Information on William Yate

William Yate, an English missionary, played a significant role in the early interaction between European settlers and the Māori people in New Zealand, particularly in terms of cultural and religious exchange. His life and work also intersect intriguingly with the history of LGBTI in New Zealand, a facet that has been explored in various academic and historical contexts.

Born on November 3, 1802, in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, England, Yate was brought up in a typical English setting. His journey into missionary work began after his apprenticeship as a grocer, following which he attended the Church Missionary Society's teaching institution in London. Ordained as a deacon in December 1825 and a priest in May 1826, he was specifically prepared for work in the colonies. In 1827, Yate arrived in New Zealand, where he was to work among the Māori at the Bay of Islands until June 1834.

Yate's primary tasks in New Zealand involved studying the Māori language and teaching in mission schools. He was known for his powerful preaching skills and contributed significantly to the preparation of the first mission texts in Māori. His efforts in printing and publishing scriptural texts in Māori marked the beginning of substantial publication of religious texts in the language. Yate also published translations of letters from Māori men and women in London in 1836, which highlighted the emotional experience of conversion that he advocated.

However, Yate's career in New Zealand was marred by controversy. Reports of his sexual encounters with young Māori men became a matter of significant dispute, leading to his dismissal from the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in June 1834. These allegations were a critical point in his life and had far-reaching implications for his career and reputation.

The controversy surrounding Yate mainly stemmed from his relationships with Māori youth. It is documented that Yate was accused of engaging in mutual masturbation and oral sex with his pupils. Four sworn affidavits from Māori youths were sent from New Zealand as testimony against him. Yate consistently denied these allegations, and due to the lack of evidence of sodomy, no legal charges were brought against him. However, the scandal resulted in his suspension from duties and his eventual dismissal from the CMS. Notably, historical accounts suggest that the Māori community did not view Yate's actions with the same level of shame or impropriety as his European contemporaries. The Māori perspective on these events, as cited in scholarly research, indicates a cultural divergence in attitudes towards sexuality and relationships.

After returning to England, Yate struggled to clear his name and regain his standing. Despite extensive efforts, he could not overturn the CMS's decision. Yate's inability to find work in the aftermath of the scandal illustrates the significant social and professional ramifications of such controversies in the 19th century. Eventually, in 1846, he was appointed as the chaplain at St John's Mariner Church in Dover, where he served until his death on July 26, 1877.

William Yate's story is a complex narrative that intersects with the early missionary efforts in New Zealand, the cultural exchanges between Europeans and Māori, and the historical perceptions of LGBTI relationships in the context of 19th-century colonial society. His life, particularly the controversies and challenges he faced, offers a lens through which to examine broader themes of cultural interaction, sexuality, and morality in a historical context.

Further information can be found at:

• teara.govt.nz
• wikipedia.org
• nzherald.co.nz