'His own landlord': The life and legacy of William Ferguson Massey

William Ferguson Massey and Sir Joseph George Ward, circa 1920 (Penta Springs Limited / Alamy Stock Photo

William Ferguson Massey, known in his adopted homeland as “Farmer Bill”, remains one of the most significant figures in New Zealand’s political history and perhaps the most renowned son of Keenaght, Limavady. Born in modest circumstances, Massey’s life story is a powerful testament to personal determination, public service, and the enduring cultural ties between Ulster and the British Empire.

Born on 26 March 1856, his father John Massey was a ploughman, and had likely moved to Limavady from another county in Ulster. His mother, Mary Anne (née Ferguson), came from a long-established Presbyterian farming family in the area.

In 1862, enticed by land grants offered by the provincial government of Auckland, the Masseys emigrated to New Zealand. William Massey, then only six, remained in Limavady with his grandparents, Mr and Mrs William Ferguson. He attended the National School in Limavady under a teacher named Mr Logan and worshipped at Second Limavady Presbyterian Church, experiences that would shape his character and values profoundly.

At age 14, Massey joined his parents in New Zealand, travelling alone aboard the clipper City of Auckland, arriving after an 84-day voyage in December 1870. Like many young immigrants of the time, Massey learned practical skills at sea that would serve him throughout his life.

Upon arriving in New Zealand, Massey worked the land alongside his father in west Tāmaki and later gained experience on a large sheep station. By the late 1870s, he leased his own 100-acre farm at Māngere and became an agricultural contractor. Over time, he expanded his landholdings to 300 acres and developed a passion for reading, building a personal library filled with works by William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, and biblical texts – especially the Old Testament.

In 1882, Massey married Christina Allan Paul, and together they had seven children. Two sons, Jack and Walter, would later follow him into politics.

Massey quickly became a respected and popular community leader. He chaired the Māngere school committee, local road board and led local agricultural associations. By the early 1890s, he had emerged as a de facto spokesman for rural Auckland and was soon drawn into politics. He first stood for parliament in 1893 and was elected the following year, representing the Franklin electorate. His political slogan – “Every man his own landlord” – was a clear nod to the Ulster tenant-right movement and his Presbyterian background.

Though Massey entered Parliament in 1894, he spent 18 years in opposition, gaining a reputation as a shrewd and tenacious debater. He became leader of the opposition in 1903 and formed the Reform Party in 1909 to consolidate rural and conservative interests against the ruling Liberals.

In 1912, following the resignation of Sir Joseph Ward and a no-confidence vote against his successor, Thomas Mackenzie, Massey was sworn in as prime minister. He would remain in the position until his death in 1925, making him New Zealand’s second-longest serving prime minister.

Early in his tenure, Massey took a hardline stance during major industrial disputes, including the 1912 Waihī miners’ strike and the 1913 waterfront strike. His response, including the use of “Massey’s Cossacks” – mounted special constables – was divisive but won him support among farmers and conservatives.

Massey’s premiership was defined by the First World War. Initially reluctant, he agreed to form a wartime coalition with the Liberals in 1915. Despite personal and political tensions, particularly with Ward, he led New Zealand through the war with resolve. He frequently visited troops on the front and hospitals, earning admiration even from political opponents like Labour MP John A Lee.

Despite the years and the distance, Massey never forgot his roots

At the 1919 Versailles Peace Conference, Massey signed the treaty ending the war on behalf of New Zealand, one of the first acts that symbolised the growing autonomy of the dominions within the British Empire.

Despite the years and the distance, Massey never forgot his roots. His return to Limavady in 1916, during wartime, lifted local morale. He received a hero’s welcome and was granted the Freedom of the City of Derry/Londonderry, a rare honour bestowed upon him for his service to the Empire and to the local area.

Massey made a second official visit to Northern Ireland in 1923 as a guest of Sir James Craig, the first prime minister of Northern Ireland. He was honoured at Queen’s University Belfast, where students dressed as Māori warriors performed the haka and elected him their “Paramount Chief” – a poignant recognition of his unique place bridging two hemispheres.

