Hine Family Genealogy & History

Lewis Wickes Hine was a pioneering American sociologist and muckraker photographer, renowned for his role in using documentary photography to advocate for social change. Born on September 26, 1874, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Hine's work during the Progressive Era and the Great Depression, especially his powerful images of child labor, significantly contributed to the enactment of the first child labor laws in the United States. As a staff photographer for the Russell Sage Foundation and the National Child Labor Committee, Hine's imagery captured harsh labor conditions, influencing public opinion and policy. He also documented the construction of the Empire State Building and worked for the American Red Cross and Works Progress Administration.

Hine's early life was marked by personal challenges, including the accidental death of his father, which compelled him to support his widowed mother and sisters. Despite these hardships, he pursued an education, aspiring to follow in his mother's footsteps as an educator. His ambition led him to the University of Chicago and eventually to New York City, where he became involved with the Ethical Culture School under the mentorship of Frank Manny.

Ngāti Hine is a prominent Māori iwi located in Northland, New Zealand, and is part of the broader Ngāpuhi iwi. This iwi has produced several notable figures, including Te Ruki Kawiti, a celebrated chief who played a key role in the Flagstaff War against British forces in 1845–46. Other distinguished individuals from Ngāti Hine include politicians like Tau Henare and Shane Reti, All Blacks such as Sid Going and Robin Brooke, and artists like Lisa Reihana. The iwi is actively represented through Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine, which engages in resource consent consultations and broadcasting via Ngāti Hine FM.

Ngāti Hine traces its lineage to the female ancestor Hineamaru, a great-granddaughter of Rāhiri, who established roots in the Waiomio Valley. As part of their governance, a tribal parliament called Te Mara a Hineamaru, composed of representatives from 13 marae, oversees the iwi's activities and maintains its cultural heritage.

Fanny Howie, also known by her stage name Princess Te Rangi Pai, was a celebrated figure in the early 20th century for her contributions to music, particularly with the Māori lullaby "Hine E Hine." Written around 1907, this iconic piece gained widespread recognition and became an integral part of New Zealand's cultural landscape. An instrumental rendition was notably used as TV2's closedown song from 1975 to 1994. The lullaby's enduring appeal is evidenced by its inclusion in albums by renowned artists like Kiri Te Kanawa and Hayley Westenra, further cementing its place in musical history.

Vice Admiral Sir Nicholas William Hine, born on 4 February 1966 in Carlisle, England, is a distinguished retired Royal Navy officer. Hine's notable career highlights include serving as Second Sea Lord from 2019 to 2022, where he was pivotal in the 'Navy Transformation' programme and chaired the Royal Navy Digital and Data Board. His commendable service in the Royal Navy includes roles such as commanding officer of HMS Blackwater and HMS Westminster, as well as Defence Policy Advisor to HM Treasury. Recognized for his contributions, Hine was awarded the Bronze Star Medal by the U.S. and appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 2023.

Hine is married and has one daughter. He was diagnosed with autism in the 2010s and advocates for neurodiversity in the armed forces.