TIFFEN, HENRY STOKES (1819-96) was born in England and trained as a surveyor and civil engineer. He was practising at Hythe when he received an appointment under the New Zealand Company, and he came to Wellington with the survey staff in the Brougham (arriving early in 1842). In 1844 he made a report on the Wairarapa, and shortly afterwards he became a settler there, establishing a cattle run.

A few years later he drove a mob of sheep northward into Hawkes Bay, where he leased a large area from the natives. On this run being resumed he selected (with Northwood) the Pourerere and Homewood country, he himself taking Homewood when the partnership was dissolved, and acquiring Greenmeadows. On the separation of Hawkes Bay he was commissioner of crown lands there for some years. He was elected M.P.C. and sat continuously (for Napier Country 1859-61 and 1867-71; Te Aute 1861-67; Napier Town 1871-75). He was a member of the executive in 1861, and speaker for a short time in 1869. On the abolition of the provinces Tiffen became a member of the first Hawkes Bay county council. He was on the high school and hospital boards (being chairman of the latter) and took a great interest in the children's home (of which he was chairman). He was a skilled agriculturist, and demonstrated the possibility of fruit and vine-growing on the Ahuriri plain. Though a staunch Anglican and a generous contributor to the cathedral fund, he gave liberally to other denominations. Tiffen was twice married. He died on 21 Feb 1896.

Hawkes Bay P.C. Proc.; NZ. Gaz., 24 Jan 1844; Cycl. NZ., vi (p); Ward; Hawkes Bay Herald, 21 Feb 1896, 16 Oct 1925; NZ. Spectator, 11 Jun 1856.

Reference: Volume 2, page 196

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