William Russell (New Zealand politician)

The Honourable Sir William Russell
Russell c. 1890
4th Leader of the Opposition
In office 26 June 1894 – 3 July 1901
Deputy	James Allen
Preceded by	William Rolleston
Succeeded by	William Massey
7th Minister of Defence
In office 17 October 1889 – 24 January 1891
Prime Minister	Harry Atkinson
Preceded by	Thomas Fergus
Succeeded by	Richard Seddon
11th Minister of Justice
In office 17 October 1889 – 24 January 1891
Prime Minister	Harry Atkinson
Preceded by	Thomas Fergus
Succeeded by	William Pember Reeves
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Hawkes Bay
In office 22 July 1884 – 20 December 1905
Preceded by	Fred Sutton
Succeeded by	Alfred Dillon
Personal details
Born	William Russell Russell (1838-11-12)12 November 1838 Sandhurst, Berkshire, England
Died	24 September 1913(1913-09-24) (aged 74) Napier, New Zealand
Spouse	Harriette Julia Hodgkinson
Relations	Andrew Russell (father) Harold Russell (son) Andrew Hamilton Russell (brother)
Children	7 sons & 4 daughters
Profession	Farmer

Sir William Russell Russell (12 November 1838 – 24 September 1913) was a New Zealand politician from 1870 to 1905. He was a cabinet minister, and was recognised as Leader of the Opposition from 1894 to 1901. Though considered by other politicians to have little sympathy with working people as a major landowner his panache and involvement in local affairs led him to be liked and admired by Hawkes Bay's élite.