The University of Auckland has raised more than $200 million in an ambitious philanthropic campaign.
The "Leading the Way Campaign" was launched in 2006 to raise funds to support outstanding research and teaching that would make a major contribution to people's wellbeing.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart McCutcheon told supporters at a black-tie dinner on Friday night to mark the end of the campaign that their generosity had created a greater understanding of the power of philanthropy.
"Our aim was to attract support for people - scholarships, fellowships and funded staff positions - and for research, rather than for buildings, and that is precisely the activities that have been supported," he said.
By 2010, the original target of $100 million was reached and it was revised to $150 million. Since then more than 3000 donors, including the Goodfellow and Plowman families, Owen G Glenn and Charles Bidwill as well as organisations such as the Auckland Medical Research Foundation, the Cancer Society, the Heart Foundation, the Neurological Society and the ASB Community Trust have taken the total to $202.9 million.
About $40 million will be invested in endowments, while the balance will support specific projects particularly in the faculties of medical and health sciences and business.
The campaign focused on five key themes: the health of the nation; the development of children; economic growth; the future of cities; and the expression of who we are.
A group of 23 leaders from the community and business formed the campaign leadership committee.
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