"Stokes, John Lort (1812-86) - Royal Navy officer and hydrographer, was chosen by Beaufort, the British Hydrographer for the 'Great New Zealand Survey.' Stokes had joined the navy as a ‘volunteer first class’ in 1824 and by 1843, he was an experienced surveyor with the rank of commander. In 1846, he was promoted to captain and in the following year was given command of HMS Acheron. Between 1848 and 1855, Stokes surveyed extensively in New Zealand waters. With Drury’s surveys they were the most complete investigations carried out to that time. Over forty-five New Zealand charts were published in the years following Stokes’ and Drury’s surveys. Some of Stokes' data were also incorporated in maps published by Arrowsmith." (Hooker, Brian. Dictionary of New Zealand Map-Makers.
Internet)