Exploring Domett St: History of New Zealand’s Premier and Land Confiscation

The history of Domett St in Ōpunake, New Zealand, reflects the life and legacy of its namesake, Alfred Domett, who served as the fourth Premier of New Zealand. This street runs between Longfellow Rd and Layard St, marking a significant area linked to Domett’s political and social contributions, as well as his controversial policies regarding land confiscation.

Alfred Domett was born on May 20, 1811, in Surrey, England, into a family of considerable means. He pursued a legal career in London, where he also developed a passion for poetry, contributing numerous works to the literary community. In 1842, Domett emigrated to New Zealand, where he took on the role of editor for the Nelson Examiner before entering politics in 1846. His political career saw him rise to the position of Colonial Secretary for the province of New Munster, and eventually Premier from 1862 to 1863.

Domett’s tenure was marked by his hardline stance on land issues, particularly concerning the Taranaki iwi. He advocated for the confiscation of all lands belonging to these Māori communities, even those of kūpapa or “friendly” Māori, arguing that such actions were necessary for Pākehā settlement. Domett estimated that £2 million could be generated from the sale of these lands, and he noted in his diary that an increased military presence would be required to suppress Māori resistance to these policies.

These plans for land seizure and military occupation drew widespread criticism, even at the time. The London-based publication, The Spectator, described the project as having “something Roman” about it, highlighting the imperial overtones of Domett’s decisions. This controversy led to the fall of his government, but he later secured the role of Registrar-General of Lands. This position allowed him to oversee more than one million acres of confiscated land in Taranaki, despite these actions being in clear violation of the Treaty of Waitangi.

While some iwi have reached settlements regarding these historical breaches, the majority of the land remains privately owned more than 150 years later. Domett’s legacy is further complicated by his establishment of the General Assembly Library, which later evolved into the National Library, and his role in relocating the capital from Auckland to Wellington.

In 1856, Domett married Mary George, a widowed teacher, and adopted her two sons. The family returned to England in 1871, where he was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1880. Domett passed away in London on November 2, 1887, at the age of 76.

In Ōpunake, the Seaview Private Hospital opened on Domett St in 1920, under the direction of Doctor Thomas Watt and Matron M. Greig. It operated until 1922, when it was replaced by the Cottage Hospital on Layard St, with Watt continuing his medical practice there.

For those interested in delving deeper into local history, the Taranaki Research Centre at Puke Ariki offers extensive resources, including a collection of street histories. More information can be found on their website: https://terangiaoaonunui.pukeariki.com/story-collections/word-on-the-street.