25 March 2014
Auckland Airport is establishing a scholarship fund for students from Aorere College. The fund will be financed by the auction sale of a Pat Hanly work that was commissioned by Auckland Airport.
The work, titled ‘Prelude to a Journey’, was commissioned by Auckland Airport in 1977 as part of a larger mural (34 panels in total) which adorned one of the walls in the international terminal.
In 1996, Pat Hanly converted the mural into eleven separate pieces, many of which were gifted for display at various art institutions in New Zealand. The largest of the pieces (a series of 7 panels) is now owned by the Chartwell Trust.
Auckland Airport however retained this particular piece, which has remained on display at the international terminal until very recently.
Charles Spillane, Auckland Airport’s general manager corporate affairs, says the idea for the scholarship fund came from a desire to see the proceeds of the auction go towards an initiative that will make a real difference to the local community.
“When the decision was made to remove this final panel, we immediately resolved to sell it and donate all the proceeds to a worthy recipient,” says Mr Spillane. “Aorere College was an obvious choice for us as they are one of our closest school neighbours and we have a long-standing relationship with them.”
“The scholarship fund will finance the Auckland Airport Scholarship Award, which will be presented annually to a school leaver from Aorere College. The award will go towards financing the first year of tertiary study of the successful recipient, who will also be offered work experience opportunities at the airport during the course of their study,” continues Mr Spillane.
“With an estimated sale price of between $70,000 to $90,000, we believe the auction of this Pat Hanly work, and the subsequent scholarship fund, will have a positive impact on the lives of many Aorere College students in the years to come.”
Patrick Drumm, Principal of Aorere College, says the school is delighted with the support offered by Auckland Airport in the form of this newly established scholarship fund.
“The Auckland Airport Scholarship Award will provide an opportunity for students to access tertiary-level study that would otherwise be difficult due to the financial constraints of many students and families in our community,” says Mr Drumm.
“The transition into post-secondary study can be challenging for students and the financial assistance and ongoing work experience which comes as part of the scholarship will ensure recipients graduate with qualifications to open doors to a successful future.”
“Put simply – this support has the potential to change the lives of our students! Aorere College is grateful for the significant investment Auckland Airport is making to the future of our young people,” concludes Mr Drumm.
The auction, which is being facilitated by Webb’s Auction House, is to be held on Thursday 27 March at 18 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland. For more information on the auction, please visit www.webbs.co.nz.
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Kate Thompson
+64 21 385 446