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Edward Stafford (politician)

The Right Honourable
Sir Edward William Stafford
GCMG
Edward Stafford.jpg
3rd Premier of New Zealand
In office
2 June 1856 – 12 July 1861
Monarch Victoria
Governor Thomas Gore Browne
Preceded by William Fox
Succeeded by William Fox
In office
16 October 1865 – 28 June 1869
Governor George Grey
Preceded by Frederick Weld
Succeeded by William Fox
In office
10 September 1872 – 11 October 1872
Governor George Bowen
Preceded by William Fox
Succeeded by George Waterhouse
6th Colonial Secretary
In office
4 November 1856 – 12 July 1861
Preceded by William Richmond
Succeeded by Isaac Featherston
1st Superintendent of Nelson Province
In office
1 August 1853 – September 1856
Preceded by Position established
Succeeded by John Perry Robinson
Personal details
Born (1819-04-23)23 April 1819
Edinburgh, Scotland
Died 14 February 1901(1901-02-14) (aged 81)
London, England
Political party None
Spouse(s) Emily Wakefield (m. 1846)
Mary Bartley (m. 1859)
Children 6
Alma mater Trinity College, Dublin
Religion Anglican
Signature

Sir Edward Stafford GCMG (23 April 1819 – 14 February 1901) served as the third Premier of New Zealand on three occasions in the mid 19th century. His total time in office is the longest of any leader without a political party. He is described as pragmatic, logical, and clear-sighted.

Edward William Stafford was born on 23 April 1819 in Edinburgh, Scotland. His family was prosperous, enabling him to receive a good education, first at the Royal School Dungannon in Ireland where he excelled as a scholar, and then at Trinity College, Dublin. In 1841–42, he undertook travel in Australia, but chose to join relatives in Nelson, New Zealand in 1843, where he soon became active in politics, criticising Governor Robert FitzRoy's "weak" response to the Wairau Affray. In 1850, he joined increasing calls for New Zealand's self-government, including universal suffrage.

In 1853, Stafford became the first Superintendent of Nelson Province. Among his achievements was the establishment of an education system (compulsory, free, and secular) which was later used as the basis of the national system. His administration of Nelson Province was well regarded by many.

When the New Zealand Parliament was opened, however, Stafford did not seek election, claiming that it was inappropriate to enter national politics while still holding provincial office. Despite requests from politicians such as Henry Sewell, Stafford declined to stand for parliament until the election of 1855, when he was elected MP for Nelson 1855–68 (resigned).


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