Partnerships and programmes

"We live on Planet Ocean, not Planet Earth" says Professor John Montgomery, director of the South Pacific Centre for Marine Science.

The oceans cover over two-thirds of the Earth’s surface with all their life, mystery and potential resources. New Zealand has the world’s fifth largest Exclusive Economic Zone. At four million square kilometres, it’s an area 15 times larger than the country’s dry land.

Become a Friend of Leigh Marine Laboratory and discover the wonders of this vast underwater world and the science that helps us to understand it. You will support our mission to advance the science of the sea. As a Friend you will provide vital help as we show the public the importance of marine science and promote responsible stewardship of our marine resources.

No institution in New Zealand can reveal the sea to you as well as the South Pacific Centre for Marine Science, situated at the Leigh Marine Laboratory, situated about 100 kilometres north of Auckland.

Ever since 1962 the Leigh Marine Laboratory has been a hub of marine research in New Zealand. It set up the Goat Island Marine Reserve, New Zealand’s first legally constituted no-take marine reserve. The reserve is dedicated to the study of marine habitats to retain biodiversity. Many New Zealand Marine Scientists started their careers at the Leigh Marine Laboratory.

The South Pacific Centre for Marine Science conducts exciting new research on the sustainability and variety of marine life. Its implications for New Zealand’s environment, ecological wellbeing and food supply are enormous. You can assist this groundbreaking research!

As a Friend of Leigh Marine Laboratory, you will:

• receive invitations to family open days
• help us understand the science behind our marine environment
• receive our periodic SPCMS email newsletter
• receive invitations to free talks on research conducted at the Marine Laboratory
• receive information on educational opportunities.

Become a Friend of Leigh Marine Laboratory