George Mason Charitable Trust invests $200,000 in the TOPEC Lodge build, securing the final funding needed to bring Taranaki’s beloved outdoor education centre’s new lodge to life.

The future of the TOPEC Lodge is now confirmed. After dedicated planning, fundraising, and strong community support, the Taranaki Outdoor Pursuits and Education Centre (TOPEC) will proceed with construction of its landmark new lodge, with work set to begin in July 2026.

This milestone has been made possible thanks to a transformative $200,000 contribution from the George Mason Charitable Trust, which has provided the critical final capital required to move the project forward.

With the lodge build now fully funded, fundraising will continue for the fit-out and wider landscaping and site development.

A Centre at the Heart of Taranaki

TOPEC has been a cornerstone of outdoor education in Taranaki for more than three decades, hosting on average 80–100 students every day from 51 schools. The centre delivers NCEA and tertiary-level outdoor and environmental courses, week-long camps, and vital community programmes including Riversafe and Bushsafe.

“We’re proud of the legacy TOPEC has built, serving schools from all around the maunga for more than three decades. Demand has never been higher, and we need to grow to keep pace. A new lodge will help us deliver more programmes to more people and continue the hands-on learning experiences TOPEC is known for.” – Christine (Grover) Worsfold, Director, TOPEC.

The new lodge will provide flexible all-weather learning spaces, multiple educational areas, and opportunities for community, corporate, and organisational use. Designed to be environmentally sustainable, it will serve the region for decades to come.

“We are blown away by the support of the community and are so grateful that the build is to become a reality. This lodge is our commitment to the region’s future. It ensures we can continue changing lives for generations and we look forward to more of the community enjoying our facilities.” – Christine (Grover) Worsfold.

Left: Christine (Grover) Worsfold, Director at TOPEC. Right: Grover alongside the TOPEC team. 

Honouring a Legacy  –  Dr George Mason and Taranaki’s Natural World

Dr George Mason (1930–2024) was one of Taranaki’s most beloved philanthropists. He was a scientist, conservationist and passionate advocate for the natural environment. His connection to Taranaki’s outdoors was personal and lifelong; he climbed Mt Taranaki more than 100 times, chaired the North Taranaki branch of Forest & Bird, and through the Trust he established in 1995, donated millions of dollars to environmental, scientific and educational causes across New Zealand.

Supporting TOPEC is a fitting tribute to a man who believed deeply in hands-on connection with the natural world, which are values that sit at the very heart of what TOPEC does every day.

“George Mason, beside funding science research, enjoyed promoting outdoor activities for young people to improve their outlook on life.  Supporting the TOPEC development provides the opportunity to show the support” – Barry Upson, Chair GMCT.

Both images: Dr George Mason. Mason grew up in Auckland, but after moving to Taranaki in 1954, he made it his lifelong home. A scientist, conservationist, and passionate advocate, he dedicated much of his life to protecting and championing the natural environment.

A Proud Community Effort

The TOPEC Lodge project has been a true community endeavour, made possible through the commitment of donors, supporters, advocates and funders from across Taranaki. New Plymouth District Council and NP Partners, Toi Foundation, NZCT, TOPEC, Taranaki Foundation, and the Barnett Family have all played a part in bringing this vision to life.

“TOPEC has long been a cornerstone of outdoor learning in Taranaki, a real Taranaki treasure. We worked hard to get this over the line together, and we did it. This is a proud moment. We are proud to have been part of this special project and help create the next 35 years of TOPEC memories for future generations.” – Josh Hickford, Chief Executive, Taranaki Foundation.

“I have seen firsthand what TOPEC does for young people; the confidence, the resilience, the memories that last a lifetime. When I was asked to be part of this project, it was an easy yes. To see the lodge finally confirmed and construction about to start, honestly, I’m stoked. This is Taranaki looking after its own, and that means everything. –  Conrad Smith, TOPEC Project Ambassador.

 
What’s Next

Construction on the TOPEC Lodge is set to begin in July 2026. The completed facility to open in 2027, will serve schools, community groups, and organisations across the region, expanding access to the hands-on outdoor education that has defined TOPEC for over 35 years.