Welcome to the New Zealand Fencible Society Incorporated (NZFSI)
Preserving the legacy of New Zealand’s military settlers and their families.
The NZFSI was established to promote and encourage research into the history of the New Zealand Fencibles, a unique corps of retired soldiers from the British Army, who served as a defensive reserve force for early Auckland settlers. Over time, our focus has expanded to include research on all Empire Veterans who settled in New Zealand before 1902.
Who Were the New Zealand Fencibles?
The Royal New Zealand Fencibles were retired soldiers, often called Chelsea Pensioners, recruited from Britain and Ireland. These military settlers played a crucial role in defending the growing town of Auckland and its surrounding areas, including Onehunga, Otahuhu, Panmure and Howick.
Arriving between 1847 and 1852 aboard ships like the Minerva, Ann, Berwick Castle, Sir George Seymour, and Ramillies, more than 2,500 men, women, and children made the journey to New Zealand. In return for their service in case of attack and attendance at regular parades, these soldiers were offered land grants and cottages, which they would own after seven years of service. This formed the foundation of the Pensioner Settlements, which remain significant communities today.
Explore Our Genealogy Resources
We offer a wealth of resources for those researching genealogy and military history, with access to attestation papers, family sheets, passenger lists, and regimental numbers of the soldiers. Discover the stories of the Fencible Ships, like the Clifton, Berhampore, and Inchinnan, and explore how these veterans contributed to shaping New Zealand’s history.
Whether your ancestors were Fencibles in the Pensioner Settlements, served in the NZ Wars and took their discharge here or were other soldiers who chose to settle in NZ we are here to help you uncover their legacy. Start your journey into the rich history of the New Zealand Fencibles and other British military settlers.
Join us as we honour the contributions of these soldiers and their families, who helped establish a new life in early Auckland.
EVENTS
22 Feb 2025
Research your Fencible/s or UK Empire Veteran/s who settled in NZ pre-1902.