1855: The Mackenzie Country Heist
July 8, 2021
By AHNZ
Jock Mackenzie migrated to New Zealand via Australia in 1847 where he became a freelance shepherd. Getting his own block of land wasn’t so hard but the terms required he stock it if he was to keep it.
So, the wily Scotsman drew on his heritage: He rustled someone else’s sheep. Mackenzie had a cunning plan to drive his stolen flock through hitherto undiscovered country from Canterbury to Otago. In the process, he had discovered what we call ‘The Mackenzie Basin’ .
Trouble is, Mackenzie was caught (4 March 1855) and reported on to the police by the owners, the Rhodes brothers. Sergeant Edward Seager, head of the Canterbury provincial police force, had his detective skills put to the test but captured the bandit. This kicked off Mackenzie’s new career as a multiple escape artist until, finally, he was kicked out of the colony.
“Upon being called on to plead, Mackenzie remained stolid and silent, apparently taking no interest in the proceedings…the dog was produced. Upon being brought into court, she at once recognised her master, and wagged her tail and whined. The recognition was mutual- the man was overcome and fairly cried…Mackenzie showed the greatest emotion. To the astonishment of all in court he begged, with tears in his eyes, that the dog should be permitted to accompany him to gaol; and he made his request in English. “ – Escapades of Mackenzie
McKenzie has a pass, a river, two monuments, a TV mini series, and a country named after him…”not bad going for a sheep lifter. His feats of endurance were what set him apart. He travelled the 115 miles from The levels to Lyttleton on foot in 2 days. And would take flocks of sheep from the levels over the McKenzie pass and down to Edendale in Southland. About a 600k round trip.” – Comment to AHNZ
MacKenzie’s partner in crime was a dog named Friday. He loved her so much that he broke his cover, confessing to being able to speak English. He would consent to going to the jail if only they would let him take her along too.
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Image ref. MacKenzie and his dog Friday, Fairlie; AHNZ Archive (Feb 2021)
Ref. p113, Escapades of Mackenzie by E.W.Seager in Canterbury Old and New (1900)
Ref. The Mackenzie Affair (1977); NZ On Screen
2 thoughts on "1855: The Mackenzie Country Heist"
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There was an area in the MacKenzie Country called Edendale, and it was to this area that he drove his stolen sheep, not to Edendale in Southland.
That’s in interesting insight. The Edendale we know goes way back in history and it’s not all that far down the track. But it would make a big difference to the story because that’s a long drove.
Do you have a ref for this information?