Lance Hutchison honoured for decades of service to young people

When Lance Hutchison established the Auckland Central Life Education Trust in 2002, there was no structure, no funding and no community support in place. Today, more than 125,000 young people have experienced the Healthy Harold programme through the Trust. Behind that achievement are years of fundraising, gathering support and encouraging others to get involved. Lance’s dedication has been recognised with the Trevor Grice Memorial Award, which celebrates Life Education’s New Zealand founder and those who share his commitment to young people’s wellbeing.

Trevor’s wife Judith and his family gifted his tokotoko, or walking stick, for the award. It once gave Trevor strength and support, making it a fitting tribute to someone who has given so much of both to Life Education.

Lance first became involved in 2000 and remains Chair of the Auckland Central Trust he established two years later. He brought together supporters and quickly had a teacher and classroom operating. Within five years, his determination to reach more young people had helped grow the service to two mobile classrooms.

During his time with the Trust, Lance has helped raise over $7 million alongside his fellow volunteer trustees, enabling more local children to experience Healthy Harold. He has drawn on connections from his banking career, bringing colleagues on board as trustees and clients as donors. Anyone who reads his newsletters will know he rarely misses a chance to talk Life Education, and one recent corporate partnership even grew from a conversation on a plane.

His service extends across many charities, including Riding for the Disabled, Ronald McDonald Houses, Camp Quality, the Blind Institute, Lions and St John. For those who work alongside Lance, the award recognises someone whose energy, generosity and commitment have sustained Life Education for more than two decades, helping thousands of young people along the way.