About John O'Donovan
Lived 1858 – 1927 (aged 68). John O'Donovan was a New Zealand police officer.
John O'Donovan (22 May 1858 – 8 April 1927) was a New Zealand police commissioner. He was born in Ross Carbery, County Cork, Ireland, in 1858. He came to New Zealand in 1878 to join his brother Richard, who had represented Okarito on the Westland County Council (1872–1873) and on the Westland Provincial Council (1874–1876).
In the 1920 New Zealand Royal Visit Honours, O'Donovan was appointed a Member (fourth class) of the Royal Victorian Order, and in the 1922 King's Birthday Honours, he was made a Companion of the Imperial Service Order.
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Important facts
People in John O'Donovan's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John O'Donovan's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John O'Donovan?
New Zealand police commissioner
When was John O'Donovan born?
John O'Donovan was born on 22 May 1858 in Rosscarbery.
When did John O'Donovan die?
John O'Donovan died on 8 April 1927 in Wellington.
What was John O'Donovan's occupation?
John O'Donovan was a police officer.
What nationality was John O'Donovan?
John O'Donovan was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John O'Donovan (police commissioner)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John O'Donovan. https://biography.guide/john-o-donovan-police-officer/
MLA: "John O'Donovan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-o-donovan-police-officer/.
Chicago: "John O'Donovan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-o-donovan-police-officer/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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