To be distinguished from William Williams (missionary) (1859–1892) in Khasi Hills IndiaWilliam Williams (18 July 1800 – 9 February 1878) was the first Anglican Bishop of Waiapu.
Williams was consecrated as the Bishop of Waiapu on 3 April 1859 at the meeting of the General Synod at Wellington.
His son, Leonard Williams was the third bishop of Waiapu and his grandson, Herbert Williams, was the 6th bishop of Waiapu.
His brother, the Rev.
Henry Williams, was the leader of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) mission in New Zealand.
William Williams led the CMS missionaries in translating the Bible into Maori and he also published an early dictionary and grammar of the Maori language.