E.W. Seager was Inspector of Police at Lyttelton in 1855, and he had a good deal to do with Mackenzie. He contributed an article to "Canterbury, Old and New," in the year 1900.

Mackenzie was a Highland shepherd, born in Ross-shire, Scotland. About the year 1845 he emigrated to Australia, and two years later arrived in New Zealand, and landed in Nelson. At first he earned a living by sheep driving, and in that way became acquainted with sheep stations in Otago and Canterbury. After residing for some time in the South Canturbury district , Mackenzie tracked northward into the interior on an exploring expedition, on which his only companion were his collie dog, and a bullock which carried his possessions and his provisions. On this expedition he discovered new country to the north-west of Timaru and of the Levels run, and Mr Manson the Commissioner of Crown lands in Otago, afterwards gave him a license to occupy country bearing north--west from Timaru and midway between the sea and the west coast of the Middle Island. In order to stock this territory Mackenzie followed methods said to have been common enough at one tome in his native country- methods associated in story with the name Rob Roy, whose economic gospel was that-       They should take who have the power.       And they should keep who can. Accordingly Mackenzie, in 1855 cut from The Levels flock, with the assistance of his dog, a mob of sheep, which he drove up the valley, over the pass, and down to the plains; that is, into the district now known as the Mackenzie Country. In the mob thus stolen there was a black sheep, which was missed by Mr Sidebottom, overseer to the Messrs Rhodes, and next time he mustered; and he also found that altogether a thousand had disappeared from he flock. With the help of a Maori boy, Mr Sidebottom got on the track of the lost sheep. On reaching the plain of the new country they saw a bullock in the distance, and further on came to a small tent, in which they found a man asleep. On being aroused, the man leaped to his feet, seized a piece of wood, with which he felled Mr Sidebottom to the ground, and then ran away. After recovering from his stunned condition Mr Sidebottom found the sheep, which were faithfully guarded by Mackenzie's dog. Then, on returning to The Levels home station, he despatched the Maori boy to Purau in Lyttelton harbour, to inform Mr Rhodes of what had happen, and give him a description of Mackenzie, for whose apprehension Mr Rhodes then offered a reward of �100. Mackenzie, who was probably trying to escape the country, also made his way to Lyttelton. Mr Rhodes told all the circumstances of the case to myself as office in charge of the local police, and; in the end, after much ingenuity and resources on my part, with two of myconstables, I arrested Mackenzie late at night while he lay in bed in the loft of a small shanty in Lyttelton. Mackenzie was found to be a man of large size, with red hair, high cheek bones, and piercing ferrety eyes. In due course he was placed on trial in the Supreme Court. He remained stolid and silent and refused to plead. But during his trail his dog was brought into court; and, at once recognising her master, she wagged her tail and whined up towards Mackenzie, who was so overcome that he shed tears. Mr Sidebottom gave evidence that the dog in court was the same he had seen guarding the sheep, and after he and I had described the conversation which we had had with Mackenzie, the accused was judged guilty. Before being sentenced, Mackenzie begged, with tears in his eyes that his dog might be allowed to accompany him to his prison. But the dog was taken south, where for years afterwards her progeny were much sought after by runholders and shepherds. Mackenzie was sentenced to five years' penal servitude. Within the first year he escaped three times from custody, but was recaptured on each occasion. It was, however thought advisable that, on account of the trouble and expense caused by his escapes and captures, he should be allowed to leave the country, under the proviso that, should he return, he would be compelled to serve the unexpired term of his sentence.The plan was carried out, and Mackenzie left for Sydney. He seems to have returned to New Zealand, but on receiving significant hint from the police, he left the country for ever. Such are the circumstances connected with the discovery of the fine pastoral territory which has so long been known as the Mackenzie Country.

McKenzie's Ghost, by Kath Tait, 1973 McKenzie, McKenzie was that you I saw, Roaming them backhills just up from Benmore With 50 odd sheep and a good shepherd's dog. Was it your ghost in the morning fog?... The Old Mackenzie Trail, by Bob Edwards, 1950s There's a story that you're bound to hear if you're down Otago way about an outlaw and his dog that bought him fame... McKenzie and his Dog, Traditional John McKenzie stood in the Mataura store, And looked at the yokes and chains. 'Twas not too dear - good bullocking gear For transporting across the plains... A letter in the "Otago Witness" by Mr. L. Langlands, Highfield, Burke's Pass, 1880s On several occasions sheep in large numbers were missed from the Levels station. Mr. Rhodes came to Dunedin in the hope of hearing something about them. He told me he felt convinced they were brought into Otago, but no traces were left, was at a loss to conceive how, and had to return no wiser than when he came...