hi sarnz,
here is the story of Joseph James Birchley as found so far. Click on this link from time to time as I will update info as found

am extract ...
Joseph James Birchley (1850-1908) was born 24 July 1850 in Somers Town, St Pancras, England, to Samuel Birchley (1818-1900) & Susanna Mary Hulford (1828-1902). However, there is indication that as his father's name was not on the birth registration, that he was base born, as Joseph James Hulford, to Susanna Mary Hulford who later married Samuel Birchley. Joseph had a sister, Annie Elizabeth Hulford and siblings William Birchley Hulford, John Hulford Birchley, Charles Birchley (or Hulford) & Frances Martha Birchley. This needs following up.

Joseph arrived into New Zealand about 1857 with his uncle James Samuel Hulford (1823-1864 his mother's brother) and his wife, Joseph's aunt, Frances (1819-1899 nee Pigden)
Wellington Independent, 13 Sep 1864 HULFORD - On the 10th inst., at his residence, Murphy street, (Thorndon) Mr J. S. Hulford (buried Bolton Street)
NOTICE The friends of the late Mr J. S. Hulford, are respectfully requested to attend his funeral, which will leave his late residence, Murphy street, this day at half-past three o'clock. WALLIS, PARSONS & GASCOIGNE, Undertakers
ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS The Brethren of the Court Sir George Grey, are respectfully requested to attend the funeral of their deceased brother, J. S. Hulford, which will leave his late residence, Murphy street, this day, at half-past three o'clock. By order of the V. R., T. D. SMITH, Secretary
* Samuel's wife, Frances Hulford died 17 May 1899 aged 80
Auckland Star, 18 May 1899 DEATH
HUFFORD(sic) On May 17, 1899, Francis, in her 81st hear, at the residence of Mrs Swain, Victoria Avenue, Eden Terrace. Private interment, Friday, Purewa
Frances is buried Block A Row 9 Plot 6
NOTE to find out who Mrs Swain was, this was found:
Surname: Burns (Burne?)
Reg No: 4265
Given Names: Charles Francis
Rank: Private
Unit: No 23 Company (Nelson section)
Contingent: seventh
County/City: Waipa
Occupation: baker
Ship: Gulf of Taranto 6 April 1901
Address: care of Mr W. Chappell, Pirongia
Next of Kin: Burns, Mr John
Relationship to Soldier: father
Next of Kin Address: c/o Mrs Swain, Victoria Avenue, Eden Terrace, Auckland

* On 15 Feb 1872 Joseph (as Birchley) married Helen Shearer (1855-1940)
Evening Post, 15 Feb 1872 - MARRIAGE On the 15th inst., by the Rev Mr Moir, Joseph James Birchly(sic) to Ellen(sic) Shearer, both of Wellington
* Helen was born in Kekerengu, Kaikora Coast, 1 of 12 children of William Shearer (1812-1887), a Mariner, Whaler, Farmer from Scotland, & Mere (Mary) Pikirewa Hine Korako Te Rehu from Taranaki. Helen had a moko on her chin
NOTES
* on birth & marriage certs Mary is listed as Mary Shearer formerly Weki, formerly Miki, formerly Te Tuhi, formerly Hine Korako Te Rehu or formerly Pikirewa Te Hikoi

... more at link above