(1844–84).
Under-Secretary for the Goldfields.
Oliver Wakefield was born in 1844 at Launceston, Tasmania, the son of Felix Wakefield. He was educated in London and came to New Zealand in 1863. He joined the Public Service in the Mines Department, and rose by sheer ability to become its Under-Secretary. In 1884 he left Wellington to spend some leave in Melbourne, but was accidentally killed by a tram in Princes Street, Dunedin, on 20 March 1884. Wakefield played an active part in Wellington sports life, being secretary of the Star Boating Club for some years. He owned considerable property, was a bachelor and, in later life, a strict teetotaller.
by Bernard John Foster, M.A., Research Officer, Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington.
- New Zealand Times, 21 Mar 1884.