Thomas Edward Taylor (16 June 1862 – 27 July 1911) was a Christchurch mayor, New Zealand Member of Parliament, businessman and prohibitionist (advocate of temperance).

[3][4] He contested the City of Christchurch electorate at the 1896 general election in December and this time was returned as a Member of Parliament.

Other Independent MPs associated with Taylor were George Laurenson, Leonard Isitt, Harry Bedford and Francis Fisher.

They had five daughters, and one son, Edward Bickmore Ellison Taylor, who was a member of the Christchurch City Council between 1968 and 1971.

James McCombs, Secretary of the Christchurch Prohibition League and later a Labour Party MP, paid tribute to his co-worker and friend:He had a worldwide outlook.

He had a passion for freedom, and his whole career was inspired by the desire that men should have the fullest opportunity for untrammelled development.His wife died in April 1941.