Hi ev
A very good thought as some of the information I have is unclear and confusing. I've tried to explain this below. It is a possibility that Miguel Garcia died other than in New Zealand, and perhaps in Melbourne. I do not have shipping records of his travel to New Zealand.
On the Richmond, Victoria, council rates ledgers a Michael Garcia lived at Charlotte St, Richmond, Victoria in 1876. Directories show John M. Garcia lived in Charlotte St, Richmond in 1876 and 1877. I assume Miguel, Michael, and John Garcia are the same person. Curiously he disappears from Council and Directory listing until 1886, when J.M. Garcia appears as living in Brougham St, Richmond. Victoria.
In the interim, the local council’s voters’ roll records show a Mrs Garcia, a widow, at Brougham St. from 1882/83 until 1887/88 . The term widow could refer to Elizabeth Garcia, mother of Miguel, or perhaps to Mary Garcia (Miguel's wife) who is recorded in directories as living in 1880 and 1882 and 1887 in Brougham St, Richmond.
Miguel was recorded as aged 46 in 1881 on the death certificate of his mother Elizabeth in 1881 (she died at Brougham St), so I think he was alive then. Subsequent Richmond directory records in 1886 and 1887 to J M Garcia and the Thames High School register reference in 1889 make me think Miguel was still alive in 1889 and living in New Zealand. Of course he may have subsequently left New Zealand and died overseas.
I'd be interested in any other suggestions or thoughts. It is very helpful to have someone else questioning assumptions and making suggestions. Appreciate your help ev.
Shadwell