International Baccalaureate Schools of NZ Scholars Award Presentation

E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi o te motu, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou.  Kia ora tātou katoa. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I extend warm greetings to you all.

I specifically acknowledge: Peter Clague, Executive Principal of Kristin School; Steve Cole, Headmaster of Saint Kentigern College; Carol Craymer, Principal of Queen Margaret College; Simon Lamb. Principal of Takapuna Grammar; Heather McRae, Principal of Diocesan School for Girls; Lynda Reid, Principal of St Cuthberts College; Graeme Yule, Headmaster Scots College; Professor Stuart McCutcheon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland; and Greg Valentine, International Baccalaureate Organiser - tēnā koutou.

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to Government House this evening for the presentation of these Top Scholar Awards.

When the opportunity to host this awards ceremony was presented to me, it was something that I was keen to do for two main reasons.

The first reason is that tonight we recognise some of New Zealand’s brightest secondary school students who have chosen to sit the International Baccalaureate Diploma.  I note that 450 senior students in New Zealand sat the IB Diploma in 2011, and those of them here represent the highest achievers.

This evening I see before me young men and women who have enormous potential, who dare to achieve great things and who are prepared to work hard.  Collectively you represent New Zealand’s greatest asset, our rangatahi - our youth, and our future. One day you could be leaders in your chosen fields, in our communities, our cities, our country, and our world.

The second reason I was pleased to have a connection with this awards ceremony, is its focus on excellence.  You have each chosen to strive for excellence in your studies. And you have shown that when you put your mind to it, you can achieve at the highest levels.

As a father of five children, varying in age from 35 through to 15, and from my own personal experience, I know that in life there are many distractions that can easily take you away from study.  Achieving excellence requires effort and perseverance, and you each have demonstrated superior motivation and determination to attain distinction in your studies.  The awards recognise students who have obtained a score of 40 plus, and four of you scored an impeccable 45.

A former President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, noted the vital role that dedicated and purposeful effort has in success.  He said: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world if full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

In conclusion, I want to congratulate you Top Scholars receiving awards tonight.  I congratulate you on your hard work, your tenacity, and your commitment to excellence and most of all your achievements. 

Also, I want to acknowledge and congratulate the families and friends of tonight’s top scholars.  The environment you have provided, and your support and encouragement have been an important part of the success of these young men and women.  Tonight will be a neat occasion to celebrate those outstanding achievements – yours and theirs. 

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.