Nurturing tomorrow’s Aucklanders.

Education plays such an important role in life – but not all of us are lucky enough to experience a university education.

Recognising an opportunity to give back to the high school that had helped them on their own path to success, alumni John Hynds and wife Leonie Hynds decided to create an educational scholarship to help Manurewa High School students.

Working with both Auckland Foundation and First Foundation, the Hynds Education Fund has given out many scholarships since 2010 – with the majority of those students being the first in their families to go to university.

First recipient Ryan King says he wouldn’t be where he is without the scholarship.

The Manurewa resident of Ngāi Porou, Ngāi Tahu and Scottish heritage graduated in 2015 from the University of Auckland with a degree in Commerce. And he knows that being the first in the family to attend

university means a lot to his whanau; “It’s like I’m doing it for them, representing them. They’re really proud.”

John and Leonie are likewise very proud of what Ryan has achieved; “We are thrilled with Ryan and his progress. He was so shy when we interviewed him for the scholarship. Now he’s a role model prepared to set the standard by giving back to his community. And his future is secure with many experiences and contacts ensured.”