Roger Cooper: paleobiologist and geologist

Roger Cooper (1939–2020) was one of the pre-eminent New Zealand paleontologists and geologists of the twentieth century. As with many scientists of his generation, he developed a broad suite of skills and his research ranged widely – a testament to his talents but also a function of the small number of Earth scientists studying New Zealand's complex geology. Although he always understood that science builds on a foundation of careful observation and description – and he made huge contributions in this regard – he also sought and applied innovative analytical approaches. Roger was open, kind and generous as a mentor, colleague, collaborator and manager. The present collection of papers pays homage to the many ways that Roger's research advanced understanding of Zealandia's geological history and wider questions in paleobiology, and several of these papers are written by people whose careers were enriched by their interactions with Roger.