Walter Oliver
Quick Facts
Biography
Walter Reginald Brook Oliver (1883–1957) was an Australian-born New Zealand naturalist, ornithologist, malacologist and museum curator.
Biography
Born in Launceston, Tasmania, Oliver emigrated with his family to Tauranga in 1896. Having already developed an interest in nature during his childhood, he systematically recorded natural observations throughout much of his life, joining other naturalists on an expedition to the Kermadec Islands as early as 1908.
In 1910 he became a member of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union (RAOU) for which body he served as Branch Secretary for New Zealand from 1914 to his death in 1957, an extraordinary period of office of 43 years. During this period he also served as RAOU Vice-President 1942-1943, and as President 1943-1944.
Oliver was appointed Director of the Dominion Museum in 1928 1, and in 1930, he published the seminal guide New Zealand Birds, which was updated and expanded in 1955. He retired from the position of Director in 1947. Oliver was active in numerous scientific societies, and was a prolific contributor to New Zealand scientific literature over a long career e.g. he was Government representative on the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand for many years, its president from 1952 to 1954, and editor of its Transactions from 1948 to 1954.
Oliver described several species new to science, including:
- The Snares penguin
- Calliostoma waikanae, a sea snail
- Shepherd's beaked whale
A species of New Zealand lizard, Cyclodina oliveri, is named in his honor.
In 1935, Oliver was awarded the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal.