Thomas Dick (13 August 1823 – 5 February 1900) was a 19th-century New Zealand politician. Originally a merchant, he worked in London and then represented his firm on Saint Helena for seven years. From there, he was sent to Dunedin as the company's representative; he emigrated with an extended family. He soon became involved in politics and was Superintendent of Otago Province from 1865 until 1867. Over a period of 24 years, he represented various Dunedin electorates in Parliament and was Colonial Secretary (1880–1884), Minister of Justice from 1881 to 1882, and Minister of Education from 1881 to 1884. A deeply religious man, he was involved in many church affairs. He was one of the founders of Hanover Street Baptist Church; the building is now classified as Category I by Heritage New Zealand. Early life Dick was born in Edinburgh, the son of Thomas Dick and Marjorie Dick (née Sherriff). The family moved to London, but he was sent back to Edinburgh for his education. He was employed by London merchandise firms and his second employer sent him to Saint Helena as their company representative in 1850 for seven years. There he married his second wife, Elizabeth Clarissa Darling in 1850. He was transferred to Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1857, arriving there with his wife, four children, his wife's mother (Elizabeth Darling) and his wife's siblings on the ship Bosworth on 26 November. He became an auctioneer in Dunedin. Political career Dick was active in politics in the Otago District of New Zealand. He was elected to the Otago Provincial Council on 12 February 1859. He was Provincial Secretary for several years and was Superintendent from 1865 to 1867. The 1865 election for the Superintendency was caused by the resignation on 23 June 1865 of John Hyde Harris, who claimed significant differences in opinion with his executive, as well as a need to devote more time to his private financial affairs, as reasons for his resignation. At the nomination meeting, Dick, Henry Clapcott and Edward McGlashan were proposed. Clapcott had been on the Executive of the Provincial Council from May 1864 (when he was first elected onto the council) until April 1865. McGlashan had been on the first Council (1853–1855) and had represented the City of Dunedin electorate in Parliament from 1860 until his resignation in 1862. Clapcott withdrew his candidacy (apparently, he was not well received by the voters)