Former New Zealander of the year and eminent scholar Dame Anne Salmond has been appointed as Patron of the R. Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust.
Dame Anne, whose research and teaching draw inspiration and insights from engagement between the differing ‘worlds’ of New Zealand, Pacific and European societies, has a keen interest in exploration and voyaging in the Pacific as well as a desire for Māori and Pacifika students, particularly from those who come from low income families, to fulfil their potential through education. Among her many other roles, she is also Trustee of the Te Haa Trust, responsible for organising the 250th anniversary in 2019 of Captain Cook in New Zealand.
In accepting the role as Patron, Dame Anne commented “After years of studying Polynesian and European seaborne adventures in the Pacific, it’s a pleasure and privilege to become Patron of the Northland Sail Training Trust. Their work in sharing the challenges and joys of life at sea with young people is fantastic and admirable, and deserves the utmost support.’
For its part, the R. Tucker Thompson is delighted that Dame Anne has accepted a figurehead role for the Trust. “We are excited to have Dame Anne, with her experience and international reputation become part of the Sail Training Trust” said Chair Mike Daniel. “This is another significant step in the growing maturity of the Trust and underscores the importance of the role that we play in the region for our youth”.
