After coming out from jail he started on social reformation, including that of prison conditions. In 1831 he became involved with the colonization of South Australia. He then stared a new project called "The New Zealand Association". In 1837 the Colonial office gave "The New Zealand Association" permission to promote settlement in New Zealand. In June of 1898 the association reformed into "The New Zealand Company". They purchased a ship and his brother went and claimed most of central New Zealand in which they could sell for huge profit. Unfortunately most of the purchases were disallowed when investigated by British authorities. The Company founded many places included Wellington, Christchurch and Otago. In 1852 he was consulted on the New Zealand constitution. He was involved in New Zealand's early parliament and democracy by getting the people to elect representatives instead of having them appointed by the governor. He later died in Wellington on May 16, 1862.
Personal Details
- 20 March 1796 - May 16, 1862
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Born in London.
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Married Eliza Pattle in 1816.
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Had Two children nina in 1817 and Edward Jerningham Wakefield in 1820.
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Eliza Pattle died in 1820.
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Went to jail for abducting and marrying a teenage heiress.
