William Russell (New Zealand politician)

William Russell
Russell c.1890
4th Leader of the Opposition
In office
26 June 1894  3 July 1901
DeputyJames Allen
Preceded byWilliam Rolleston
Succeeded byWilliam Massey
7th Minister of Defence
In office
17 October 1889  24 January 1891
Prime MinisterHarry Atkinson
Preceded byThomas Fergus
Succeeded byRichard Seddon
11th Minister of Justice
In office
17 October 1889  24 January 1891
Prime MinisterHarry Atkinson
Preceded byThomas Fergus
Succeeded byWilliam Pember Reeves
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for Hawkes Bay
In office
22 July 1884  20 December 1905
Preceded byFred Sutton
Succeeded byAlfred Dillon
Personal details
Born
William Russell Russell

(1838-11-12)12 November 1838
Sandhurst, Berkshire, England
Died24 September 1913(1913-09-24) (aged 74)
Napier, New Zealand
SpouseHarriette Julia Hodgkinson
RelationsAndrew Russell (father)
Harold Russell (son)
Andrew Hamilton Russell (brother)
Children7 sons & 4 daughters
ProfessionFarmer

Sir William Russell Russell (12 November 1838 – 24 September 1913) was a New Zealand politician from 1870 to 1905. He was a cabinet minister, and was recognised as Leader of the Opposition from 1894 to 1901. Though considered by other politicians to have little sympathy with working people as a major landowner, his panache and involvement in local affairs led him to be liked and admired by Hawkes Bay's élite.