George Read (New Zealand politician)

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George Edward Read (1814/1815 – 23 February 1878) was a British mariner, trader, landowner and politician in Poverty Bay, New Zealand. Known as Captain Read, he settled in Gisborne after a career in whaling and opened a store in the town. He was born in Mendlesham, Suffolk, England. Little is known about his early life. He came to the Pacific in the 1830s on a whaling ship and later worked on trading ships. Read arrived at the settlement of Tūranga in 1844. By 1852 he owned a schooner and was a leading trader and landowner. In the 1876 general election he represented the East Coast electorate from 6 January 1876 until 22 August 1876, when he was unseated on a petition. He died at his home in Gisborne on 23 February 1878. He was married to Noko Pahipa.