Speech
Sir George Elliot Scholarship Awards
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Kia ora, nga mihi māhana ki a koutou. Ladies and gentlemen, warm greetings to you all.
I want to specifically acknowledge: Hon Sir Ian Barker QC, Chair of the Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust and trustees Geoff Clews, Linda Fox, Bill Gavin and Dr Stewart Middleton; and Tim O’Connor and Sherida Walters the principals of Auckland Grammar School and Pinehurst School; Stephen Autagavaia, deputy principal of Wesley College - tēnā koutou katoa.
It’s a great pleasure for Janine and me to welcome you all to Government House in Auckland today for the presentation of the Sir George Elliot Scholarships.
The role of Governor-General has many opportunities and privileges. One of the privileges that we enjoy is my engagement with a number of scholarship programmes. Sometimes that involves chairing a panel and interviewing the candidates. At other times, like today, I get the best duty of all - awarding scholarships to well-deserved recipients.
The scholarship programmes I am involved with include the William Georgetti Scholarships, the New Zealand Top Scholar Awards and, probably one of the most internationally recognised awards of all, the Rhodes Scholarship.
In my view, all scholarship award ceremonies are special events. They are special because they signal optimism for the future. Through them we celebrate the achievements of young people who have excelled at the highest level. They celebrate young people who, in addition to having outstanding academic credentials, have achieved in other fields; in sport or the arts and have participated creditably in their communities. Achieving a scholarship points to the possibility of even loftier deeds and greater adventures in the future.
Equally, these Sir George Elliot Scholarships are special. The three young people to receive a scholarship have met all the criteria I have just mentioned. They have excelled in their academic studies. They have shown prowess in extracurricular activities; their sport, music, debating, art, dance, drama and community work. They have all demonstrated extraordinary leadership.
So, academic prowess, leadership, and meeting the obligation of contributing to the well-being of the community are being celebrated today. However, we are also acknowledging the signature distinction of the Sir George Elliot Scholarships, which is that they are intended to help young people who have faced exceptional challenges or have made an exceptional effort, to undertake tertiary education.
Sir George Elliot recognised the transformative power of education to change lives for the better. In addition to the many charitable causes he supported, he made significant donations to schools, and on his death in 1956, bequeathed much of his wealth to the trust that bears his name.
The three recipients receiving these scholarships today have all overcome some special challenge, be that to do with a physical disability, a family circumstance or financial challenge. In addressing their adversity head on, the Sir George Elliot Trust is presenting them the opportunity to follow Elliot’s example. As a man, born to humble beginnings in Scotland almost 150 years ago, he travelled around the world to become a successful businessman in New Zealand. His legacy is an endowment and a belief in education.
Melino, Joseph and Aine, on reading your references what strikes me about you is the quality of your character individually and collectively. You have been noticed enriching the lives of others. You have been noted for your tenacity, dignity and compassion. Today you are beneficiaries of this distinctive award. Your successes to date indicate huge potential. This Trust’s investment in your education is a vehicle for you to use to pursue a better future. Driving that vehicle will be your responsibility. Drive and maintain it well, and you will repay the confidence of the Trust, your schools and your families many times over.
Congratulations again. Kia ora, kia kaha, kia manawanui, huihui tātou katoa—go well, be strong, be courageous.