Michael Batchelor

A former Tauranga lawyer he was the first member of the Bay of Plenty Education Trust to be named an Emeritus Trustee

The award was to officially recognise and honour Michael Batchelor's long service to the trust.

Bay of Plenty Education Trust chairman Roger Loveridge said Mr Bathcelor first attended a meeting in 1985, when it was called The Pacific Development Education Trust.

Tauranga's Michael Batchelor has been awarded the honour of "Emeritus Trustee" of the Bay of Plenty Education Trust."Michael has seen the Trust's assets grow to more than $6 million and the value of scholarships awarded increased over time. The scholarships awarded last year totalled $189,750," Mr Loveridge said.

Mr Batchelor, who is 80-years-old, said being awarded the Emeritus Trustee distinction was a "wonderful honour".

For more information about the Trust's future leaders' programme and the scholarships for students heading off to pursue tertiary education see www.bopeducationtrust.org.nz