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William Rhodes William Barnard Rhodes (1807? - 1878) was a New Zealand businessman and politician. Rhodes was probably born in Lincolnshire, England, but took up a career at sea at an early age. He was a second officer on a merchant vessel by the age of nineteen, and by 1831, he had his own command. After visiting South America, Africa, and India, Rhodes ended up in Australia, where he formed a partnership with a local company to acquire land in New Zealand. Rhodes established his base of operations in Wellington in 1840, and the extensive farming ventures he established became very profitable. Before long, he was able to buy out his partners in Sydney, and he became known as one of the richest people in Wellington. His business was originally based around exporting the produce from his farms, but later broadened to include imports, shipping, insurance, and finance. At the same time, he continued to expand his holdings, buying and selling huge amounts of land. As a result of his prominence in the Wellington community, he eventually decided to enter local politics. He served on the Wellington Provincial Council, where he was a strong supporter of Isaac Featherston. When the 1st New Zealand Parliament was called, he was elected as the representative for the Wellington Country seat (covering Miramar, Makara, Porirua, the Kapiti Coast, and Horowhenua). In the 2nd Parliament and the 3rd Parliament, he represented the City of Wellington electorate, but subsequently failed to win re-election. He was later appointed to the Legislative Council. Rhodes died in Wellington on 11 February 1878. At his death, he was described as one of the richest people in the country. William Rhodes William Rhodes Rhodes, William
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