About Benjamin Tonks
Lived 1832 – 1884 (aged 51–52). Benjamin Tonks was a New Zealand politician.
Benjamin Tonks (1832 – 27 June 1884) was a 19th-century mayor and Member of Parliament in Auckland, New Zealand.
Tonks was elected to the Parnell electorate of the Auckland Provincial Council in 1871. He represented Parnell in the 6th and 7th council until the abolition of provincial government in 1876.
He was the Mayor of Auckland City from 1875 to 1876. He defeated the incumbent mayor Frederick Prime 1,062 votes to 402 in the first direct election for the position by the public.
At the 1876 by-election which followed the resignation of Sir George Grey, he was elected to represent the City of Auckland West electorate. He resigned in 1877.
He died at his home in Remuera on 27 June 1884.
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Important facts
People in Benjamin Tonks's life
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Benjamin Tonks?
New Zealand politician
When was Benjamin Tonks born?
Benjamin Tonks was born in 1832 in Warwickshire.
When did Benjamin Tonks die?
Benjamin Tonks died on 27 June 1884 in Remuera.
What was Benjamin Tonks's occupation?
Benjamin Tonks was a politician.
What nationality was Benjamin Tonks?
Benjamin Tonks was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Benjamin Tonks. https://biography.guide/benjamin-tonks/
MLA: "Benjamin Tonks." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/benjamin-tonks/.
Chicago: "Benjamin Tonks." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/benjamin-tonks/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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