Who are the Freemasons and why are they sponsoring the Royal Society Transit of Venus Competition?

The Freemasons of New Zealand are the major sponsor of the Transit of Venus Expeditions.

They are a very old organization whose fundamental aims are to promote the higher ideals of life and are concerned with human values, moral standards and the rights of individuals. They are well known for their concern for the elderly and all people in need in the wider community.

Their principles encompass a deep respect for learning and knowledge and they put their beliefs into practice by assisting with programmes of assistance in education and research.

The Freemasons University Scholarship Programme is the largest publicly-funded programme of its type in New Zealand. Each year it rewards around 65 students for academic excellence as well as community involvement, with scholarships presently worth $230,000.

The Chair of Gerenology (the scientific study of ageing) at Auckland University based at Middlemore Hospital, was founded with a grant from the Freemasons in 1990 and continues to produce valuable work in this often neglected field of medicine.

At the other end of the age scale Freemasons Fellowships in paediatrics are awarded annually at Otago University. Funding for this work has reached well over $1million.

Still another University project involves research into neurodegenerative diseases, especially Huntington's disease.

Today's association with the Royal Society harks back to the very earliest organized beginnings of both societies in seventeenth century England when, with the same fundamental ends in mind - the advance of knowledge and enlightenment, many famous men including Sir Issac Newton, Robert Boyle and Christopher Wren were members of both organizations.

Freemasonry in New Zealand comprises over 300 Lodges in every city and most towns throughout the country. Its 12000 members meet regularly to share in a special fellowship with their families and to help people through charity work and other community service.

Freemasonry is said to have had its beginnings with the stonemasons guilds of mediaeval Europe who built the great castles and cathedrals. While many other similar societies have long since disappeared it is the strong moral and ethical foundations of Freemasonry that have kept the organization thriving over the centuries. While these notions of good remain in our society so will Freemasonry continue to appeal.

The Freemasons Symbol: The square and compasses together are the universal sign used by Freemasons throughout the world. They are tools of the stonemasons draughtsman, symbols of the Freemasons way of life. The square represents honesty and fairness in all things while the compasses are a reminder to act justly and in moderation.