Pride for ex-pupils in college's hall of honour

Chris Seed.

Central Hawke's Bay College is to launch a Hall of Honour later this year recognising the achievements of former pupils who have made their mark on the national and international stages.

Earlier this month the school announced the first inductee - one of New Zealand's leading lawyers and business leader Cathy Quinn - who attended the college from 1977 to 1981.

The second inductee was announced this week, current New Zealand High Commissioner to Australia Chris Seed.

Mr Seed has extensive experience in government service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Defence.

Born and raised in Waipukurau, he was educated at St Joseph's Primary School and Central Hawke's Bay College (1974-78). He completed his tertiary education at Massey University, graduating BA (Hons) in 1983 and with a MA in 1984.

High Commissioner to Australia since 2013, he was previously Deputy High Commissioner in London and High Commissioner in Papua New Guinea.

He has also served as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2008 -2013) with responsibility for overseeing New Zealand's relationships and diplomatic network with Australia, the Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Europe.

Before that he was Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Defence (2004-2008) assisting in overseeing the ministry's strategic policy and planning processes, strategic resourcing, capability management and international relationships.

On hearing of his induction, Mr Reed said it was a singular honour to be recognised in this way.

"It's even more pleasing to have the chance, through inclusion in the Hall of Honour, to champion the many opportunities and advantages Central Hawke's Bay College has bestowed on me and others.

"My time there was absolutely foundational to everything that followed," he said.

To date six inaugural inductees have been identified and a ceremony for recipients will be held at the school on October 20.