Most Reverend Edward Russell Gaines DD (1926-1994) was the Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland (1976-1981) and was the first Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, New Zealand (1981-1994).

Born in Wanganui 0n 3 November 1926, Gaines received his secondary education at St. Peter's College, Epsom, conducted by the Christian Brothers. He then went on to study at Holy Name Seminary, Christchurch (operated by the Jesuit order) and Holy Cross College, Mosgiel (operated by the Vincentian order).

Denis Browne was ordained a Catholic priest on 13 July 1950 by Archbishop James Liston at St Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland. On the 8 December 1976 he was ordained a Bishop in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland by Bishop John Mackey snd served Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland until 1981. Om 19 June 1981 Gaines was apointed first Bishop of the new Diocese of Hamilton .

Bishop Gaines died on 6 September 1994.