Eliza Wohlers

Eliza Wohlers (6 September 1812 – 14 December 1891) was an English emigrant to New Zealand who married a German missionary and joined him in his mission work.

[1][2] She was considered "a tower of strength and character", and encouraged the local Maori population to adopt European ideas of hygiene, clothing and education.

[3] During the years of the Wohlers's mission, the settlement grew to have wheatfields, a flour mill, cows and sheep, where previously there had been only the uncertain and dangerous income of whaling.

[3] Both Maori and Pakeha from around Ruapuke and other Foveaux Strait settlements attended church services at the mission.

[1] A memorial to Johan and Eliza Wohlers was built above Ringaringa Beach looking out towards Ruapuke Island.