William Larnach was a 19th-century New Zealand politician and businessman, known for his role in the early development of the country. Born in 1826 in Scotland, he emigrated to New Zealand in 1858, where he became a successful merchant and landowner. Larnach served as a member of the New Zealand Parliament and held various ministerial positions, contributing to the political landscape of the time. Larnach is perhaps best remembered for the grand Larnach Castle, which he built in Dunedin in the 1870s. The castle, designed in a Scottish baronial style, reflects his wealth and ambition. Today, it stands as a popular tourist attraction, showcasing the history and architecture of the era.