DUPPA, GEORGE, was a younger brother of Bryan Duppa of Hollingbourne, Kent, who originally suggested the formation of the Nelson Company, and was descended from Bishop Duppa. He came to New Zealand in 1840 and was a member of the provisional committee in Wellington. Then he settled in Nelson, and brought cattle from Australia for his places at Waimea and upper Motueka. Duppa was one of the most enterprising explorers in New Zealand, with a remarkable eye for country. It was he who advised the McRaes to take up land in Marlborough, and he took up the vast St Leonards run, which he sold to Rhodes and Wilkin.

At the request of Colonel Wakefield he reported on the suitability of Nelson for the second settlement and with Captain Daniell he reported on Canterbury before Captain Thomas was sent down to prepare the way for the settlement. Duppa warmly recommended the Canterbury plains. In 1856 he made an important exploration for a practicable route between Nelson and Canterbury. In 1843 he resided in Wellington, where he had a residence at Oriental Bay. Duppa is said to have been the first man to make a fortune in New Zealand. He returned to England and married (1870) Alice, daughter of P. J. Miles, of Leigh Court, Somerset.

N.Z.C., 31; John Wood, Twelve Months in Wellington, Port Nicholson, 1843; Acland; Woodhouse; Cox; Ward; Roberts, Southland; Arnold; N.Z. Spectator, 18 Jun 1856.

Reference: Volume 1, page 128

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