Manuel José (trader)

Manuel José de Frutos (1811-1873) was a New Zealand trader. A Spaniard from Valverde del Majano in Segovia, he arrived to New Zealand around 1833 and lived much of his life as a trader among the Māori people; he is described possessing Germanic features: pale skin, red hair, and green eyes. He retired to Tikapa on the Waiapu River.[1][2]

He was married to five Ngāti Porou women, and has thousands of living descendants.[3][4][5]

The 2014 play "Paniora" by Briar Grace-Smith was inspired by his legacy.[6][7]

References
  1. McConnell, R. N. McConnell and V. M. "Manuel José". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
  2. Encyclopedia of New Zealand, Story: Cultural Go-betweens
  3. "Paniora go back to source of their Spanish roots", Aug 14, 2012, Rotarua Daily Post
  4. "Spanish royals invited to Manuel Jose family reunion", Murray Robertson, Nov 26, 2015, Gisborne herald
  5. "The Spanish and Maori families of Manuel Jose meet in Gisborne", Te Karere TVNZ
  6. "Paniora; a tale of Spanish blood flowing in Maori veins", Mar 29, 2014, NBR.co.nz
  7. "Theatre and dance meet in magical tale of Maori and Spanish culture", Dionne Christian, Mar 22, 2014, NZ Herald


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