New Zealand Oystercatchers

["Greg" <>]

Hi G. Crompton

Having visited New Zealand last December and meeting David Medway the 
president of the New Zealand Ornithological Society I may be able to shed a 
little light on the naming issue. David advised that the taxonomy and naming 
of New Zealand birds was under review.  I understand that the committee is 
waiting for the revised Christidis and Boles to appear but that doesn't mean 
that they will, automatically, accept all of the changes therein.
The current names reflect 'old' names once used in Australia for birds that 
we share plus some home grown ones.  Wim's comments on committees and 
taxonomy are interesting and certainly are true but it is probably best to 
have a committee decide on the 'official' list, at least for communication 
and publishing purposes.

Regards

Greg Clancy