03/08/2026
Good morning ☺️🌸🙏 just thought I would share an article this morning about my Paniora (Spanish/Maori) family history.
I am a descendant of Manuel Jose (de Frutos Heurta), a founding father of New Zealand. You can even see my great uncle on the NZ $50, Sir Apirana Ngata.
Do we have any Ngati Porou/Paniora family out there?!
This article brought me to tears, even though I know the story.
I see our Spanish blood in myself and my children. Our hair (either red, or curly/ringlets), and our love of colour and music especially. I also love dancing and singing. I turn the music up and you can catch me singing and dancing around the house 🥴🤷♀️😅 I have a big love for music for sure!
I hope you enjoy this article, it’s a wonderful read.
❤️🍃💫
For nearly two centuries, the origins of a Spanish whaler and trader who founded a dynasty on the east coast were a mystery. Manuel Jose’s descendants are New Zealand’s largest family, and have recently reunited with their Spanish relatives. This summer, the Spaniards journeyed to the east coast...