many of Hardwicke's buildings were taken apart. They were later sold in Sydney. This left very little evidence that a settlement had ever been there.
What Remains Today?
Today, the main thing left at Hardwicke is a cemetery. It has six graves. Some are for the infant settlers. Others are for three castaways. These were people who survived shipwrecks nearby. The wrecks were the Dundonald (1907), Invercauld (1864), and General Grant (1866).
Images for kids
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Settlement graveyard, 2011
