A total of 64 adults and 8 children attended the first ever New Zealand Gathering of the Merrilees Clan, held in Hawkes Bay over Labour Weekend, 2000.
The main event was a banquet luncheon at the Havelock North Commuity Centre with displays of Merrilees Family Trees and memorabilia including many old family photos brought along by participants.
A bus tour of places associated with the #29 Merrylees family's 120-year presence in the province culminated in the laying of a wreath on the grave of pioneers John & Bessie Merrylees in the Waipukurau Cemetery. A stop at the Central Hawkes Bay Settlers Museum in Waipawa provided a glimpse into the past through old photos and static displays of early farming & pioneer life.
Group photo outside the Havelock North Community Centre.
