George Mason ONZM (2 May 1930 – 13 September 2024) was a New Zealand botanist and philanthropist.
George Mason | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Mason in 2020 | |
| Born | 2 May 1930 |
| Died | 13 September 2024 (aged 94) Taranaki |
| Relatives | Brian Mason (Cousin) |
| Academic background | |
| Alma mater | University of Auckland University of California, Davis |
Mason was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to conservation, philanthropy, and the community in 2020.
Early life and education
editGeorge William Mason was born on 2 May 1930 in the North Shore region of Auckland, New Zealand to George William Mason and Dorace Mason.[1][2]
Mason completed his Bachelor of Science with majors in Botany and Chemistry at the University of Auckland, beginning in 1948 and graduating in 1952. He went on to pursue a Master of Science in Botany at the university, conducting a seashore study at Ngataringa Bay in North Shore for his thesis and graduated in 1956.[2][3]
He later earned a PhD in plant physiology from the University of California, Davis, where he taught weed science for three years, leaving in December 1959.[2][4]
Career
editPhilanthropy
editIn 1995, Mason established the George Mason Charitable Trust.[5]
Mason raised funds for the trust when he sold his share in Zelam to Lonza Group in July 2015.[6]
In 2016, the trust donated NZ$5,000,000 (US$3,480,622) to the University of Auckland to establish the George Mason Centre for the Natural Environment. The donation was inspired by his cousin Brian Mason's donation to the University of Canterbury.[6]
Mason was invested as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit 'for services to conservation, philanthropy and the community' on 28 July 2020.[7]
Death and legacy
editMason died on 13 September 2024, at the age of 94.[5] A funeral service was held at 12:00 NZST on 21 September 2024 at St Andrew's Church, New Plymouth. This was followed by a committal at the Taranaki Crematorium Chapel.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b "George MASON Obituary". Taranaki Daily News. 16–20 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ a b c Tucker, Jim; Tucker, Rob. Nature's Champion (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ "Obituary, George Mason". University of Auckland. Archived from the original on 25 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ "A lifetime's contribution to education and the environment". Pānui News. Victoria University of Wellington. 2 September 2022. Archived from the original on 14 July 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ a b "The generous Taranaki botanist who helped people and the environment". Stuff. 16 September 2024. Archived from the original on 25 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ a b Lee, Hannah (3 June 2016). "Taranaki's Dr George Mason donates $5 million to new environmental research centre". Stuff. Archived from the original on 31 December 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ "Investiture ceremony, Auckland, Tuesday 28 July". Office of the Governor-General of New Zealand. 28 July 2020. Archived from the original on 28 November 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2024.