The title of Premier was widely used to refer to the Leader of Government, but not enshrined in formal use until 1920.

Under the constitution, ministers were required to resign to recontest their seats in a by-election when appointed.

[1] Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested and on this occasion a poll was required at Wellington (Saul Samuel) however he was comfortably re-elected with 69% of the vote.

[2] This ministry covers the period from 27 October 1868 until 12 January 1870, when Robertson resigned his commission after he failed to gain support of the Assembly.

[3] Robertson stood aside for his colleague, Charles Cowper.