WHS Foundation Update One - 2024

Message from the Chair

It is hard to believe that we are already nearing the end of the first term at school.   

The cliche of time running away is very real.  It is why it's so important to take stock when you can.  For the Wakatipu High School Foundation, 2024 began with a planning session.  The purpose of which was to set the course for the year ahead as we continue to pursue the vision of the Foundation - For all WHS students to be enabled to meet their potential in a supportive and well-resourced environment.

With the ideas flowing it was a real pleasure as Chair to witness a group so passionate about making sure that Wakatipu High School is well-resourced, so that every single student can feel supported and resourced with what they need to fulfil their potential and reach for their heights. 

As the ideas were collated, one amazing reality came to the fore - that the Wakatipu High School Foundation was 10 years old.   

The point not being that a charity had reached a milestone, but that for 10 years, there has been a long line of amazing trustees (usually parents), team members, supporters who have all played an important role in pursuing this vision of supporting the students in the only high school in the Queenstown region.  All of which has amounted to over $2 million being raised and allocated to school programmes over those 10 years. 

These programmes are headlined by the ongoing success of the Āwhina Support Fund, a flagship programme of the WHS Foundation since its inception in 2014. This programme continues to significantly impact students' educational outcomes, ensuring they have devices for learning and their participation in extracurricular activities.

This commitment remains steadfast as we continue to support the school with initiatives such as reducing class sizes, expanding the curriculum, enhancing literacy and numeracy skills, promoting student well-being, funding Junior camps, and providing extracurricular support. 

Looking ahead, the continued growth of our vibrant region, with a 75% increase in population since 2013, necessitates a corresponding increase in support for WHS to ensure the best possible opportunities for our students. The WHS Foundation remains committed to addressing funding shortfalls (with $450,000 committed for 2024) and empowering students to pursue their aspirations confidently.

We appreciate your continued support for the work the Foundation does.  If you would like to know more, or get involved and/or contribute, please reach out.  We would love to hear from you. 

Daniel Gibbons
Chair - Wakatipu High School Foundation

Together We Can Make a Difference.

Ten Years of Support

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all donors and Business Partners who have supported us over the past decade. Special recognition is due to Queenstown Resort College, Colliers Otago and PAK’nSAVE who have been steadfast partners since the inception of the WHS Foundation, contributing significantly to our cause.

Queenstown Resort College has been a Platinum Business Partner since February 2014 donating $10,000 every year to the WHS Foundation. An amazing legacy and show of commitment to the education sector in our region.

Colliers Otago has donated a portion of the proceeds of their annual Colliers Latitude 45 South lunch and charity auction since 2014 with a staggering total of $615,000 given to the WHS Foundation over the last 10 years. 

As well as being a Business Partner since 2013, PAK’nSAVE co-owner Michelle King served four years as a trustee of the WHS Foundation. PAK’nSAVE have also kindly sponsored our Fundraising Raffle providing the highly sought after prize of grocery vouchers!

Our Impact - 2024 Funding

Each year, the initiatives we support are meticulously chosen to maximise their impact on WHS and our students. For the current year, we are allocating $450,000 towards 10 impactful initiatives, ensuring that our resources are directed towards initiatives that will benefit our school and students the most.

Support Us

he WHS Foundation is the vehicle by which the school and our community can contribute to a vibrant, and great all-round education for Wakatipu youth. 

As a foundation, our commitment lies in ensuring that Wakatipu High School continues to offer New Zealand's best all-round education to its students.  But we can't do it alone - we need the support of our community to continue funding the important programmes and initiatives that make a real difference to WHS students. Becoming a supporter of the Wakatipu High School Foundation is a great way to help us achieve our vision, whether as a business partner, individual donor or volunteer. With your help, we can continue to provide the resources and support our students need to succeed.

Our Business Partner Programme:
Our business partner programme brings together a dynamic group of companies that recognise that through education, young people can enrich both their own lives and the community in which they live.

• Make a Difference
  Make an annual donation at a level that suits you and your business. Your contribution will help provide funding for $450,000 in school-wide programmes.
• Connect & Engage
  You will join a network of businesses that connect with the school and each other. We provide opportunities to network, attend exclusive events and engage with the school community.
• Recognition
  We value the support of our partners and proudly recognise them on social media, website, Impact Report, WHS and Foundation newsletters, wall of recognition and exclusive events.

Trustee Positions

Want to make a difference?
We are seeking two new Trustees to join our Board. This is your opportunity to make a difference for the youth AND the future of the Wakatipu. Visit our website to learn more and submit your expression of interest.

Thanks to our Supporters