Manuel José de Frutos y Huerta (31 de January 1811–1873) was a Spaniard trader and founding father of Paniora clan in New Zealand.
Biography Born Valverde del Majano in Segovia, he arrived to New Zealand around 1833 and lived much of his life as a trader among the Māori people; he is described possessing: pale skin, red hair, and green eyes. He retired to Tikapa on the Waiapu River. He was married to five Ngāti Porou women, and has thousands of living descendants."Paniora go back to source of their Spanish roots", Aug 14, 2012, Rotarua Daily Post"Spanish royals invited to Manuel Jose family reunion", Murray Robertson, Nov 26, 2015, Gisborne herald"The Spanish and Maori families of Manuel Jose meet in Gisborne", Te Karere TVNZ
Legacy The 2014 play "Paniora" by Briar Grace-Smith was inspired by his legacy."Paniora; a tale of Spanish blood flowing in Maori veins", Mar 29, 2014, NBR.co.nz"Theatre and dance meet in magical tale of Maori and Spanish culture", Dionne Christian, Mar 22, 2014, NZ Herald
References
External links Otros documentales - El clan español de Nueva Zelanda . Documentary hosted by RTVE.