This couple were both 24 at the time of their migration to NZ on the "Rakaia" (from Plymouth, England on 31 May 1879). Apparently sponsored to NZ by an Andreas Petersen, labourer of Halcombe, NZ. Their documents indicated they came from Schleswig, Germany (possibly Molby....or Mølby)
On 21 May 1885, Lauritz Esbensen or North Schleswig, Germany, became a naturalised NZ citizen.
In April 1886 a male child, Laurence was born, and died 2 days later. Buried in unmarked grave in Halcombe cemetary, NZ (as Laurence Exbenson - in cemetary records)
Marie Kjestine Esbensen b. 1883 in Fielding, NZ - were Lauritz and Emma her parents????
1902 census records show Lauritz Esbensen living in Pohangina with a new wife, Annie Mary.
1902 also records Lauritz as having died. He and Annie Mary are buried in the East End cemetary, Palmerston North, NZ
1905-6 records show Annie Mary still living in Pohangina
1908 - she is still in Pohangina
If you have any further knowledge of this couple and their offspring - PLEASE POST ON THIS SITE.
Thank you , Virginia Christensen