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Story: Nelson region

Premiers and prime ministers: Edward Stafford

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Premiers and prime ministers: Edward Stafford

Per head of population, Nelson has produced more of New Zealand’s political leaders than any other region (five out of 40 to 2020). Edward Stafford became Nelson’s first superintendent in 1853 and the colony’s premier in 1856. Over several terms of office, the last a one-month stint in 1872. he served a total of nine years in the position.

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Nelson Provincial Museum, Print Collection

Reference: 282198

Permission must be sought from Nelson Provincial Museum before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Carl Walrond, Nelson region – Government, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/28968/premiers-and-prime-ministers-edward-stafford (accessed 23 June 2026).

Story by Carl Walrond, published 3 September 2010, updated 1 August 2015.