The New Zealand Geographic Trust is all about identifying and recording what it means to be a New Zealander, catering for passions of many different slants, from ecology to people. We are a true geographic trust, in the Victorian sense of exploring the world and our place in it.

The Trust is the brainchild of Brian Hight, publisher of NZ Geographic magazine; his intention is to create a charitable trust which will perform for New Zealand a role similar to that of the Royal Geographical Society in the UK and National Geographic Society in the USA.

Like the other Geographic Societies and Trusts, we are also aiming to provide our supporters with opportunities to closely follow and, where possible, take part in the research, explorations and adventures we are supporting.

Some of our ambitions:

Research, exploration and adventure

• We will help fund research into what is unique or special to New Zealand, as well as support and promote the spirit of adventure and exploration in all New Zealanders

• This research and experience will enrich the content of New Zealand’s cultural, scientific and historical journal of record, NZ Geographic

Education

• In partnership with educators, media and our scientific community, the Trust will sponsor speakers and lecture series, special publications and radio broadcasts and eventually television partnerships and productions

• One of our first tasks is to fund the digitising of all NZ Geographic back issues to become a free, online resource for schools, educational institutions and libraries

Benefits to our members

• As well as providing financial support for this work, New Zealand Geographic Trust members will be given the opportunity to take part in workshops and symposia, expeditions and other activities, sharing the experiences and knowledge brought to the fore by our magazine

• The New Zealand Geographic Trust will provide its members with opportunities to explore, support and celebrate New Zealand’s natural and built environment, culture and sciences