John Staveley
Sir John Staveley | |
|---|---|
| Born | 30 August 1914 |
| Died | 14 May 2006 (aged 91) Auckland, New Zealand |
| Occupation | Pathologist, Haematologist |
| Education | Timaru Boys' High School |
| Notable awards | |
| Spouse |
Elvira, Lady Staveley (née Wycherley)
(m. 1940; died 1992) |
| Relatives |
|
Sir John Malfroy Staveley KBE MC (30 August 1914 – 14 May 2006), sometimes referred to as Jock Staveley, was a New Zealand haematologist, pathologist, and a pioneer in the field of blood transfusion services.[2]
He is widely credited with laying the foundations for what would become the modern New Zealand Blood Service and significantly advancing transfusion practice and research in Aotearoa New Zealand.[3]
His eldest daughter is the author Tessa Duder.
Early life and education
Staveley was born on 30 August 1914 in Hokitika, New Zealand. He attended Timaru Boys' High School before studying medicine at the University of Otago, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1938.[4]
In 1940, Staveley married cellist Elvira Cleofe Wycherley, and the couple went on to have two children.[4]
He died at his home in Auckland on 14 May 2006, and was survived by his two children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Legacy and awards
Staveley was awarded the Military Cross on the 19 March 1942 for his gallant and distinguished service as a medical officer in the Middle East. In addition, he was awarded a War Medal (1939–1945).
In the 1972 Birthday Honours Staveley was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for valuable services to medicine.
He was promoted to Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to New Zealand blood transfusion services in the 1980 New Year Honours.[5]
Three years after his death, in July 2009, the then New Zealand Governor-General, Sir Anand Satyanand, opened the Sir John Staveley Library at the Auckland offices of the New Zealand Blood Service, named in honour of Staveley's work.[3]
References
- ^ "John Malfroy Staveley – Cenotaph record". Online Cenotaph. Auckland War Memorial Museum. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
- ^ Satyanand, Rt Hon Sir Anand, GNZM, QSO (29 July 2009). Opening of the Sir John Staveley Library. Speech presented at the opening of the Sir John Staveley Library, New Zealand Blood Service, Auckland. The Governor-General of New Zealand. Retrieved from https://gg.govt.nz/publications/opening-sir-john-staveley-library (accessed 22 February 2026).
- ^ a b "Sir John Malfroy Staveley, KBE, MC, FRCP Edin". Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh – Heritage Obituaries. Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
- ^ a b "Sir John Staveley (obituary)". The New Zealand Medical Journal. 119 (1235). Wellington: New Zealand Medical Association. 2 June 2006. ISSN 1175-8716.
- ^ "New Zealand Gazette (supplement)" (PDF). New Zealand Government. 10 January 1980. p. 1. Retrieved 24 February 2026.