The galaxy HIZOA J0836-43 is one of the most HI-rich galaxies (MHI = 7.5 x 10$^{10}$ Msun). Unlike other giant HI galaxies, it is not of low surface brightness. Such massive spiral galaxies are extremely scarce (~1 / 3x10$^7$ Mpc$^3$) and according to hierarchical structure formation are only forming now ($z\leq 1$). HIZOA J0836-43 is the nearest of its kind (10,700km/s).

The forthcoming deep HI SKA Pathfinders surveys will uncover many more of these massive HI-galaxies. This will lead to a better understanding of how frequent these objects are, how they evolve, and how the shape of the bright end of the HI mass function will vary as a function of redshift. As such, a detailed investigation of this fairly local HI-massive galaxy will provide a valuable local probe to be put into context with the forthcoming higher redshift detections.

However, a detailed analysis is hampered by its location behind the Milky Way: (optical extinction of $A_B \approx 10$mag). We have therefore observed this galaxy and its environment in the near- to far-infrared. We will present new insight of this galaxy based on deep $JHK$ images (IRSF, SAAO), and mid- to far-infrared images and high resolution spectroscopy obtained with Spitzer. We find the galaxy be a luminous starbursting galaxy, at an unexpected early stage of stellar mass building. We have explored the environment of this HI-rich galaxy through a 2 x 2 degree NIR survey. HIZOA J0836-43 does not lie in a dense region consistent with the observation that HI-massive galaxies are preferentially found in low density regions.

The importance of deeper and more resolved HI surveys in the ZOA with the SKA Pathfinders will also be highlighted.