Seddon, Richard John (1845-1906), was prime minister of New Zealand from 1893 to 1906. New Zealanders called this popular leader King Dick. Under his leadership, New Zealand introduced several important reforms, including giving women the right to vote and requiring that an impartial judge whose decision was binding on both sides settle labor disputes. His government also introduced old-age pensions, an income tax, and laws to regulate employment conditions. Seddon was born in St. Helen's, Lancashire, England, on June 22, 1845. He arrived in New Zealand in 1866 and entered Parliament in 1879. He died on June 10, 1906.