The research aims to strengthen understanding of the connections between nature and society, and support the development of new technologies and solutions aligned with the vision of environmentalist and botanist Dr George Mason, who died in 2024, aged 94.
Mason’s story began in a backyard.
Born the youngest of four children, he grew up on Auckland’s North Shore during the Second World War, where he helped his family by planting and tending vegetables and flowers on a neighbouring section.
He studied at the University of Auckland, toward a Bachelor of Science with majors in Botany and Chemistry and a Master of Science in Botany.
He went on to become an innovative research scientist in the agrichemical industry and was the holder of numerous patents.
Early in his career, he was sponsored by Dan Watkins, founder of agrichemical manufacturer Ivon Watkins Limited in New Plymouth, to complete his doctorate at the University of California.
He was devoted to Taranaki and resided there for more than 65 years.
Inspired by his cousin, Dr Brian Mason, a mineralogist at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. and a major donor to the University of Canterbury, George decided to philanthropically support environmental research New Zealand-wide.
One of the glass houses at University of Waikato, inspired by George Mason.
George Mason’s relationship with the University of Waikato grew out of a long-standing friendship with Professor Bruce Clarkson from the School of Science.
“I introduced him to all our students directly and gave them the opportunity to attend international forums as part of their PhD,” Clarkson said.
“He was always interested in the students. Meeting them, talking about their research, encouraging them – that was the best part of the relationship for him.”
Mason helped fund early postgraduate research in Taranaki and supported the publication of Professor Clarkson’s 1986 monograph on the vegetation of Mt Taranaki/Egmont National Park.
University of Waikato ecologist Professor Bruce Clarkson.
Clarkson said Mason wasn’t interested in research for “its own sake”.
“He wanted to understand [the research’s] value and impact, particularly for conservation and the environment,” Clarkson said.
“He was one of a kind.
“A sharp intellect who always kept me on my toes and a friend I could call at any time.”
The University of Waikato’s $5 million donation from the George Mason Charitable Trust is part of a wider $25 million donation to four New Zealand universities.
George Mason Charitable Trust chairman, Barry Upson, said it was a final investment in research, education and the future of environmental science as the trust winds up and the remaining funds are transferred to the universities.
“George wanted the scholarships and research support provided by the trust for many years to continue long after his death,” Upson said.
“By transferring responsibility back to the University, that’s exactly what this gift will achieve.”
Third-year PhD student in Ecology and Biodiversity, Hannah Rogers, said funding often determines whether postgraduate research is possible at all.
“Without it, doing a PhD simply wouldn’t be an option for many of us.”
She previously completed a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science (Research) in Environmental Sciences, graduating with First Class Honours.
Her research explores epiphyte-host relationships in urban ecosystems.
She met Dr Mason early in her doctoral studies and remembered his enthusiasm for research.
“He was incredibly passionate about research, particularly in the Taranaki region. I was grateful to meet him and discuss my plans at the beginning of my PhD.”
Tom Eley is a multimedia journalist at the Waikato Herald. Before he joined the Hamilton-based team, he worked for the Weekend Sun and Sunlive. He previously worked as a journalist in Canada for Black Press Media and won a fellowship with the Vancouver Sun.