There’s a bright future in the field of agriculture for Michael Robinson (Sargood 2019 – 2023). He has been awarded the Whangarei A&P Society scholarship and will begin 2024 at Lincoln University immersed in the topic.
Michael’s journey to St Paul’s Collegiate School was driven by a profound love for sports. Inspired by the sporting tales of Sam Lints (Sargood 2017 – 2021) Michael made the decision to leave Whangarei to join St Paul’s in Year 9. With his parents' support, he started at St Paul’s just as his siblings ventured to Sydney and Raglan, emptying the family home. It was a sacrifice his parents willingly made to empower Michael to pursue his passion for sports.
Now, in his final year at St Paul’s, he is a prefect and a prominent figure in the school’s sporting landscape. As the captain of both the First XI Cricket Team (batter and wicket-keeper,) and the First XV Rugby Team, (first-five or fullback) Michael’s leadership qualities shine through. In his Year 12, he was the recipient of the Peter Gilbert trophy for the best sportsman of the year. He says, “Receiving that award was my proudest moment at St Paul’s.”
In addition to his sporting achievements, Michael has demonstrated his dedication to the agricultural sector. His summer spent working on a beef and sheep farm in Gisborne was a testament to his passion for agriculture. At St Paul’s, Michael’s favourite subjects—agricultural and horticultural science, and agribusiness—show that he is studying in the right field.
These experiences are what qualified Michael to win the $9,000 A&P Society scholarship which he plans to use towards either university fees or towards future agribusiness ventures.
Mr Evan Smeath, President of the Whangarei A&P Society, recognised Michael’s leadership abilities, stating, "Michael is clearly a leader at school. He has completed the Young Leaders Conference in Waikato and provides peer support for younger students at school. He has also mentored primary children from other schools, which I was particularly impressed by."
Michael draws inspiration from his mother, Kim Robinson, who has dedicated 30 years of her life to the agricultural sector in Northland. Michael says, “My earliest memories are filled with memories of visits to farms and images of animals and machinery which gave me a fascination for agriculture.”
Next year, Michael will embark on a new chapter, pursuing a Bachelor of Ag Commerce at Lincoln University while striving to make his mark in cricket. He believes that the agricultural industry holds the promise of a bright and exciting future and he aspires to make a meaningful contribution to Northland’s agricultural sector.
