William Barnard Rhodes

William Barnard Rhodes
Rhodes standing adjacent to a pillar
William Barnard Rhodes, circa 1870s
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for Wellington Country
In office
18 August 1853 – 15 September 1855
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for City of Wellington
In office
27 July 1858 – 27 January 1866
Personal details
Born1807?
England
Died11 February 1878
Spouse(s)Sarah King (died 1862)
Sarah Ann Moorhouse
Relations
ChildrenMary Ann Rhodes
Residence(s)The Grange, Wadestown, Wellington, New Zealand
ProfessionMerchant and pastoralist

William Barnard Rhodes (1807? – 11 February 1878), casually referred to as Barney Rhodes, was a New Zealand landowner, pastoralist, businessman and politician. He was probably born in Lincolnshire, England, but took up a career at sea at an early age. In 1839 he settled in Wellington, New Zealand and remained there for the rest of his life. He brought three of his younger brothers to New Zealand and they co-ordinated their efforts.

A tough man having "shrewd judgement, unflagging energy and sheer determination" his frugal ways and his personal engagement in physical labour deferred social acceptance by the new colony's social élite. Nevertheless, he used these talents to make himself a rich man and with his three brothers all four became major landowners and pastoralists in the North and in the South Island.

When he died in Wellington he was described as one of the richest people in the country.