Drawing on Hobb's journals, author Tolla Williment illuminates the life of this modest but enterprising and courageous man, whose achievements during the early era of the Methodist mission in New Zealand and Tonga have not been fully recognised. John Hobbs came to New Zealand in the 1820s to work on the first Wesleyan mission station situated at Whangaroa. Following its destruction by stragglers from Hongi Hika's war party in 1827, he successfully spearheaded the re-establishment of the mission in the Hokianga. Hobb's considerable energy, his many practical skills, and his ability to communicate his beliefs to the Maoris and Tongans won him many converts. He was influential in the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and in containing hostilities between the European settlers and Hone Heke. As printer, linguist, translator, composer, medical man; as builder, navigator, explorer, horticulturalist, musician; and above all as missionary, Hobbs made a unique contribution to the church he loved.