Speech
Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust Scholarships
May I start by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.
Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the morning (Sign)
Specifically I greet you: Sir Ian Barker Chairman of the Trust; and your fellow Trustees, notably Linda Fox, distinguished guests otherwise, ladies and gentlemen.
It is with pleasure that my wife Susan and I are able to host the ceremony for the presentation of the Sir George Elliot Scholarships here at Government House in Auckland this morning.
I would like to take an opportunity to comment briefly on the outstanding philanthropic endeavours of Sir George Elliot during his lifetime and beyond.
Fifty-one years ago, Sir George died and this Trust was established in his honour. The benefactor was a fine philanthropist in the best sense of that word. For example, he made significant donations for two Auckland secondary schools but in typical fashion, these donations were made anonymously and only became public later.
In particular, his legacy acknowledges one area essential to the progress, not only for each person, but the country as a whole—that of education. It can be said with confidence that Sir George recognised what a Chinese philosopher Kuan Chung noted more than 2,500 years ago when he said:
"If you plan for a year, plant a seed. If for ten years, plant a tree. If for a hundred years, teach the people. When you sow a seed once, you will reap a single harvest. When you teach the people, you will reap a hundred harvests."
Education gives us the power to become everything we want to be and everything we can be. It gives us the opportunity to realise our potential and to stretch our talents in the best possible way.
But education also builds our country's economy, and our society and democracy. Sustained growth comes from innovation and adaptation, both of which require a well-educated population. And a strong society and democracy requires people who can question their leaders and keep them honest. As American political theorist James Madison once said: "What spectacle can be more edifying or more seasonable, than that of Liberty and Learning, each leaning on the other for their mutual and surest support?"
As a successful businessman and community leader, Sir George Elliot was a firm believer in education and this is why today, four outstanding students who might not otherwise be in a position to undertake tertiary study, will receive the support needed to continue their learning.
The vehicle to deliver this support is the Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust, whose trustees have taken to heart the words of another New Zealander and fine philanthropist himself, the late Sir Roy McKenzie who died earlier this year. Sir Roy once said that the giving away of money calls for more skill and judgment than the making of it.
The four outstanding youngsters 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 remind you all that you not only receive this award because of your academic prowess but because of your exceptional leadership qualities. With this award will come an obligation.
In more than 50 years, the Trust has remained committed to aiding the community. As part of this, it is awarding scholarships with a view that the recipients will contribute to the well-being of the community. It falls on you, today's recipients, to honour the trust that is being put in you today.
I would also like to acknowledge the families and friends of today's recipients and the sacrifice they have made to enable these youngsters to unfold all their potential. A good education requires a healthy home environment, and there is no doubt today's recipients would not be here today had you not encouraged them along the way.
I hope you enjoy your morning and the marvellous surroundings of Government House to which I again welcome you most warmly.
On that note I will close in Maori by issuing greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours.
No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.