Rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai ra ki Te Whare Kawana o Tamaki Makaurau.
I specifically acknowledge: Geoff Clews, Chair of Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust Bill Gavin, Hamish McCarroll, Joy Eaton and Lewis Grant – trustees of Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust; and of course, recipients of the Trust’s Awards this year: India, Rubylee and Thomas.
Kia ora koutou katoa.
As Governor-General, I have the privilege of convening several scholarship selection panels, helping provide opportunities for outstanding young New Zealanders to further their education.
The Sir George Elliot Scholarship is of particular significance to me, as like our recipients here today, I too found my lifelong passion for learning at school here in Tāmaki Makaurau. I became the first in my family to attend university, which led to a significant part of my career dedicated to academia as a teacher and a researcher. As a result, I am well placed to say I know how transformative higher education can be.
This truth was also apparent to Sir George Elliot, who spent his life anonymously championing education through significant philanthropic endeavours. As a highly skilled businessman, Sir George knew one of the greatest investments you can make in your community is to invest in its future – its rangatahi.
This legacy has endured long after Sir George’s death, continuing his positive impact for the good of the wider Auckland community. For its longevity, I thank the careful stewardship of the Sir George Elliot trustees, enabling this scholarship to reach a milestone 25th year.
To our recipients – I would like to offer my sincere congratulations for your selection as the newest Sir George Elliot scholars. You have been recognised by your schools for your outstanding academic success, your community involvement, and your strength of character.
It is important to remember we are not defined by the challenges we face in life. Challenges present an opportunity to respond, and it is in that response where we find our strengths.
You are being honoured here today because your selflessness, your determination, and your commitment to excellence has been recognised, and is commended.
You have also proven you are young leaders in the making, and are already thinking of ways you can make your communities better places to live. You have every right to be proud of your success so far.
Your achievements so far bring to mind the whakataukī: 'Mā te kimi ka kite, Mā te kite ka mōhio, Mā te mōhio ka Mārama. Seek and discover. Discover and know. Know and become enlightened.'
I am confident that whatever path in life you choose, you will continue to have a positive impact on those around you. I wish you all the very best for what is sure to be bright futures ahead.
Kia ora, kia kaha, kia manawanui, huihui tātou katoa.