William Gilbert Puckey, born in Penryn, England, was a missionary in New Zealand. He accompanied his parents to New Zealand at the age of 14. He became widely regarded as one of the best interpreters of Māori in the fledgling mission. He was able to form relationships of trust with many influential Māori from a young age, and in particular, with Nōpera Panakareao, of Te Rarawa iwi at Kaitaia.

Henry Williams was the leader of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) mission in New Zealand in the first half of the 19th century.