Sir Julius von Haast

19th century Geologist and explorer Sir Julius von Haast's contribution to Aotearoa's scientific history has been quietly overlooked - but a symposium timed to coincide with his 200 birth year anniversary aims to put that right. Haast was brought to New Zealand in 1858 to investigate prospects for German emigrants, but stayed on. He joined many expeditions around Auckland and Nelson as well as remote parts of Canterbury and the West Coast. His roles included being Canterbury's Provincial Geologist, a university professor, and as a botanist he sent many plants to London's Kew Gardens. Haast became the world's foremost expert in moa bones, and was instrumental in establishing Canterbury Museum in 1870. The museum's arranged an online symposium at the end of this month. Lynn catches up with science historian Simon Nathan, and Research Librarian at the Alexander Turnbull Library Sascha Nolden who will both be speaking at the symposium.