WARREN, JOHN (1814-83) was born in Norfolk, England. For a few years he followed farming pursuits. Converted in early life, he joined the Wesleyan church at the age of 17, and later became a local preacher. In 1836 he was accepted on probation for the ministry and was appointed to Ipswich circuit. He was designated by the missionary committee for work in New Zealand, and sailed in the ship James with Bumby, Ironside, Creed and others on 20 Sep 1838. They reached Hobart on 31 Jan 1839. Warren was left in Tasmania for temporary service, but reached New Zealand in Jan 1840. A fortnight after his arrival he accompanied Ironside and the Hokianga chiefs to Waitangi to confer with Captain Hobson and he was present at the signing of the Treaty there, and later at Mangungu. After studying the Maori language for some months at Mangungu, he was appointed to open a mission at Waima, at the request of the chief Mohi Tawhai. There Mrs Warren planted an acorn she had brought from England. It is now known as the 'Waima Oak,' and is probably the oldest and the largest in New Zealand, its spreading branches having a circumference of 300 feet. Warren worked zealously for 16 years among the native population. His influence did much to secure the manumission of Maori slaves.

For health reasons and the education of his children he was then transferred to the European work. In 1855 he was appointed to Nelson; and in 1860 he became superintendent of the Wellington circuit. In 1865 he became a colleague of the Rev T. Buddle in Auckland, and assisted materially in carrying through the scheme for the building of Pitt Street church. In 1866 he was appointed to Manukau and mainly by his efforts the church was built at Onehunga. He was superannuated in 1869. He died on 24 Nov 1883 greatly esteemed as an able preacher, a capable administrator and a sincere philanthropist.

Morley; NZ. Herald, 26 Nov 1883; G. Smales in NZ. Herald, 6 Jan 1894.

Reference: Volume 2, page 234

🌳 Further sources