Hi Anne H,
I am looking for information into the McDonell family from Glengarry Scotland that came to NZ in about the same time frame as you have mentioned.
My husbunds Great Great Grandmother was Jemima McDonell born in 1841, who had a sister Johanna.
The parents of Jemima were Archibald and Annie McDonell nee McRae.
Jemima married Alexander Cameron in The Chapel Of The Nativity Of Our Lord in Wellington in 1864 and they then moved to the lower Rangitikei/Turakina district and had their family.
Unfortunately alot of info has been lost before it got to our generation and I am having alot of trouble trying to find anything out.
I know your post is old so I am hopeful that this will get to you.
Regards
Jo Cameron