Arthur Myers

Sir Arthur Mielziner Myers (19 May 1868 – 9 October 1926) was a New Zealand politician. He was Mayor of Auckland City from 1905 to 1909, Member of the House of Representatives from 1910 to 1921, and a Cabinet Minister. Today he is remembered mainly for the public works constructed in Auckland during his term as Mayor, and partly from his donations, including Grafton Bridge and Myers Park.

Early life Myers was born in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, the child of Louis Myers and Catherine Ehrenfried. Both were German Jewish immigrants to Australia, with Ehrenfried's brothers moving with her for the Gold Rush, and Myers to become a trader and pawnbroker.

In 1903 Myers journeyed to London to marry Vera Anita Levy who he had met two years before. She was the daughter of Benjamin Levy, one of the owners of a large British business empire with interests in Australia. Married in London, they returned to New Zealand, where his wife became a well-known hostess and patron of the local cultural scene. It was she who encouraged Myers to eventually run for public office.

After a break from politics for a world tour, he entered Parliament for the seat of Auckland East in the , replacing his cousin Frederick Baume and won comfortably. He held his seat until 3 October 1921 when he resigned between general elections, resulting in the . He was an Independent initially, and from 1911 he stood for the Liberal Party.

Deciding to leave politics—as he had no wish for a long period of opposition for his party—he left politics in 1921, and also left New Zealand, as he had promised his wife at the time of their wedding that they would eventually return to London where she had grown up. The departure was seen a great loss by many locals. Active for the National Bank of New Zealand, he otherwise led a semi-retired life and took up golf. He died in London in 1926 due to the effects of a series of heart attacks. He was survived by his children and his wife Vera. His son, Ken Myers , took over the company. A grandson, Douglas Myers, became CEO of Campbell and Ehrenfried in 1965 and later created Lion Nathan.