In Limavady, he revisited his old school and church, met local residents, and attended a Sunday service at Second Limavady Presbyterian Church. At a civic luncheon, he reportedly declared: “Give me a quarter million Ulstermen and women and I will take the blessed lot [to New Zealand].”

He declined to attend the opening of the Northern Ireland Parliament in 1921 only because his attendance alone – as other dominion leaders declined – might have sent unintended political signals. However, he sent a message affirming Ulster’s loyalty and imperial values.

After 1919 Massey led with a solid parliamentary majority, but the post-war years proved difficult. Economic downturn, social unrest, and a changing political landscape tested his administration. He introduced state-backed marketing boards for agriculture and opposed excessive government spending.

By 1922, his majority had been eroded. Nevertheless, he managed to maintain power, forming deals with independent MPs to keep his Reform government afloat. However, the pressures of office took their toll. Ill with cancer, Massey reduced his responsibilities in late 1924 and died on 10 May 1925 at age 69.

He was buried at Point Halswell overlooking Wellington Harbour, a serene resting place from which he could symbolically continue to watch over his adopted country. His wife Dame Christina was later buried beside him.

Massey’s impact did not end with his death. In New Zealand, Massey University carries his name as a tribute to his contributions to agriculture and education. In Limavady, his hometown honours him with two memorials: a statue outside the council offices on Connell Street, and a plaque at Irish Green Street, near his birthplace.

His relationship with Ulster was commemorated when the main avenue leading to Northern Ireland’s parliament at Stormont was named Massey Avenue. 

Northern Ireland prime minister Sir James Craig, later Viscount Craigavon, who hosted Massey during his 1923 visit, paid tribute to him, stating: “None stands more honoured in our hearts than the late prime minister of New Zealand… His whole soul was centred upon the people whom he had the honour to represent, but throughout all there was a warm place in his heart for his native Ulster.”

Massey's life was one of paradoxes and unity

Viscount Craigavon would later visit Massey’s grave in Wellington, laying a wreath “from the people of Ulster”. Another Northern Ireland prime minister Lord Brookeborough followed in his footsteps, recognising Massey’s enduring legacy as a bridge between Ulster and the wider world.

William Ferguson Massey’s life was one of paradoxes and unity. A proud Ulsterman, he rose to the highest political office in New Zealand. A humble farmer, he guided his nation through a world war and left an indelible mark on its identity. A conservative, he accepted the permanence of many Liberal reforms and remained sensitive to the needs of the common citizen. He was, as described in his obituary in The Times, “a New Zealander of New Zealanders”, yet one who “would never allow it to be forgotten that he was an Ulsterman”.

In both Limavady and New Zealand, Massey is remembered not only as a political leader but as a symbol of the values of perseverance, patriotism, and community service. 

His legacy endures, in bronze and in memory, across two nations he called home.

This year marked the centenary of Massey’s death, and it was fitting that commemorations took place across the countries where he had left a profound impact. Gregory Campbell tabled a motion in the House of Commons, honouring Massey’s life and legacy as one of the most distinguished Ulster sons to serve the British Empire. In the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alan Robinson MLA delivered a statement reflecting on Massey’s achievements and enduring connection to his native Limavady. 

A reception to mark the centenary was hosted at Parliament Buildings, Stormont by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Edwin Poots. The event brought together historians, political representatives, and members of the public to reflect on Massey’s enduring influence and his role in shaping the modern Commonwealth.

One of the most symbolic tributes took place at Queen’s University Belfast, where a new portrait of Massey was unveiled. The occasion recalled his honorary doctorate and his memorable 1923 visit.

These tributes, spanning three legislatures and two hemispheres, serve as a powerful reminder of the transnational legacy of William Ferguson Massey – a statesman of the Empire, a voice of the farmer, and a son of Limavady whose influence echoed far beyond the banks of the Roe. 

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