Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust Scholarships

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language. 

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the morning (Sign)

May I then specifically I greet you: Hon Sir Ian Barker, Chairman of the Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust and your fellow Trustees, Geoffrey Clews, Linda Fox, Bill Gavin and Dr Stuart Middleton; Rosalind Rust, grandaughter of Sir George; scholarship recipients, and your families; ladies and gentlemen.

It is with pleasure that my wife Susan and I are again able to host the ceremony for the presentation of the Sir George Elliot Scholarships here at Government House Auckland. 

We will have the awards shortly but I would like an opportunity to comment on an aspect of the legacy of Sir George Elliot.

Sir George died in 1956 aged 91, and this Trust was established in his honour.  He had been a very successful Auckland businessman, and involved in many high profile companies, including the Bank of New Zealand, of which he was a director for more 20 yearsand for a time, chairman.  He also served on a number of government boards and commissions of inquiry and had been knighted in 1923.

He never saw, though, the creation of personal wealth as an end in itself.   He realised that individuals only prosper when the community prospers and so for much of his life he was involved in community projects. 

A good example are the Wintergardens in the Auckland Domain, which is said to be the city’s oldest park,  and which many here will have visited.  After the First World War, when there was a dispute about where the Auckland Exhibition should be held, he stepped forward to lead the organisation.  The Wintergardens now stand as a lasting tribute to his leadership and remain a magnificent feature of the park.

He was a philanthropist in the best sense of that word, active in supporting worthy causes before his death.  He did such things as make significant donations to two Auckland schools, anonymously, that only became public knowledge many years later.

Education was a particular passion because he recognised that it was the key to not only individual prosperity, but also prosperity of the nation. The point was well made in 1965 by the then United States President, Lyndon Johnson.  In a special message to Congress he said as follows:-

“Every child must be encouraged to get as much education as he has the ability to take.  We want this not only his sake—but for the nation’s sake. Nothing matters more to the future of our country; not military preparedness—for armed might is worthless if we lack the brain power to build a world of peace; not our productive economy—for we cannot sustain growth without trained manpower; not our democratic system of government—for freedom is fragile if citizens are ignorant.”

Education gives each of us the opportunity to realise our potential, to stretch our talents and become everything we want to be.  But education also builds our country’s economy, our society and democracy. As the quote from President Johnson makes clear, a well-educated population is at the heart of innovation and enterprise, and also of democracy. It is only a well-educated public that will keep its government accountable by questioning leaders, and by voting and participating in elections. 

To this end, the Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust offers three outstanding students, who might not otherwise be in a position to undertake tertiary study, with the means and support needed to continue their learning to that level.

The three outstanding young people from St Mary’s College, Mahurangi College, and Kelston Girls’ College, who this morning are being awarded a significant contribution towards the costs of their tertiary education were chosen after a rigorous selection process.

I want to say to each of you that you receive this award because of your academic prowess and also because of what are considered to be your leadership qualities.  With this award will come an obligation, which I shall explain.

Since its establishment, the Trust has remained committed to aiding the community.  As part of this, it is awarding scholarships with an expectation that the recipients will also go on to contribute to the well-being of the community. 

In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge the trustees, Sir Ian, Stuart, Linda, Geoffrey and Bill.  Your  careful and wise administration, ensures that Sir George’s legacy continues to bear fruit.

I would secondly also like to acknowledge each of the three schools where the students have had their tuition, and the recipient’s families and friends.  Without your combined efforts, the potential of  these young people would never have unfolded. 

But finally, and most importantly, I wish to acknowledge the recipients and to congratulate on what you have achieved to reach this point.  I wish you all the best for your further studies and careers and remind you of the trust that is put in you today.  You are the living embodiment of Sir George’s legacy to education and his faith in the young people of New Zealand.

On a note of anticipation, I will close in our country’s first language, offering greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours.

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.