University honours David Mace, Past Grand Master

The man who has been the major link between Freemasons New Zealand and the University of Auckland in the current era, Most Worshipful Bro David Mace, ONZM, has been honoured by the University with the prestigious award of an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD).  

Grand Master, MW Bro Mark Winger announced the news by email to all Lodges and other Constitutions this week congratulating Bro Mace on receiving this honour and thanking him for his outstanding work in fostering and enhancing the close and long-standing relationship between Freemasonry and the University.

As a leading representative of Freemasons New Zealand he has been deeply involved in the Freemasons support  provided to the University for their research and education in gerontology, ophthalmology, and most especially neurology, over a long period.  He is currently Deputy Chair of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Brain Research in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences working closely with the Director of the Centre, Bro Sir Richard Faull.  David has been Chairman of Freemasons Foundation since 2006.

Honoris Causa degrees are one of the highest honours the University has of recognizing those that have made a significant contribution to its own work and the communities they serve. MW Bro Mace joins a list of distinguished graduates which includes such names as Governor-General, Sir Anand Satyanand, Prime Minister, Helen Clarke, and businessmen Douglas Myers and Hugh Fletcher.  Just fifty have been awarded by the University since 1963.

In 2011, David was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the community reflecting his remarkable record of services to the community.

The degree will be conferred at a graduation ceremony to take place at the University in January.

“If anyone has spoken up for Freemasonry in New Zealand it must be David!”

Read the Grand Masters letter here