$10m gift for dentistry

New Zealand’s richest man has given Otago University $10 million to build a new dental school in South Auckland. It is the most significant donation in the university’s near 150-year history. Hart, from Auckland, has a net worth of about $9 billion. He was awarded an honorary doctor of commerce degree by the university last December in recognition of his contribution to the business sector and philanthropy by supporting education and children’s health. ‘‘We are delighted to be able to assist our university in providing a dental school that will meet the needs of lower socio-economic groups,’’ Hart said. Construction is expected to begin soon on the $28.2m, two-storey, 32-chair dental teaching facility and patient treatment clinic at the Counties Manukau District Health Board’s Super Clinic site in Great South Rd.