William McLean (1845 – 25 August 1914) was a 19th-century Liberal Party Member of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand.

His employer suspended operations in 1863 in the Lancashire Cotton Famine caused by the American Civil War, and McLean emigrated to New Zealand for the Otago gold rush.

He broke his arm digging at Lake Kaniere and had to go to Christchurch for medical treatment, as there were no doctors on the West Coast yet.

[9] McLean contested the Wellington East electorate in the 1905 election and came a very close second to John Aitken, with just 19 votes (0.32%) between them.

[11][12] In 1898, McLean imported two Benz cars from Paris; they were believed to be the first motor vehicles in New Zealand.

[16] William McLean died on 25 August 1914 at Nurse Major's Private Hospital in Wellington.

[4] He is buried at Karori Cemetery,[18] and other family member who share the same plot (38 G) include his wife,[19] his son Sydney,[20] a daughter in law,[21] and grandchildren.