William Barnard Rhodes | |
|---|---|
.jpg) 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 | |
| Born | 1807? England |
| Died | 11 February 1878 |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah King (died 1862) Sarah Ann Moorhouse |
| Relations |
|
| Children | Mary Ann Rhodes |
| Residence(s) | The Grange, Wadestown, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Profession | Merchant 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.