Sir Henry Brett (25 February 1843 – 29 January 1927) was a New Zealand journalist, newspaper proprietor, publisher, writer and politician who issued many standard works on colonial subjects.

Shortly afterwards he joined the reporting staff of The New Zealand Herald and maintained his connection with that journal till 1870, when for the sum of £90 he acquired a third interest in the Auckland Evening Star, which had been recently started by G. M. Reid, and was then in a struggling condition.

By the infusion of additional energy, and the employment of carrier pigeons to supply the want of telegraphs in those days—this being one of the most successful innovations in journalism introduced by Brett—the Auckland Star forged ahead and extinguished its evening rival.

[2] In February 1876, Reid disposed of his interest to Brett—the share of the third partner having previously been acquired by the firm—and the latter thus became sole proprietor.

He later disposed of a partnership interest to Thomson Leys, who succeeded Reid in the editorship of the paper, which reportedly had the largest circulation in New Zealand.