The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]
Mr. John Harker
Mr. John Harker, who is a member of the Napier Harbour Board, was born in England, in the year 1839, and was brought up as a flourimiller. He came to New Zealand in the ship “African” in 1862, and landed in Auckland, where he joined the Militia, page 317 and served in the Waikato war. Mr. Harker then went to the Hokitika gold-diggings, and, twelve months later, returned to Auckland, where he carried on general contracting work. In 1877 he removed to Hawke's Bay, and settled in Waipawa, where for many years he conducted a successful business as a building contractor.