Ray Watters

Raymond Frederick Watters (born 1928) is a New Zealand geographer known for his work in rural development and social change in the developing world. He has conducted interdisciplinary studies and projects for UN agencies, British Overseas Development Administration, NZ Aid, and governments of various developing countries. Watters specializes in Oceania (South Pacific), Latin America, and Guizhou in south-west China. His research has focused on shifting agriculture in the hot, wet tropics, human geography, and development problems in tribal and peasant societies. Watters has received recognition for his contributions, including the Distinguished New Zealand Geography Award in 2009. He has a bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees.