AKERSTEN, WILLIAM (1825-1905) was born in England. He served his apprenticeship as a shiprigger, then went to sea, gaining a master's certificate; was a master rigger and stevedore in London and owned small vessels in Australia. In 1855 he came to Nelson on behalf of James Henty and Co., Melbourne, to adjust the insurance on the damaged wool cargo of the Aden. He subsequently bought the schooner Maid of Alicante and brought goods and passengers to Nelson. Having made some study of civil engineering, he built the Napier wharf at the port. He had a good business as a ship chandler, stevedore and marine surveyor. As superintendent of public works for the province he designed many bridges and proposed cutting through the Boulder Bank. Akersten was a member of the board of works (1869), of the borough council (1886-1903), and the licensing committee. He was M.P.C. for Nelson (1865-68), and stood for the superintendency in 1869 (Curtis 894, Akersten 374, Gibbs 293). He arrested Bully Hayes at Croixelles on behalf of the owners of his ship and brought him to Nelson. Akersten died on 11 Mar 1905.

Parlty Record; Cycl. N.Z., v (p); Broad; The Colonist, 13 Mar 1905 and Jubilee Souvenir.

Reference: Volume 1, page 20

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