Kiwi's 'unprecedented' act of philanthropy towards American university

Britomart developer Peter Cooper inside the newly opened East Building in the Britomart precinct in downtown Auckland. 18 August 2011 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Natalie Slade

New Zealander Peter Cooper has donated $74 million to a top American university in what's been called an "unprecedented" act of philanthropy.

The Kaitaia-raised son of a truck driver, Mr Cooper made a fortune in real estate and private equity and developed projects including the billion-dollar, 6.5ha Britomart site in downtown Auckland.

This month, he donated US$50 million to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. for the creation of a leadership program for the university's student-athletes, and to fund a sports field.

"The university received an unprecedented $50 million donation...the second-largest gift in its history and the largest in support of athletics," Georgetown newspaper The Hoya reported.

"There is a lot of hardship and challenge involved in competing at Georgetown academically and athletically at the same time," Mr Cooper told the Washington Post.

"We were somewhat touched by the commitment we saw in these individuals and teams. So it is quite a joy for us to be able to make this gift."

Mr Cooper, of Ngati Kahu, Ngati Kuri and Te Aupouri, spent his time between New Zealand and California's Newport Beach.

"The athletics program at Georgetown has played a significant role in our family's life," he told the university.

The university said Mr Cooper and his wife Susan were the parents of five Georgetown graduates -- twins Kylie and Ryan, as well as Matthew, Kris and Adam.

"Georgetown is deeply grateful to Peter and Sue for their commitment to our students and their ongoing dedication to our campus community," said Georgetown President John J DeGioia.

"This investment will allow us to provide extraordinary opportunities for students engaged in intercollegiate athletics, preparing these young people for success both on and off the field."

Georgetown, established in 1789, is the United States' oldest Catholic and Jesuit university.

Mr Cooper practiced law for 11 years. He also established the Britomart Arts Foundation, setting it up with an initial $1 million donation, and developed rural property in Northland.

In 2007, the Environmental Defence Society praised his development at Kerikeri's Te Puna Inlet for its commitment to ecological restoration and protection of heritage sites.

Mr Cooper was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's 2014 New Year Honours list.

He was travelling tonight and not immediately available for further comment.