[2] He was brought up as an architect, and shortly after his articles had expired left England for New Zealand, arriving in Auckland in 1844.

[2] The Battle of Kororāreka happened in the Bay of Islands in March 1845 and there were fears that the fighting would spread to Auckland, which at the time was the capital of New Zealand.

[3] Wood was made lieutenant of Volunteer Artillery, and was present at the attempted storming of Hōne Heke's pā at Ohaeawai on 1 July 1845.

[2] After the war Wood returned to Auckland, where he practised his profession of architect and surveyor.

About 1848 he was employed by the Government as Inspector of Roads, afterwards he was appointed Deputy Surveyor-General, which office he retained until 1856.