Powell is one of the principal figures shaping the computational revolution that has been one of the most significant scientific developments of the second half of the twentieth century. His work in the field of continuous optimization has been pivotal in both the development and analysis of algorithms for constrained and unconstrained problems. His contributions have shaped the practical aspects of methods used in function approximation including, in particular, methods for multivariate interpolation of scattered data. Powell has close associations with researchers in Australia and New Zealand. He has been instrumental in providing postdoctoral opportunities for our graduate students.