Story: Research institutions

James Hector

James Hector

Sir James Hector was the first government scientist in New Zealand. Although trained as a doctor, he set up a national geological survey in 1865, and was used by the government as an adviser on many scientific and technical issues. Hector was keenly interested in all areas of science, as emphasised in this 1903 caricature at the time of his retirement.

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Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: B-094-015
Chromolithograph by Walter Armiger Bowring

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Simon Nathan, 'Research institutions - Developing research organisations', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/44968/james-hector (accessed 2 May 2024)

Story by Simon Nathan, published 22 Oct 2014