Sir George Elliot Scholarships

Kia ora koutou.  Nau mai, haere mai rā ki Te Whare Kawana o Tamaki Makaurau.  Greetings to you all, and welcome to Government House Auckland.

I want to specifically acknowledge: Hon Sir Ian Barker QC, Chair of the Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust and your fellow trustees Steve Corbett, Linda Fox, Bill Gavin and Dr Stuart Middleton; Kathleen Deady, Tim O’Connor and Bernadette Stockman, the principals of Carmel College, Auckland Grammar School and St Mary’s College respectively; and Rosalind Rust, Sir George Elliot’s granddaughter, representing the Elliot family – tēnā koutou katoa.

It’s a great pleasure for Janine and me to once again host the ceremony here today for the presentation of the 2013 Sir George Elliot Scholarships.  What makes any scholarship awarding ceremony special is that they are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate some of our best and brightest young people.  As the Greek philosopher Diogenes notes, “The foundation of every state is the education of its youth”.

This is the third time we’ve hosted this ceremony, and on each occasion we have been impressed by the calibre of the young men and women being rewarded.  I say rewarded because each of the recipients is receiving their award because of their academic achievement and also because they have demonstrated community service and leadership.  The three recipients of the 2013 Sir George Elliot Scholarships are academic high achievers; and they have all demonstrated exceptional involvement either in sports, the arts, drama, debating, or music; and in voluntary charitable service and community leadership.

The Sir George Elliot Scholarships add a further layer of recognition through his example.  Sir George arrived in New Zealand in 1891.  He became a successful Auckland businessman, and was involved in many high profile companies including the Bank of New Zealand.  Born in 1865 and living until 1956 when he passed away at age 91, he was also a man who survived the adversity of hard times.  Throughout his life he was noted for his public service, his support of many community organisations and his philanthropy.

Sir George recognised the transformative role of education to change lives for the better.  And in his will, he gave the bulk of his wealth to the Trust that bears his name, for that purpose.  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 desire to learn at that level.

These scholarships underscore two fundamental points that flow from the life and vision of Sir George Elliot.  The first is that they are awarded to help young people who have faced exceptional challenges or have made an exceptional effort, to undertake tertiary education.  The second point is that with these prestigious scholarships comes an obligation. 

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.  Yan, Felicia and Carolina the opportunity offered by these a scholarship is to both better yourself and to better the communities of which you are a part.  Given your achievements to date, I have no doubt that we will be hearing more about your achievements in the future.

In conclusion, the three young people from Auckland Grammar School, Carmel College and St Mary’s College are outstanding young people.  That is why this morning; they are being awarded a significant contribution towards the costs of their tertiary education, after a thorough selection process.  And in that regard I wish to acknowledge the trustees, Sir Ian, Stuart, Linda, Steve and Bill.  Your careful and wise direction ensures that Sir George’s legacy continues to bear fruit.

Secondly, I would also like to acknowledge each of the three schools where the students have received their secondary schooling, and the recipient’s families and friends.  Your combined efforts have cultivated the potential of these young people. 

Finally, and most importantly, I wish to acknowledge and congratulate the three recipients – Yan, Felicia and Carolina - on what you have achieved to win a Sir George Elliot Scholarship.  I wish you all the best for your further studies and careers.  I quote Claire Fagin who said “Knowledge will bring you the opportunity to make a difference” to remind you of the trust that is being put in you today.  You join other young people who have been rewarded with a Sir George Elliot Scholarship and who have benefitted from Sir George’s legacy to education and his faith in the young people of New Zealand.

Kia ora, kia kaha, kia manawanui, huihui  tātou katoa.