RUSSELL

community, Northland local government region, northeastern North Island, New Zealand, on the southeastern shore of the Bay of Islands. Under its original name of Okiato, the town was chosen (1840) by Lieutenant Governor William Hobson to be the first capital of New Zealand. It was subsequently renamed in honour of Lord John Russell, then secretary of state for the colonies. In 1841 the capital was transferred to Auckland, and shortly afterward Russell was destroyed by fire. By 1846 the town had been relocated to the village site of Kororareka. Russell is now a resort centre, linked to Auckland (165 miles south) by road. Its deepwater harbour accommodates game, commercial fishing, and oyster fleets. Pop. (1986) 1,052.