Edward Roberts

Edward Roberts was a New Zealand architect and engineer. Roberts early life in England is unknown but he came to New Zealand from England as a civilian with the Royal Engineers. Roberts was involved in both architecture and engineering in Wellington, designing buildings such as the colonial hospital and designing a harbour reclamation plan. Roberts also was a witness to the 1855 Wairarapa earthquake and his reports are an important primary source for geologists. Roberts arrived in New Zealand in 1847 as a civilian in the Royal Engineers to work on military construction. It is estimated he was in his late 20s or early 30s upon his arrival. Roberts worked alongside Thomas Fitzgerald to design the Wellington Colonial Hospital (Contemporary sources state Roberts took over the design The lighthouse was prefabricated in England and was sent over to New Zealand in 1858 to be installed.) 1849–1852 represented the zenith of his architectural career with six government buildings, a church, and hotel being designed during these years. Roberts designed the replacement gaol and described it as 'earthquake-proof'. Roberts was in correspondence with Charles Lyell, who used his information to give an account of the earthquake in the 10th edition of Principles of Geology. Roberts also provided information on the earthquake for Richard Taylor and his 1855 book Te Ika a Maui or New Zealand and its inhabitants. In 1856 Roberts was in England In 1858 a letter for Roberts was addressed to the Royal Engineers' Office at 11 James Street, Westminster, confirming his location in England specifically.

Personal life After the New Zealand Society was founded in 1851 Roberts served as a committee member, with the committee first meeting at Roberts' office and the rules committee meeting at his home. Roberts was also a trustee of the Wellington Cemetery.

Roberts' wife died in 1880.