statesman who, as prime minister of New Zealand in the depression-ridden 1880s, implemented a policy of economic self-reliance and government austerity.

Atkinson left England for Taranaki province, N.Z., in 1853 and attained distinction as a soldier in the wars of 1860 and 1863 against the native Maoris. As minister of defense (1864–65) in the administration of Sir Frederick Weld, he advocated reliance on the colony's own troops in fighting the Maoris. On returning from a trip to England, he reentered Parliament in 1872 and became a leading figure in the “continuous ministry” of Sir Julius Vogel. He was prime minister (1876–77) when the act of abolition of the provincial governments was passed.

As colonial treasurer (1879–82, 1882–83) and again as prime minister (1883–84, 1887–90), he combated a persistent economic depression by reducing government expenditures and increasing taxation, reversing the expansionist policies of Vogel. He also tried to stimulate domestic industry by installing a protective tariff (1888) and by encouraging land settlement for farming. After being defeated in the election of December 1890, he served as speaker of the legislative council. Many of his ideas for social legislation were implemented in the Liberal ministry of John Ballance (Ballance, John) (1891–93). He was knighted in 1888.