Frederick Edward Maning

Maning was born in Johnville, County Dublin, Ireland, the eldest son of moderately wealthy, Protestant Anglo-Irish parents.

Young Maning became a skilled outdoorsman, and built up the physical strength to match his six-foot, three-inch stature.

With Maning's physical skills and great stature, as well as his considerable good humour, he quickly gained favour with the tribe.

He returned to Hokianga in March 1839 and in September purchased 200 acres (0.8 km2) for a farm at Onoke, at the mouth of the Whirinaki River.

He took a Māori wife, Moengaroa, of Te Hikutu hapū of Ngāpuhi, and they had four children, Susan, Maria Amina, Hauraki Hereward and Mary.

He feared that the introduction of European style law would put a damper on his lifestyle and on his entrepreneurial trading activities.

In 1865, he entered the public service as a judge of the Native Land Court, where his unequalled knowledge of the Māori language, customs, traditions, and prejudices was useful.