RUSSELL, HENRY ROBERT (1813-91) was born in Scotland, and was a brother of T. Purvis Russell. He was one of the early settlers of Hawkes Bay, taking up a considerable area of land in the Waipukurau district, and he was associated with the purchase of the Heretaunga block. In 1860 he laid out the town of Waipukurau, drawing the plans himself and providing for future amenities. He insisted that only one business of a kind should be established, and that all persons intending to erect buildings should submit plans for his approval. Russell had considerable influence with the natives in Hawkes Bay and was appointed agent for the General Government on the East Coast in succession to D. McLean. From 1862 to 1885 he was a member of the Legislative Council. He died on 30 Apr 1891.

N.Z.P.D., 1862-85; Hawkes Bay Herald, 7 Jun 1872, 16 Jun 1891. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 135

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