The vivid biography of a colonial scholar, scientist and gentleman

Longlisted for the 2026 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

When Thomas Cheeseman arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1853 at the age of eight, the world outside knew little of this country’s people, plants, animals and environment. Within weeks, he began a lifelong love of collecting and classifying, and by his early twenties he was making waves in colonial scientific circles.

Appointed the director of the Auckland Museum when it was not much more than a shed of curiosities, by sheer force of dedication he developed it into one of New Zealand’s leading museums and scientific institutions. Along the way he cultivated relationships with the leading scientists of the day, including Charles Darwin and directors of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, William and Joseph Hooker. And he collected many thousands of specimens and objects, making a vital contribution to our understanding of New Zealand’s natural history.

This handsome, richly illustrated book tells both his story and the story of the fine museum he founded.

‘Readers interested in the history of New Zealand’s museums will be amply rewarded’ — Thomas McLean, NZ Listener

‘The Collector has its roots in McKay's PhD thesis, so you hope for an authoritative coverage. You get that, in a biography which is also a social-cum-scientific history and engaging narrative. It's published by MUP, so you expect a quality production. You get that as well’ — David Hill, Kete

‘Will interest anyone who is curious about science, history, and cultural heritage in Aotearoa’ —  Anne Kerslake Hendricks, NZ Booklovers

‘Cheeseman’s legacy and that of the Auckland Museum is explored in vivid detail and colour’ — Sapeer Mayron, Sunday Star-Times

‘A well-researched and written book, thoughtfully designed with numerous images’ — John Daly-Peoples, New Zealand Arts Review