The Mackenzie Country, Mackenzie Pass and Mackenzie Basin are named after James McKenzie, a Scottish-born emigrant whose short stay in New Zealand has left an indelible mark on this part of the country.
James Mckenzie first emigrated to Australia in about 1849. He earned money by transporting supplies to gold diggers before emigrating to New Zealand. He worked as a drover in Canterbury before moving on to Otago where he applied for a land grant in the Mataura district.
In March 1855,
Mckenzie was caught stealing 1,000 sheep from a sheep station north
of Timaru. He was caught on the site now named Mackenzie Pass.
After escaping his accusers, he walked 160 kilometres to Lyttelton
where he was finally captured. He was sentenced to five years hard
labour after being found guilty by a Lyttelton Supreme Court jury
in April 1855.
He escaped from prison on at least two occasions, and failed on a
thrid attempt. In September 1855, Mckenzie's case was
reinvestigated and serious flaws were found in the police inquiry
and trial. Mckenzie was given a pardon on 11 January 1856 after
spending only nine months in prison.
James McKenzie left New Zealand shortly after being freed and
nothing certain is known of his later life.
The legends of James McKenzie and his faithful dog grew to a size disproportionate with the actual facts and has been romanticised in print and in song.
The event was responsible for the uptake of farming in the Mackenzie. The road through Mackenzie Pass is now a scenic route between Albury and Burkes Pass to the Mackenzie Basin.
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