James Hector was a Scottish geologist and naturalist, born on June 16, 1834. He is best known for his work in New Zealand, where he contributed significantly to the understanding of the country's geology and natural history. Hector played a key role in the establishment of the New Zealand Geological Survey and was involved in various scientific expeditions. In addition to his geological work, Hector was a founding member of the Royal Society of New Zealand. He published numerous scientific papers and was recognized for his contributions to the fields of geology and paleontology. Hector passed away on July 24, 1907, leaving a lasting legacy in New Zealand's scientific community.