Dr George Mason ONZM, who passed away in 2024, was an accomplished research scientist who generously supported environmental research throughout his lifetime. Through his Trust, he donated millions of dollars to scholarships, education, and postgraduate research across Aotearoa, significantly advancing our nation’s collective expertise in the natural and environmental sciences.

The gift will be used to support postgraduate students and researchers who are conducting solutions-focused research that advances conservation, restoration, and sustainability in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Professor Nicola Nelson, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, says the Faculty is truly grateful for the generous gift, which will be an opportunity to deepen and broaden the impact of their research. 

“Dr Mason’s gift is transformative. His investment in the future of human knowledge is a profound act of belief in the power and potential of scientific research here at Te Herenga Waka. 

“We are deeply grateful to the trustees of the George Mason Charitable Trust, who have ensured Dr Mason’s vision of supporting research within the natural environment is realised far into the future.” 

The gift agreement was signed at a ceremony held earlier today in the Victoria Room and attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith, Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Chair John McCay, and the trustees of the George Mason Charitable Trust. 

Te Herenga Waka Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith says Dr Mason’s gift will have a lasting impact on the University’s research capacity. 

“Dr Mason’s lifelong goal to restore and protect the environment will be significantly advanced through the meaningful research his gift will enable. 

“His legacy will live on through the ambitious research projects this gift will support, the solutions our researchers will develop as a result, and the influence their groundbreaking work will have on our society.” 

Professor of Marine Biology James Bell, who led a research group that was generously supported by Dr Mason, says this funding had a transformative impact on the reach and scope of their work. 

“Past funding from the George Mason Trust unlocked an amazing opportunity to develop an exciting new area of research focused on deep water or so-called mesophotic reefs. We were able to purchase remotely operated vehicles and fund student scholarships that supported the discovery of never-before observed marine communities and understand their significance to Aotearoa New Zealand. 

“This new gift will ensure that George’s legacy of generosity and support for conservation and scientific advancement lives on through numerous research projects across many disciplines. We will continue to be inspired by George’s passion for solutions-focused science that will ultimately benefit people and the planet.”