I have researched John Doidge and his wife Ann (nee Branton) who emigrated to Nelson in 1856 with their children, from South Petherton Cornwall.
The family spent some time at Taranaki where John was a commissioner of roads but returned to Nelson during the Maori Wars. They spent the rest of their lives in Nelson and are buried there.
If you want any specific information I will do my best to provide it.
John Doidge