Celebrated Scientist Gordon Lauder Remembered for Pioneering Work

Gordon Lauder, a distinguished scientist known for his extensive contributions to atmospheric research and environmental science, passed away on November 6, 2025, just shy of his 95th birthday. His pioneering career spanned several decades and took him across the globe, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, where he conducted vital research on the Earth’s crust and atmosphere.

A Pioneering Career in Science

After a year at the University of Auckland and a stint at Mt Albert Grammar School, Lauder embarked on a remarkable career. His work involved mineral prospecting, where he utilized anomalies in radioactivity and gravity fields to explore the ground beneath us. He also measured upper atmospheric conditions to understand how solar activity affects the Earth’s ionosphere and magnetic field, as well as investigating trace gases that contribute to ozone depletion.

In the early years of his career, Lauder focused on tropical regions, including Brisbane, Darwin, Rarotonga, and Samoa. It was in Rarotonga that he met Rima, who became his wife for 65 years. Together, they raised three children: John, Christina, and Geoffrey.

Significant Contributions to Antarctic Research

In 1963, Lauder joined the DSIR Auroral Station, a facility characterized by wooden huts scattered across a hillside. His involvement with Antarctic research began in 1967, focusing on the effects of solar radiation on the atmosphere—work that proved crucial for compass navigation and short-wave radio communication at the time. His later research would shed light on the causes of the Antarctic ozone hole, a significant environmental concern.

Lauder received recognition for his contributions in several ways. In 1994, he had the honor of summarizing New Zealand’s contributions to Antarctic atmospheric research during a discussion with Prince Charles at the Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. He was awarded the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Science and Technology Silver Medal in 1995, and in 2001, the New Zealand Geographical Board named Keys Hill, near Scott Base, in his honor.

His legacy extends beyond his research. Lauder served as president of the New Zealand Institute of Physics in the mid-1980s and earned a Master of Science in Physics with distinction from the University of Otago in 1993. After the DSIR was dissolved, he continued his work under the Niwa umbrella until his retirement in 1999, concluding over 35 years of service, more than half of which he spent in leadership roles.

A Life Beyond Science

Lauder was not only a scientist but also an accomplished author. His book, Stranded in Paradise, published in 2016, recounts his adventurous experiences in Rarotonga, including salvaging propeller blades from the wreck of the RMS Maitai, which sank nearly a century prior. He and Rima built a home in Rarotonga, where they welcomed many visitors and friends.

His passions extended to music and community involvement. Lauder was a talented musician who hosted musical evenings featuring his piano and piano accordion. He directed performances with the Omakau Musical Society and was active in the local Art Society and the Rotary Club of Alexandra, where he served for 30 years and held presidential roles in both organizations.

Even in his later years, Lauder remained physically active, continuing to play tennis into his 90s. He played a pivotal role in establishing a recreational facility that included tennis and hockey in Alexandra in 2011.

Gordon Lauder is remembered not only for his scientific achievements but also for his vibrant personality and dedication to community service. He leaves behind his wife Rima, who passed away three years ago, and their surviving children, Geoffrey and Christina Parker, along with grandchildren John, Camille, and great-grandson Roimata.