By TBHS | Posted: Wednesday June 19, 2024
Helen Henderson presented Timaru Boys’ High School with George Risk’s Royal Society and Technology Medal in the Memorial Library
George Risk was Helen’s brother and he was awarded this prestigious medal, also known as the Rutherford Medal, in 1999 for his work with geothermal exploration. George was influential in taking electrical resistivity techniques used in geothermal exploration from infancy to a finely developed technology that is now embraced by industry and is recognised in law. New Zealand’s leadership in geothermal technology can be in part attributed to the developmental work of George Risk.
Helen also presented George’s Timaru Boys’ High Dux award from 1959. (see photo below)
George was presented the Royal Society and Technology Medal by the Hon Pete Hodgson, Minister of Research, Science and Technology in a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall, Parliament Buildings.
Mr Bruce Leadley, who was a teacher at Timaru Boys’ when George attended, spoke about George’s school days. He was a quiet and modest farm boy from a one-teacher country school in Maungati. He adapted well to the Thomas House environment and was well liked by students and staff. He had an extremely sharp mind and a bent towards perfectionism. By Year 13, George had developed into a true academic and was named Dux in 1959. Bruce said that it was no surprise to anyone at Timaru Boys’ that George went on to have such a distinguished career in the world of scientific research.
The Rector Dave Thorp said the school was honoured to receive George’s medal and would present it proudly in the Memorial Library. He thanked Mrs Henderson for passing this treasure on to the school and said that “George’s success will be a real inspiration to our academic students.”
