Introduction Looking for Furness IN New Zealand

My name is John Brian FURNESS. I was born in Christchurch NZ on 11 Sep 1953. I lived most of my life in Auckland NZ, but an currently in Manchester, UK
My father was John PERCY FURNESS born in Auckland NZ 17 June 1923, son of my Grandfather's second wife
My Grandfather was Arthur Frederick FURNESS born in Wellington, NZ in 1878
My Great Grandfather was John FURNESS born in Wellington, NZ 17 Nov 1856, but died in Sydney, Australia
My Great Great Grandfather was Smith Furness (b 9 Oct 1824) who emmigrated from Halifax, UK to Wellington on the Birman.

I would like to work out my family connections within New Zealand - including the (presumed) relatives of Smith who also travelled on the Birman. It would be interesting to discover some contemporary relatives in UK.

I would be interested to hear from people with relevant information.