History – In true pioneering spirit

Amongst those who shaped the town of Warkworth in its formative years the name of Reverend Robert McKinney is well known.

Much has been written about this energetic and charismatic Irishman from the time of his arrival in 1856. His travels on horseback over the length and breadth of his parish with little thought for his personal safety are legendary.

Perhaps not so well documented is the close friendship that existed between Mr. McKinney and Sir George Grey.On a typical Sunday, the parson would hold service in Warkworth in the morning, travel by row-boat down the Mahurangi River to preach at Mahurangi Heads in the afternoon and, taking a boat from Mullet Point, get to Kawau Island in time for evening devotions at Mansion House.

His stay on the island was never of a definite length as the two friends would often sit up talking until the wee small hours. Mrs McKinney would be anxiously awaiting her husband’s return on Monday but it was often Wednesday before he arrived home.

Not every visit to Kawau was so leisurely. In March, 1875, Rev McKinney was urgently summoned after the sudden death of Governor Grey’s butler. By the time the boat arrived with the essential passengers, a coffin had been built. An inquest was opened and adjourned and the man was laid to rest. The funeral was said to be in all ways respectable and Rev McKinney left in a sail boat heading for Mullet Point in rough seas.

The 49 years this worthy pioneer spent in Mahurangi are recalled in a display at the Warkworth and Districts Museum.