The Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Hugh Robertson was educated at Massey University (BSc Hons) and Oxford University (DPhil). He is currently a Principal Science Advisor at the Department of Conservation (DOC) and has worked for the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) for over 35 years, specialising in kiwi research for the past 23. Author or co-author of over 60 scientific publications, Robertson is an acknowledged expert in his field, serving as the Oceania representative on the CITES Animals Committee and as scientific advisor to the Kakerori Recovery Programme in the Cook Islands. He has won several awards for his work, including the Ornithological Society of New Zealand’s AT Edgar Junior and Falla Memorial awards. He is a regular commentator on Radio New Zealand National. Robertson lives in Wellington, and is married with two children and a kiwi-finding labrador.

Barrie Heather (dec. 1995) was educated at King’s College and the University of Auckland (BA and MA Hons) before undertaking a career as a high school teacher and a tutor at the Open Polytechnic. Heather was editor of the scientific journal Notornis for 17 years and authored or co-authored over 35 scientific publications, including the superbly titled ‘Welcome Swallow at Farewell Spit’. He also won several OSNZ commendations, including the Falla Memorial Award and being made an Honorary Life Member. Heather is survived by his wife, four children and a wader-attracting corgi.

Derek Onley moved from the UK to New Zealand in 1972 via Southampton, Swansea, Portugal, Cambridge and Oxford. He lived for many years on the West Coast as an ornithological hippie, and among other things he trapped possums, built a house or two and was active in native forest conservation. After 20 years of wet feet, he moved east to Waitati where he lives with his partner and cat, continues to study birds and grows vegetables, trees and roses. In between he has carried out fieldwork in New Zealand and many offshore islands. His illustrations have appeared in field guides worldwide and he is currently working on a guide to Paraguay birds.