Marilyn and Grant Nelson, Christchurch, QSM
For services to philanthropy. Mr and Mrs Nelson formed the Gama Foundation Charitable Trust in 1995. Through the Trust, they have donated substantial funds to various organisations and causes. The Foundation donated $2 million to establish the University of Otago Legal Issues Centre and $350,000 towards the Gama Research Fellowship in Bipolar Disorder. The Foundation has also worked to conserve native bush in the South Island and has bought different areas of native bush, such as Omahu Bush and Kakahu Bush, which have been converted into reserves. The Foundation was also the primary funder of a predator-proof fence which was installed around the perimeter of Riccarton Bush in 2004. In 2009 and 2010, the Gama Foundation donated more than 600 hectares of bush, to the Department of Conservation and the Summit Road Society. Mr and Mrs Nelson have worked to ensure future generations had access to native bush.