One of the most memorable moments of the Nuffield New Zealand 75th Anniversary Dinner, held in Wellington last year, was a heartfelt announcement from the Hopkins family, reaffirming a long history of generosity that has supported the programme and its scholars for decades.
John Hopkins, a 1979 Nuffield Scholar, often spoke of the life-changing impact the scholarship had on him. Together with his wife, Elaine (both pictured above), he became a longstanding supporter of Nuffield, giving generously to ensure others could benefit from the same opportunity.
John passed away in 2022, and Elaine, who continued to champion the programme following his death, sadly passed away in September 2025 after a short illness. Their generosity has already helped shape the journeys of future leaders, including through the scholarship they funded for Ben Anderson’s Nuffield experience in 2021.
Representing the family at the anniversary dinner were John and Elaine’s son, Andrew Hopkins, and granddaughter, Chelsea Hopkins. In a moving address, Chelsea announced that the Hopkins family would once again support a Nuffield Scholar, continuing the family’s commitment to developing New Zealand’s future agricultural leaders.
That generous gift was awarded to Canterbury dairy farmer Jared Clarke, who is currently completing his 2026 Nuffield Scholarship.
(2026 Nuffield Scholars Clare Bradley, Kelly Heckler, Tracey Perkins, and Jared Clarke pictured below).
Reflecting on the evening following the celebration, Chelsea said:
“My grandfather, John Hopkins, was a proud Nuffield Scholar. I have fond memories of him telling me how the scholarship transformed him and the lasting impact it had on his life.
To give back to the programme that gave us so much, we are pleased to have provided a scholarship for 2026 Nuffield Scholars to support the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Being a part of the Nuffield 75th celebration was super special for Dad and I. It was a reminder that life’s moments, although sometimes small, can have big impacts.”
Chelsea’s announcement was warmly received by those gathered in Wellington and served as a fitting tribute to John and Elaine’s enduring belief in the power of leadership, learning and giving back.
Through their generosity, the Hopkins family have helped scholars such as Ben Anderson and Jared Clarke pursue opportunities that will benefit not only their own leadership journeys, but also New Zealand’s food and fibre sector for years to come.
(Chelsea Hopkins with father, Andrew Hopkins at last years’ 75th Nuffield dinner, Wellington).
