Renowned Scientist Gordon Lauder Remembered for Global Contributions

Gordon Lauder, a distinguished scientist known for his extensive contributions to atmospheric research, passed away on November 6, 2025, just shy of his 95th birthday. His pioneering career spanned the globe, taking him from the Arctic to the Antarctic, where he investigated various aspects of the Earth’s crust and atmosphere.

Impactful Scientific Career

Lauder began his academic journey at Mt Albert Grammar and the University of Auckland, after which he embarked on a remarkable career that included diverse scientific endeavors. His work involved mineral prospecting, utilizing anomalies in radioactivity, gravity fields, and the Earth’s magnetic field. He also conducted crucial measurements of the upper atmosphere, exploring how solar activity and nuclear testing influence the ionosphere and magnetic fields.

His early career mainly focused on tropical regions, including locations such as Brisbane, Darwin, Rarotonga, and Samoa. It was during his time in Rarotonga that he met Rima, who would be his wife for 65 years. Together, they had three children: John, Christina, and Geoffrey.

In 1963, Lauder joined the DSIR Auroral Station at Lauder, which initially consisted of a collection of wooden huts. He began a long association with Antarctic research in 1967, focusing on the interactions between solar radiation and the atmosphere. His early research laid the groundwork for understanding the causes of the Antarctic ozone hole, a significant environmental issue that emerged decades later.

Recognition and Legacy

Lauder’s contributions to science earned him widespread recognition. In 1994, he was invited to summarize New Zealand’s atmospheric research contributions during a meeting with Prince Charles at the Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. The Royal Society of New Zealand awarded him the Science and Technology Silver Medal in 1995, and in 2001, the New Zealand Geographical Board honored him by naming Keys Hill, near Scott Base, in his honor.

He served as president of the New Zealand Institute of Physics in the mid-1980s and received a Master of Science in Physics with distinction from the University of Otago in 1993. Following the dissolution of DSIR, Lauder continued his work at Niwa (now known as Earth Sciences New Zealand) until his retirement in 1999, after more than 35 years of dedicated service.

Lauder authored approximately 60 scientific publications and shared his personal adventures in the book Stranded in Paradise, published in 2016. This work recounts his experience salvaging propeller blades from the wreck of the RMS Maitai, which sank near Avarua Harbour nearly a century earlier. He and Rima also built their home in Rarotonga, where they hosted numerous visitors, escaping the harsh winters of Central Otago.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Lauder was a talented musician and actively participated in community affairs. While at Lauder, he directed performances for the Omakau Musical Society and engaged with the local Art Society and Rotary Club of Alexandra, where he served as president for 30 years. His passion for sports, particularly tennis, lasted into his 90s, and he played a key role in establishing a recreational facility in 2011.

Gordon Lauder is remembered not only for his scientific contributions but also for his vibrant personality and community involvement. He is survived by his children, Geoffrey and Christina Parker, along with grandchildren John and Camille, and great-grandson Roimata. His wife Rima, who predeceased him three years ago, and their eldest son John, who died in his early 20s, will also be fondly remembered.