The Mackenzie Basin is named after the legendary Scottish shepherd James McKenzie.

Britain has its Robin Hood, Australia has its Ned Kelly, and we have our James Mackenzie. In 1855 James McKenzie was imprisoned on a charge of stealing 1,000 sheep from the Levels Station, South Canterbury. The Mackenzie basin would have been a perfect place to hide these sheep, if only the sheep didn’t leave tracks for the shepherd and his two Maori boys to follow.
James McKenzies rustling helper was his faithful Dog "Friday" who only understood commands in Gaelic. Therefore knowbody could do anything with her after her master was arrested.
Her amazing stealing feats get more fabulous every time the story goes around.
Today Merino sheep, still do very well in this area, the high altitude helps produce some of the finest wool in the world.