The Forest Lodge, Nelson NZ

10/06/2026

Please see if any paramedic in our immediate area could benefit from next year's awards.

We're proud to support the next generation of healthcare heroes! Read this letter from Amanda McMahon, Marlborough-West Coast recipient of our Freemasons Charity Paramedicine Scholarship.

Planning your future? Applications for 2027 open this October. Visit our website for more details: https://freemasonsnz.org/other-scholarships

A special thanks to W. Bro Graeme Wakelin for his vision in creating this vital program!

31/05/2026

The granddaughter of a well-known Brother was supported by Masons of this region, so she (as Co-Director & actor) could compete with her team (girls from Year 8 to Year 13) from Nelson College for Girls at the prestigious 2026 National Shakespeare Festival at Wellington University. She starred as one of the three witches in .... well, let's just call it 'The Scottish Play'.
They won awards and accolades, including "Outstanding Interpretation & Commitment to Text". Forty six schools took part - theatre and drama is alive and well with a great future in NZ!

28/04/2026

Southern Star EC held its meeting last night, and initiated a new member - bringing the total number of Entered Apprentices in the Lodge Room at that moment to SIX (five Southern Star plus one EA visitor from Forest).
Well done our English Brothers!

19/03/2026

You may wonder why a Lodge page is showing an amazing rally of classic cars? Well, we were there! Not actually driving - but assisting in the traffic management and showing these visitors over the Tiny Lodge at Willow Bank Heritage Village.

11/03/2026

Another Entered Apprentice for The Forest Lodge - welcome!

24/01/2026

Nelson Freemasons go to the dogs? Well, not exactly. Masons from the four Lodges in Nelson help out the organisers of the big annual dog competition at the Richmond A&P showground by running the catering [via a Mitre10 BBQ trailer unit] over the weekend. Photos from Day One.

11/01/2026

Great to see that our local Special Olympics team did so well - almost needed another coach to bring home the medals from Christchurch! So pleased that we sorted all the transport to/from/during the event.

It’s been a couple of weeks since we returned from National Games in Christchurch but what a tremendous time we had - so many experiences and so much effort from our teams of athletes over 6 sports. Thanks to all the coaches and volunteers who helped make it happen! And thanks to funding from Nelson Freemasons, Rata Foundation and Lion Foundation

05/01/2026

Please circulate amongst any paramedic friends/acquaintances that you may know.

Our Paramedicine Scholarships are open for applications! Applications close on Friday 20th February.

• For students studying at Whitireia WelTec on campus or by distance learning, a Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedicine);
• For students entering year two or year three of their study of Paramedicine and intending to work in the field as a Paramedic;
• The Scholarships will be awarded to a maximum of two students from each of the following areas: Marlborough & West Coast, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Otago, Southland;
• Consideration of your application is based on your community involvement, such as volunteering, and academic results (GPA).

Apply here: https://freemasonsnz.smartygrants.com.au/PARA26

- Administered by The Freemasons Charity

19/12/2025

Now a member of The Forest Lodge.
Congratulations!

At our December meeting, we were delighted to honour WBro. Hugh McKenna - though he couldn't be with us in person - with his well-deserved 35 Lodge Rangitāne Milestone Award and, at long last, his 25 Year Badge.

While updating our records, we realised that Hugh never received his badge back in 2015, and we are pleased to finally recognise his commitment and service.

Hugh’s journey in Freemasonry began in June 1990 when he was initiated into Lodge Rangitāne No. 369. His leadership and dedication were recognised, and in 2003, he was installed as Master of Lodge Rangitāne. Even when life took him to Stoke, Nelson, Hugh remained connected to us as a valued country member.

In 2005, Hugh joined Waimea Lodge No. 266, where he was soon installed as Master in 2006. His commitment extended further as he served as their Lodge Secretary from 2008 to 2012. In 2012, Hugh joined The Forest Lodge No. 116, where he continues to be a member.

Now residing in rest home care in Nelson, Hugh remains very much in our thoughts. We send our heartfelt wishes for his good health, and hope he enjoys a warm and joyful Christmas and New Year. Thank you, Hugh, for everything you have given to our lodges and to Freemasonry.

Freemasons New Zealand - Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast District

09/12/2025

All Nelson-Tasman Freemasons together supported the local Nelson Special Olympics athletes team by effectively paying for the travel costs which includes a 50-seater coach for the five days.

Special Olympics New Zealand - National Summer Games are on! freemasonsnz.org Please like, follow and share our posts.

Freemasons New Zealand wishes all the Special Olympics participants the very best over the next few days (10-14th December 2025) at the National Summer Games in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand. www.specialolympics.org.nz

As the Premier Partner of the National Summer Games through Freemasons New Zealand, The Freemasons Charity and our Masonic Lodges and their members throughout New Zealand, we have contributed nearly $500,000 in funds, volunteers and support to local Special Olympics Clubs in every part of the country.

Freemasons are proud to again be supporting the Special Olympics National Summer Games in New Zealand.

Well done!

Freemasons – making a difference in New Zealand.