Charles Ring.

About Charles Ring

Charles Ring (1832–1906) was a colonial settler who, despite claims that others had been successful before him, is credited with being the first European to discover significant sources of payable gold in New Zealand in 1852. From a young age Ring worked in business and as a farmer both in Australia and New Zealand. He later spent time as a gold prospector in California after which he returned to New Zealand, and became actively involved in promoting the importance of gold mining in the country. In 1852 Ring claimed a reward for discovering gold in Coromandel, and while his claim was recognised, he did not receive the full reward and is said to have died feeling unappreciated for his contribution to the gold industry. During his time as a farmer and gold prospector, Ring was involved in regular, and largely respectful and productive relationships with the local Māori whose lands were protected under the recently signed Treaty of Waitangi.