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Story: Constitution

'King Dick', around 1900

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'King Dick', around 1900

Premier Richard Seddon, who was nicknamed 'King Dick', exemplified a tendency towards authoritarian government in New Zealand in the 19th century. This watercolour caricature of Seddon illustrates his stature and commanding presence.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library

Reference: A-122-002

by A. Vyvyan Hunt

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Matthew Palmer, Constitution – The rise and bridling of executive power, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/35919/king-dick-around-1900 (accessed 10 June 2026).

Story by Matthew Palmer, published 7 May 2012.