Forestry leader and researcher awarded Emeritus title

Emeritus Professor Mason has been honoured with the prestigious academic title following a 32-year career at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) School of Forestry. During that time, he combined excellence in teaching and research with tireless service to students, colleagues and the wider forestry community. He was a driving force in sustaining the Forestry School through challenging times, championing forestry as a career by personally visiting schools nationwide to inspire future professionals. His legacy continues to influence forestry education, policy and practice in New Zealand and beyond.

"I'm extremely grateful to all staff and students at the University for their companionship, superb scholarship and their dedication to our community of scholars. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to be among them as we work together to improve the world,” says Emeritus Professor Mason.

His contributions to the University extended well beyond the classroom. He served more than 15 years on UC’s Academic Board and four years on the University Council, helping to shape policy and guide the institution’s future. Even after his retirement, Emeritus Professor Mason has remained a valued mentor and educator, continuing to teach silviculture and support postgraduate students.

Internationally, Emeritus Professor Mason is highly regarded for his research at the intersection of silviculture, growth and yield modelling, and forest physiology. He has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters and served as editor for leading journals including Forestry and The New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science. His work has influenced both industry practice and government policy on forestry and climate change.

His achievements have been recognised through numerous fellowships and awards, including a senior Fulbright Fellowship, Fellowship of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry, and Honorary Membership of the British Institute of Chartered Foresters. In 2016, he received the New Zealand Forest Owners Association Award for Science of International Quality. 

Beyond research, Emeritus Professor Mason has been deeply committed to outreach and professional service. He played a key role in developing forestry career pathways, strengthening ties between UC and the forestry industry, and leading international collaborations. His leadership extended to chairing an International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) division and serving on technical committees that shaped forestry standards in New Zealand.