Young Whangarei Writer Named Fred Hollows NZ Junior Ambassador 2022

Madison Macmillan, has been named this year’s Fred Hollows Junior Ambassador for her big picture thinking and generosity.

Madison has been fundraising since before she started school, as well as being a Chopper ambassador, she has voiced numerous radio ads and fronted interviews with pilots and intensive care paramedics.

Madison spends time at home writing, having penned and published her first book by the age of seven, and donating proceeds from the many books she has sold to charity.

The 11-year-old student has donated over $1,200 from the hundreds of books she has sold to the Northland Rescue Chopper Service.

Madison understands the principle of giving back, something her parents know all about. Madison’s Mum, Tara, says, ‘Madison is very altruistic. She doesn’t do these things for gratification or reward, she does it because genuinely she wants to give and she wants to help’.

The Fred Hollows Humanity Awards, now in their fourth year in New Zealand, are inspired by legendary New Zealander and founder of The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, the late Professor Fred Hollows. The Awards recognise young New Zealanders who strive to make the world around them better and embody the values of compassion, integrity, and kindness.

Deputy Head of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School, Jennie Dean, who nominated Madison for the award, says, ‘Madison portrays kindness, support, and big picture future thinking. Madison encourages and supports her friends and her teachers every day. Her leadership at school is one we admire.’

Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, Dr Audrey Aumua says “The Humanity Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate young students, like Madison, who are walking in the footsteps of the late Professor Fred Hollows - they are the Fred’s of the future.”

Madison was presented her award last week and congratulated by The Foundation’s supporter Rhys Mathewson. Madison will also extend her good work by directing $5,000 to a Pacific Programme run by The Foundation, thanks to charity partner Specsavers.

This year, all finalists walked away with a goodie bag packed full of surprises courtesy of The Foundation's award partner Education Perfect, NZ's leading EdTech company. 

Ten outstanding young New Zealanders also received Fred Hollows Humanity Awards for their incredible efforts. They are:

Teja Van Der Westhuizen- Kristin School, Auckland

Olivia Waite- Ngaere School, Taranaki

Benji Venu- Wilford School, Petone

Emma Li- Knights Stream School, Canterbury

Cameron Reynolds- Gonville School, Whanganui

Matilda van Urquhart – Hawea Flat School, Otago

Jasmine Hughes – Diocesan School for Girls, Auckland

Phillipa Andrews and Lilah Elers- Huirangi School, Taranaki

Nathanial McCulloch – Cromwell Primary School, Otago

Congratulations to Petone Central School, on receiving the gift of education - a 12 month Education Perfect Primary subscription + supporting professional development. EP has selected this school in recognition of their nomination and as they believe the Pentone students will benefit greatly from learning with EP. Together, with Education Perfect, we are proud to support students to create a better future for themselves through high quality education.