William Massey, born in the 1860s, attended Limavady National School and school in Derry. His parents John and Mary Anne left their farm for New Zealand in 1862. He joined them there in 1870 at age 14 and worked as a farmhand. In 1876 he leased 100 acres at Mangere, South Auckland.

Massey married Christina Paul, daughter of a Scots immigrant, in 1882. They had seven children, two of whom became MPs.

Elected to New Zealand's parliament in 1894 as a conservative, Massey remained there for 31 years. He founded the Reform Party, New Zealand's second organised political party. He served as opposition leader until 1912, then became prime minister.

Massey supported farmers, opposed landlordism, backed railways and road-building, and opposed organised labour. He advocated incorporating New Zealand into Australia and pledged New Zealand's support for the UK during the First World War.

He led the Reform Party through four elections and died in office as New Zealand's second-longest serving prime minister.

A plaque at Irish Green Street in Derry commemorates Massey. A statue stands at O'Connell Street council offices. The Keenaun Suite is in Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre. Massey Avenues exist in Limavady and Belfast.