Johann Franz Julius Haast was a German-born geologist and explorer known for his significant contributions to the understanding of New Zealand's geology. Born in 1822, he emigrated to New Zealand in 1858, where he conducted extensive research on the region's landscapes, particularly the Southern Alps and West Coast areas. Haast was instrumental in mapping the region and identifying various geological formations. In addition to his geological work, Haast was also a pioneer in the study of glaciers in New Zealand. He discovered and named several notable features, including the Haast Pass and the Franz Josef Glacier. His efforts helped lay the groundwork for future geological studies in the country, and he became the first director of the Canterbury Museum.