Richard 'King Dick' Seddon
In the summer of 1866, with the West Coast gold rush at its glittering peak and the long evenings stretching endlessly, a young man of just 20 stepped off the Hokitika wharf.
His dream was simple but bold: to earn enough to bring his fiancée across from Australia and build a new life together in New Zealand.
By 1870, he had married, launched at least one business, and begun raising a family — settling in Stafford, a bustling township at the heart of the Waimea goldfield.
But soon, the tides of fortune shifted once more. The Kumara Gold Rush had begun…
'The Chosen One of Kumara' - caricatures of Richard Seddon were common.
In Kumara, it was Richard Seddon who led the way.
With his trademark drive and organisational flair, the young leader helped shape the town from its earliest days — laying out streets, setting aside reserves, and providing order amid the rush. His influence was such that he was soon elected as the very first mayor of the newly established borough.
In 1879 he became a member of Parliament. It was a long journey to Wellington, by stagecoach, railway and steamer, and he made the trip regularly until the family moved lock, stock, barrel and even Fanny the pony and all the bantams to Wellington in 1895 (he had premier for 2 years by then). He was elected Premier (Prime Minister) of New Zealand in 1893 and served in this role for 13 years until his death, aged 60 years, in 1906. To this day, Richard Seddon is New Zealand's longest serving Premier.
Seddon developed a robust prime ministerial style and became known as ‘King Dick’ for his strong, populist leadership. He maintained tight control over his Cabinet, personally took charge of a large number of portfolios, including that of colonial treasurer from 1896, and thought that heads of Government departments should simply follow his instructions. He maintained a high public profile by touring the country regularly, addressing meetings, hearing deputations, and opening public works. He was also Minister of Native (Māori) Affairs until 1899 and made frequent visits to Māori tribes. Seddon was particularly noted for his promotion of the Old-age Pensions Act 1898 – the forerunner of New Zealand’s State-funded welfare system. He remained extremely popular and the Liberal Party (in which he served) won five elections under his leadership.
Richard John Seddon proudly represented the people of the West Coast — especially the miners — for an incredible 28 years.
His statesmanship was guided by a deep compassion and a genuine love of humanity. To the people of Kumara, he wasn’t just a national leader — he was a neighbour, a friend, and a much-loved local for two decades.
Affectionately known as “King Dick,” Seddon’s legacy still resonates here. We like to think that if he were alive today, he would be proud to see how Kumara has evolved — resilient, thriving, and carrying forward the spirit of its gold rush beginnings.
Site of Richard Seddon's home, Seddon Street, Kumara
“As descendants of Richard John Seddon and Louisa Jane it is very satisfying to see Kumara “come to life” and where the history of this beautiful little West Coast town is being celebrated in such a wonderful way, where not only the buildings are restored but also this website being constructed to embrace the full and rich history of Kumara. Congratulations to all involved and many R.J Seddon descendants look forward to the future development of Kumara.”
From left: Phillippa Seddon, David Seddon, Jane Seddon and David Verrall (local Seddon enthusiast) at the opening of The Theatre Royal Hotel, Kumara Gala Day, November 2013.