Career
Born in London, Nathan migrated first to Australia in December 1839 and then for New Zealand on the Achilles, leaving Sydney for the Bay of Islands in February 1840. He set up a store, first in Kororareka (now known as Russell), then Auckland when it became the capital in place of Okiato (Old Russell) in the Bay of Islands. As his business prospered, he traded in kauri gum and tea and operated a bond store.
He was a trustee of the Auckland Savings Bank from 1864 to 1885 and vice president from 1878 to 1882, was an early commissioner for the port of Auckland, and served on the city council in 1854-1855.
Nathan served four terms as president of the Auckland Hebrew Congregation, between 1853 and 1883, and in 1884 laid the foundation stone of the synagogue on the corner of Princes and Bowen streets.