Due to your interest and support of natural sciences at the University of Auckland, we hoped that you would be available to join us in celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the George Mason Centre for the Natural Environment on Thursday, 16 April 2026.
Please find your invitation below, and RSVP using the link at the bottom of the email. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
We are delighted to invite you to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the George Mason Centre for the Natural Environment (GMCNE).
Join members of the GMCNE community as we reflect on a decade of valuable research and collaboration, honour the life of Dr Mason’s vision and provide a glimpse into the Centre’s future as it continues in its mission to advance environmental conservation, restoration and sustainability.
Dr George Mason was a Taranaki-based philanthropist and University of Auckland alumnus dedicated to environmental preservation. He believed in fostering the careers of research students and early-career researchers. In 2016, he donated $5 million to the University of Auckland to establish the multidisciplinary George Mason Centre for the Natural Environment. Since its inception, the Centre has funded nearly $4.7 million in research, supporting doctoral and master's students, postdoctoral fellows, and seed projects. It has helped to generate a further $23 million in associated funding for environmental science.
Dr Mason sadly passed away in 2024, but his legacy endures. The George Mason Charitable Trust recently announced a multi-million dollar gift to further research into the natural environment and biological sciences. This event celebrates his remarkable life, honours his enduring legacy, and recognises the ongoing impact of his generosity and dedication to research and the environment.
Event details
Date: Thursday, 16 April 2026
Time: 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Parking: Paid parking is available on Princes Street or in the Owen G. Glenn Building carpark, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland Central.
Programme
4.00pm - Welcome and introductions from the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Māori), Michael Steedman
4.10pm - Research and Impact from the Director, Simon Thrush
5:00pm - Celebratory remarks from the Chancellor, Cecilia Tarrant
Refreshments will be provided.