Charles William Purnell (1843 – 7 December 1926) was a New Zealand soldier, journalist, lawyer, and publisher of political and scientific texts.

[6] In an attempt to save the paper from financial ruin, its publication was changed from daily to three times a week a month later.

He advocated for a joint expedition with Australia, but exploration did not start until the 1890s:[11] The physical characteristics of New Zealand have virtually shut its settlers out from the field of geographical exploration, so far as the country itself is concerned; but, on the other hand, it is the most convenient base for operations in the noble area of research which lies open for our enterprise in the South Polar Seas.

[12] He challenged the incumbent, William Campbell Walker, in the Ashburton electorate in the 1887 election, but was beaten by a substantial margin.

His father, Charles Purnell, had early in his life worked for David Napier before becoming self-employed, supervising the construction of boats for the Crimean War.

He was a champion rifle shot in New Zealand, and was town clerk in Wanganui before retiring to Freemans Bay, Auckland, where he lived in Wood Street.

[25][26] His eldest sister was Sarah Ann Purnell (21 April 1852 – 8 August 1932), who married Charles Frederick Andrews at Thames on 16 October 1875.

[17][29][30] One more sister, Mary Caroline "Lucy" Purnell (13 January 1858 – 23 October 1945), was born after the family had arrived in New Zealand.

[17][31] On 2 June 1870,[32] Purnell married Flavia Marie Hyde, the daughter of Herbert Wilson of Jersey, at St John the Baptist Church, Christchurch.