1873 Julius Vogel becomes Premier

Julius Vogel was the dominant political figure of the 1870s, serving as Colonial Treasurer and premier on several occasions, and borrowing heavily to invest in a massive public works and immigration programme.

Born in London of Jewish-Dutch parentage, Vogel worked as a journalist and editor in Australia before settling in Dunedin in 1861. In 1869 he became Colonial Treasurer in William Fox’s government. To revive the faltering economy he set up a bold 10-year programme of public works and large-scale assisted immigration. This was to be funded by extensive borrowing on the London money market. The rapid and cheap acquisition of Māori land by the Crown was a prerequisite for this policy. Vogel and his supporters were certain that Māori and settlers would be reconciled after the recent New Zealand Wars once Māori and their land were fully integrated into the European economy.

Vogel served as premier until July 1875 and for another seven-month period in 1876. His ambitious and revolutionary programme altered the shape of the colony.

Image: portrait of Julius Vogel