In an era of rapid technological advancement, it is easy to overlook those who established the knowledge base that underpins today’s research programs. This paper traces the history of plant and soil nematology in Australia and New Zealand and recognises six pioneers who contributed significantly to its development, namely N. A. Cobb, R. C. Colbran, H. R. Wallace, A. F. Bird, J. M. Fisher and W. C. Clark. Collectively, these scientists described many unique and economically important nematodes, advanced our understanding of the biology and ecology of both plant-parasitic and free-living species, laid the foundation for many of the nematode control measures that are in use today and also contributed to the development of the discipline of nematology at an international level.