Though considered by other politicians to have little sympathy with working people as a major landowner, his panache and involvement in local affairs led him to be liked and admired by Hawkes Bay's élite.

In 1862 he sold his Captain's commission to settle in Hawkes Bay taking up with his brother 31,000 acres of rolling hill country 25 miles west of Napier in Tunanui, part of it later known as Sherenden.

[1] In Hawkes Bay Russell became involved in civic affairs and became renown for his capability as an administrator.

[5] He represented the New Zealand government at the Federation Conference in Melbourne in 1890, and later at the Australian National Convention in Sydney in 1892.

Noted for his courtesy, honesty and consideration, Russell was at times completely overwhelmed by Prime Minister Richard Seddon in the cut and thrust of parliamentary debate.

[6] For over two years the conservatives were virtually leaderless, although chief whip William Massey often informally filled the role and eventually succeeded Russell as leader in September 1903.

[1] Many years later his son Harold Russell was also appointed a member of the Legislative Council, serving from 1934 to 1938.

One son, Second Lieutenant Lionel Philip Russell, of the Second Battalion, Prince of Wale's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) was attached to the 14th Mounted Infantry in the Second Boer War.

His knighthood is the only such time in New Zealand history where the incumbent Prime Minister has recommended a Leader of the Opposition for such an honour.