One hundred and fifty years later, what began as the New Zealand Institute and is today the Royal Society Te Aparangi stands as one of the world's oldest and most respected independent organisations of its kind. Embracing science, technology, social sciences and the humanities, it is an important advisor to government, administers prestigious research funds, honours achievement with a suite of fellowships, awards and medals, carries out popular public programmes, and seeks and manages vital international relationships and contracts. Not all the time in between was plain sailing. The body frequently faced financial problems, and at times political resistance. Its publications, invaluable records of research, often struggled to survive. Controversy swirled around some of its activities. On several occasions it had to reform itself fundamentally to respond to the broader environment. That it not only made it through but rose to pre-eminence is a testament to the willingness of its members to seize opportunities and embrace change. Today the Society's twin goals of fostering excellence and promoting knowledge make it a vital player in New Zealand's 21st-century knowledge society.