John Johnston (23 July 1809 – 16 November 1887) was a Scottish-born New Zealand politician and businessman.

[5][6] He travelled with his wife, their two sons Walter Woods and Sydney[7] and their daughter Agnes Mary[8] who was born during the journey.

[9] In the early 1840s, he founded the large mercantile house and stock and station agency known as Johnston and Co. and continued to take an active part until 1878, when he retired from business, leaving the company in the hands of his sons: the Hon.

[13] Johnston was appointed to the Legislative Council on 31 March 1857 and served until 6 November 1860, when his membership lapsed through absence.

[15] His eldest daughter, Agnes Mary, married Morgan Stanislaus Grace on 25 January 1866 at Wellington.