Henry Brett (journalist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Henry Brett
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| 6th Mayor of Auckland City | |
| In office 19 December 1877 – 27 November 1878 |
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| Preceded by | William Hurst |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Peacock |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 February 1843 St Mary Magdalen, Sussex, England |
| Died | 29 January 1927 (aged 83) Rotorua, New Zealand |
| Spouse | Mary Moon |
| Children | 6 |
| Occupation | Journalist |
Sir Henry Brett (born 25 February 1843, died 29 January 1927) was an important person in New Zealand. He was a journalist, owned newspapers, published books, wrote, and was also a politician. He helped create many important books about life in the early days of New Zealand.
Early Life and Move to New Zealand
Henry Brett was born in St Mary Magdalen, Sussex, England, on 25 February 1843. From a young age, he learned the "printing trade." This meant he learned how to set type and print newspapers. He worked in his uncle's newspaper office, the Hastings and St. Leonards Gazette.
In 1862, Henry Brett decided to move to New Zealand. He traveled with a group called "non-conformist special settlers." These were people who wanted to start a new life and farm land. When his ship arrived in Auckland, someone from a newspaper called the Daily Southern Cross came aboard. They were looking for "compositors," which are people who arrange type for printing. Henry Brett was convinced to work for them.
A Career in Journalism
Soon after, Henry Brett joined the reporting team at The New Zealand Herald. He worked there until 1870. That year, he bought a part of a new newspaper called the Auckland Evening Star for £90. This newspaper was not doing very well at the time.
Henry Brett brought new energy to the Auckland Star. He used carrier pigeons to send news quickly. This was a very clever idea because there were no telegraphs everywhere back then. Thanks to his efforts, the Auckland Star became very popular. It even became more successful than its evening rival.
In 1876, Henry Brett became the only owner of the Auckland Star. Later, he shared ownership with Thomson Leys. The Auckland Star became the newspaper with the largest number of readers in New Zealand.
Henry Brett also started other publishing projects. In 1872, he launched the Auckland Almanack and Provincial Handbook. He also created the New Zealand Farmer and Bee and Poultry Journal, which was a monthly magazine about farming. Another publication he started was the New Zealand Graphic.
Public Service and Mayor of Auckland
Henry Brett was a director of the New Zealand Press Association. This group helps newspapers work together. He was also the president of the Auckland Choral Society, a group that performs music.
From 1874 to 1878, Henry Brett was a member of the Auckland City Council. This council helps run the city. In 1878, he was chosen to be the Mayor of Auckland. He became mayor without anyone running against him.
In 1926, Henry Brett was given a special honor. He was made a Knight Bachelor for his public service. This means he was given the title "Sir." He passed away the next year, in 1927, while on holiday in Rotorua.
