Colenso, Elizabeth (1821–1904)

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Colenso, Elizabeth (1821–1904)

New Zealand missionary, teacher, translator. Name variations: Elizabeth Fairburn. Born Elizabeth Fairburn, 1821, in Kerikeri, New Zealand; died Sept 2, 1904; dau. of William Thomas Fairburn (missionary) and Sarah (Tuckwell) Fairburn; m. William Colenso (printer), 1843; children: 2.

Skilled in homeopathic medicine and Maori language, started missionary school for women and children (1840s); traveled to London and performed philanthropic work (1861); contributed significantly to publication of first Bible in Maori (1868); returned to New Zealand where she taught at Melanesian mission at Norfolk Island (1876–1898).

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 1).

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