MANING, FREDERICK EDWARD (1811-83) was born in Dublin, a grandson of Archibald Maning, and on his mother's side of the Rev John Barrett, D.D., vice-provost of Trinity College. His father, Frederick Maning, emigrated to Tasmania with his family in the Ardent in 1824, and nine years later Maning shipped in the brig Mary and Elizabeth for Hokianga, where he settled permanently. He conceived a warm attachment to the Maori people, and married a sister of the Rarawa chief Hauraki, who sold him 200 acres of land at Onoke (1839). Hauraki was killed in Heke's war (1845), a narrative of which was published by Maning (1862).

A skilful boxer and wrestler, Maning delighted in the company and the games of the natives, and was highly respected by them. For some years, in partnership with Kerry, he kept a store at Onoke. He was present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, and took part in the duty of interpreting for the chiefs. His knowledge of the Maori language was unsurpassed. In 1865 Maning was appointed a justice of the peace, and shortly afterwards a judge of the native land court. His familiarity with native history and customs was of inestimable service, and many of his judgments are quoted as classics. Particularly noteworthy are the pronouncements on the intricate Rangitikei-Manawatu case arising from the conquests of Te Rauparaha, and on the Te Aroha purchase. In 1863 Maning published the first edition of Old New Zealand, of which he shortly afterwards made a determined effort to destroy all copies. It has since been reprinted in numerous editions. In 1880 he wrote the story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, which was published in the following year as Hinemoa; a Maori Love Story. In 1885 he published Maori Traditions. His last book on New Zealand disappointed him, and he destroyed the manuscript with the intention of rewriting it.

Maning went to London in the early eighties and died on 25 Jul 1883. He was buried in Auckland on 8 Dec.

Maning, op. cit.; Buick, First War; Cox; Sherrin and Wallace (p); Webster; Maning letters in Turnbull Library; Scholefield, Hobson; Williams; Rusden; N.Z. Herald, 28 Jul, 13 Aug, 10 Dec 1883, 17, 29 Mar 1892; H. T. Kemp in N.Z. Herald, 16 Mar 1901; E. M. Dunlop in N.Z. Herald, 4 Jun 1904; N.Z. Railways Magazine, Jul 1933 (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 28

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