Richard Patrick "Pat" Suggate (17 March 1922 – 16 June 2016) was a New Zealand geologist whose long career combined practical resource assessment with studies of past climates recorded in ice and sediment. He is best known for research into coal properties and coal rank, and for investigations of the timing and extent of New Zealand's glaciations. He served as director of the New Zealand Geological Survey from 1974 to 1986.

Research focus and significance

Suggate's work on coal addressed how heat and pressure change coal's physical and chemical characteristics — commonly described as coal rank — and how those properties affect its behavior as an energy resource. Understanding coal rank helps geologists and engineers estimate energy content, durability, and suitability for particular industrial uses. His research informed assessments of coal quality in New Zealand basins and contributed to broader discussions about resource evaluation.

Glacial studies and environmental history

Alongside coal studies, Suggate investigated the advances and retreats of New Zealand's glaciers. Glacial geology uses moraines, layered sediments and landforms to reconstruct past ice extent and climatic conditions. Work of this kind is important for interpreting regional responses to global climate shifts, for dating landscape development, and for providing context to modern glacier change.

Career and leadership

As director of the New Zealand Geological Survey (1974–1986), Suggate oversaw mapping, resource evaluation and advisory work to government and industry. The Survey's responsibilities include geological mapping, mineral assessment and providing baseline data used in planning, hazard assessment and environmental management. In that leadership role he helped shape the institution's priorities during a period of active resource development and scientific consolidation.

Legacy and honours

Suggate's contributions were recognized in the 2003 New Year Honours when he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to geology. Colleagues remember him for combining field observation with practical applications in resource science and for mentoring younger geologists. He died in Wellington on 16 June 2016 at the age of 94.

  • Areas of work: coal properties and rank, glacial geology, geological survey administration.
  • Leadership: Director, New Zealand Geological Survey, 1974–1986.
  • Honour: Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2003).