Trams in New Zealand characterised by inflexible routes and expensive infrastructure maintenance. In Wellington there was significant opposition to the closure of the last tramway system in New Zealand, and the final decision to disestablish the remaining lines followed on a public referendum in 1959. All trolleybus systems in New Zealand have now been closed: Christchurch (1956), New Plymouth (1967), Auckland (1980), Dunedin (1982) and Wellington (2017). Auckland City had a private company operating horse-drawn trams from 1884. The Auckland Electric Tram Company's system was officially opened on 17 November 1902, but public service was delayed because three of the motormen, from Sydney, Australia,
1858 City of Wellington by-election 1858 City of Wellington by-election The City of Wellington by-election 1858 was a by-election held in the multi-member electorate during the 2nd New Zealand Parliament, on 27 July 1858. The by-election was caused by the resignation of two of the three incumbent MPs Isaac Featherston and William Fitzherbert, and was won by Featherston and William Rhodes. Featherston resigned in order to return to England, but then decided to remain in New Zealand while Rhodes resigned to contest the which he subsequently won. On nomination day (26 July) Featherston, Rhodes, Jerningham Wakefield and William Bowler were nominated, and after a show