Waitematā and Gulf Ward councillor Mike Lee was recently awarded the John Dunmore Medal by the Fédération des Alliances Françaises de Nouvelle-Zélande, in association with the French Embassy to New Zealand, for his scholarly contributions to the natural history of New Zealand and the Pacific.
Cr Lee has represented the Waitematā and Gulf Ward for 12 years. He holds a Master of Science in biological sciences and has been an active conservationist for many years, especially in the Hauraki Gulf, and is known for championing the stories of the Gulf and its islands.
From 2006-2018 Cr Lee’s research and writing saw his passion for the Gulf expand into deeper waters, relaying the history of 18th and 19th century French navigators, explorers and naturalists in the South Pacific which is published in his 2018 book titled ‘Navigators & Naturalists – French exploration of New Zealand and the South Seas 1769-1824’. He has also published numerous papers and articles on natural history.
Addressing Cr Lee at the awards ceremony, the Ambassador of France to New Zealand, Samoa and the Cook Islands, her excellency Madame Laurence Beau said:
“Your work is a gift to both France and New Zealand. Through your rigorous research, your engaging storytelling, and your generosity as a public historian, you have strengthened the bonds between our peoples and kept alive the stories that unite us.”
In his acceptance speech Cr Lee said, “I am deeply honoured to accept this award and at the same time I have to say, somewhat embarrassed to be included in the ranks of the outstanding scholars and academics who have preceded me.”
The John Dunmore Medal, named after one of the greatest historians of French exploration in the Pacific, honours those who illuminate and promote the historical links between France and New Zealand. It recognises rigorous scholarship, but also the generosity of those who bring our intertwined histories to life for us all.
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