Support our science

Our research helps protect and restore the health of our marine and freshwater ecosystems.

From the mountains to the sea, we recognise how deeply connected the wellbeing of our rivers, lakes, oceans and people truly is.

Mussel floats on the surface of the sea in Marlborough's Queen Charlotte Sound

Support our science

Our research helps protect and restore the health of our marine and freshwater ecosystems.

From the mountains to the sea, we recognise how deeply connected the wellbeing of our rivers, lakes, oceans and people truly is.

Donate today.

Our diverse and globally connected teams are advancing the sustainable use of marine resources to deliver lasting benefits for the environment, the economy and our communities. But we can’t do it alone.

As a charitable trust, Cawthron relies on a mix of government funding, research consultancy and commercial laboratory revenue and philanthropic generosity to support our critical work.

By investing in our science and outreach, you’ll help us to help tackle the most pressing challenges of our time, as well as inspire the next generation of scientists.

Your tax-deductible donation will help our scientists to protect and restore our aquatic ecosystems and unlock the vast potential of our oceans.

Any gift, big or small, will make a difference to advancing our marine and freshwater research.

If you would prefer to make a donation via online banking, please email foundation@cawthron.org.nz

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Leave your legacy.

By leaving a gift to Cawthron in your will, you are supporting vital research to ensure our marine and freshwater environments will be healthy and resilient for future generations.

General or unrestricted bequests allows Cawthron to direct our efforts where it’s needed most, helping us respond swiftly to emerging challenges and opportunities.

You are welcome to get in touch with us if you are considering leaving a gift in your will. If you have already included a bequest to the Cawthron Foundation in your will, we would appreciate the opportunity to be able to thank you and invite you to get in touch with us by emailing foundation@cawthron.org.nz.

Find out more about leaving a gift in your will.

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Inspire the next generation of innovators.

Each year, Cawthron delivers a vibrant programme of community outreach and education to spark curiosity and inspire tomorrow’s scientists.

Cawthron also accepts bequests and donations that help us to deliver initiatives that include education visits to primary and secondary school students in Te Tauihu, Scitec Expo science fair, Freshwater Champions Aotearoa and the annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture, plus many public science talks each year.

Some of the ways you can help us deliver Cawthron’s outreach programme include:

  • supporting a summer scholarship for an undergraduate university student
  • supporting a science education initiative
  • supporting a research programme with an outreach component
  • volunteering at our bi-annual Scitec Expo (school science fair).

There are many ways to support our philanthropic activities. Please contact us today to discuss your options further by emailing foundation@cawthron.org.nz .

Ocean guardians pilot programme

We aim to educate and inspire the next wave of leaders as marine scientists, conservationists, innovators and kaitiaki – young people who will pioneer solutions for a changing world. Alongside this, we seek to engage braoder communities, raising awareness of the critical role our oceans play and how we can all contribute to their protection. Find out more about how you can support this vision here.

Cawthron-Become-A-‘Friend-Of-Cawthron’

Become A ‘Friend Of Cawthron’.

Join Friends of Cawthron and help give back to science by supporting our research, education and community activities.

Membership is free and benefits include:

  • Updates about Cawthron science and events
  • Invitations to Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lectures
  • Invitations to Cawthron Institute lectures and open days

To become a Friend of Cawthron, sign up here.