7th Oct 1880: The following passengers were on board the emigrant ship Waikato, which arrived in Auckland on Sunday from London after a passage of 90 days: Second Cabin: Mr John McGavin, Miss Jessie McGavin, Mr Donald McGavin, Miss Winifred McGavin.

John McGavin was appointed returning officer at Tokomaru (Bay) Polling Booth, 1st Dec 1896 and again on 2nd Dec 1899.

Mr McGavin was officer in charge / postmaster at Tokomaru Bay who reported schooner Aotea on fire, 3rd-4th Aug 1897.

21st June 1900: (Postmaster at Tokomaru Bay) J. M. McGavin donated 5s towards Indian Famine Fund.

Mr J. McGavin of Tokomaru (Bay) was re-elected President of Native School Teachers' Conference in Auckland, 12th Jan 1901.

Mr and Mrs J McGavin who conducted the Native school at Tokomaru are about to transfer to Nuhaka. Reported 27th Jan 1904.

Mr and Mrs McGavin of Tokomaru (Bay), who are removing to Nuhaka, were in Gisborne on 6th Feb 1904.

J. McGavin reported as a Vice President of Tokomaru Bay Jockey Club, 22nd Mar 1904.

Wellington, 5 Apr 1906: The following have been appointed Justices of the Peace: Mr J. McGavin, Nuhaka.

11 Jun 1906, The Poverty Bay Herald published a long letter from J. McGavin, Nuhaka, on the subject of funding native schools.

24 Jun 1908: Mr J. McGavin, well-known on the East Coast as a Native schoolmaster, has removed from Nuhaka and now resides at Waiuku, Auckland.