David Miller

author

David Miller

1890–1973

A Scottish-born scientist who made his name in New Zealand, he helped build modern knowledge of insects that affected flax, mosquitoes, and timber. His career joined careful field research with public service, and he went on to lead one of the country's best-known research institutes.

1 Audiobook

Garden Pests in New Zealand

Garden Pests in New Zealand

by David Miller

About the author

Born in Glasgow on February 21, 1890, he later moved to New Zealand, where he built a distinguished career in entomology. Early in his working life, he investigated the insect life associated with New Zealand flax for the Department of Agriculture, beginning a long focus on insects that mattered to everyday life and industry.

His research also included work on mosquitoes for the Department of Health, and his studies contributed to timber preservation by helping control insect pests. Alongside his scientific work, he became a university lecturer and eventually served as director of the Cawthron Institute, an important scientific organization in New Zealand.

He was recognized for his service with the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal in 1953 and was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1958. He died in Nelson, New Zealand, on April 28, 1973.