William Mason (mayor)

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William Mason (1810-1897) architect, born in Ipswich, England^[1], he learnt his profession under various architects: Thomas Telford, Peter Nicholson and Edward Blore. He practised architecture in his native town before emigrating to New South Wales in 1838, where he was employed by the colonial architect. In 1840 he set sail for New Zealand as a member of Governor William Hobson's party, thus becoming the first professionally trained architect in New Zealand.

Mason resided in Wellington, New Zealand for his first 22 years in the country. Given the limited requirement for new buildings in the early years of settlement he also earned a living by being an auctioneer, politician and farmer.

He was elected to the New Zealand parliament, representing the Auckland Pensioner Settlements seat in the 3rd parliament from 1861 to 1866.

He moved to Dunedin in 1862, to enjoy the opportunities the province offered, created by the discovery of gold in the area. He was elected as the first Mayor of Dunedin in 1865; during his mayoralty he initiated the levelling of the town's streets and the creation of a proper water supply for the town.

Among his most important buildings are: Government House Auckland (1856), St Matthew's Church Dunedin and several buildings in Dunedin which have been demolished: The Bank of New Zealand (1863), The Exhibition Building (1864) and The Post Office (1865).

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