Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Good evening.
It’s a great pleasure to welcome you here tonight as we recognise and celebrate the best young scholastic talent of Hutt City.
Tonight we will honour 29 students from eight schools in Hutt City.
Each has been nominated by his or her high school or college.
We’re used to celebrating excellence in our sporting achievement, but these awards are unique around New Zealand.
It’s the only recognition by a local authority of purely academic excellence.
We do it to say well done to students who have worked hard to achieve distinction in their studies.
We also do it to inspire a new generation of scholars.
And we do it to let everyone know we have some fantastically talented and able young people in our city.
So on behalf of the city and the Council, congratulations to each you.
I also want to congratulate the families.
The honour students have achieved reflects well on the support their families have given them.
I know how proud it can make you feel.
One of my sons received a scholastic award from Council, and I recognise the value of the occasion.
I also recognise the effort that goes into academic excellence.
I would like to thank the schools involved for supporting these awards and nurturing the abilities of our students.
It’s essential for our schools to be as academically respected as those of any community.
The choice of school is a crucial consideration for most families, so when our schools have a reputation for producing high quality students, it makes the city more attractive.
I’ve personally committed myself to building on the opportunities our education sector presents our city.
We have an excellent local institution in WelTec and we have a good track record of attracting international students.
I see opportunities for us to build on these advantages.
These awards will help to build our education sector’s contribution by improving our reputation for academic achievement.
We know you can achieve world-class standards from Hutt City.
We have produced world class sportspeople, including former All Black Captain Tana Umaga and five-time world mountain running champion Jonathan Wyatt.
We know we can produce world-class brains as well – the Nobel Prize-winning scientist Alan MacDiarmid grew up here in Hutt City.
I hope tonight’s awards will inspire you to search for the brilliance those individuals attained, starting out here in Hutt City.
Tonight’s guest speaker, John Ross, understands the value of a good education and strong work ethic.
After leaving school, John spent three years working as a rubbish collector. He then decided to gain a tertiary qualification, became a real estate agent and auctioneer, and hasn’t looked back since.
Today, John is owner of The Professionals Hutt City which employs 75 staff and is regarded the foremost real estate agency in the city.
He has won numerous awards, including the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand’s Supreme Award, where he was recognised for being the best in the industry.
He is on the board of the Professionals Group New Zealand and immediate past president of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand for the Wellington District.
John is someone who symbolises the opportunities Hutt City can bring to those who work to make the most of their talents; and someone who understands the importance of setting goals.
Please welcome, John Ross.