I posted this question in the FB group "Genealogy New Zealand and beyond" and got, among others, the following response:
Judith Hinz
Bengt Alverborg I live close to Āwhitu in Patumahoe. During the late 1800s there was a scheme in NZ to populate the country called the Vogel Scheme ( Julius Vogel) was our then premiere. My family were one of 24 families chosen to settle the Patumahoe area and there were many European families who arrived at that time many of whom are still in the area. My family were Prussian, there were Swiss and Danish and Swedish as well. Another side of my family on the same scheme settled in Inglewood in Taranaki.
Maybe google the Vogel scheme and see if that sheds any light. Being a sailor he did perhaps work his passage and therefore not appear on any passenger lists. Have you checked to see if there are any descendants still in the area?
