Warning

This information was published in 1966 in An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock. It has not been corrected and will not be updated.

Up-to-date information can be found elsewhere in Te Ara.

The First Premier

It is often stated that J. E. FitzGerald and T. S. Forsaith were the first two Premiers of New Zealand. This is quite erroneous. They were nothing more than members, without portfolio, of the Executive Council, which was presided over by the Administrator, Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Wynyard. The first responsible ministry did not take shape until April 1856, with Henry Sewell as Colonial Secretary. To him, therefore, goes the honour of being the first Premier.

Co-creator

Bernard John Foster, M.A., Research Officer, Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington.