St Margaret's College Foundation 2025 Philanthropy Report
2025 Philanthropy Report
Belize McQuarrie, Aine Leeson, Poppy Blakely, Bronnie Sullivan, Anna Rutherford, Lucy Butterfield, Coco Flood, Scarlett Hansen, Bella Harris
Our Vision
To create a legacy for the future.
Our Purpose
To provide sustainable financial support to St Margaret’s College in partnership with our community.
Our Goal
To raise $10 million over 10 years to create a legacy for the future.
The St Margaret’s College Foundation was established in 2009 to generate and steward gifts and donations from the College community. We are a registered charity (CC42926) which operates as an independent professional entity under the direction of a Board of Trustees.
Foundation Chair welcome
As Chair of the St Margaret’s College Foundation, I am constantly reminded that philanthropy is ultimately about people - those who believe in the value of a St Margaret’s education and who are willing to invest in its future. In 2025, that commitment has been reflected in the generosity of our families, Old Girls, and wider community. Their support does more than fund immediate opportunities; it strengthens the long-term sustainability of the College and helps build a lasting legacy for future generations of students.
Philanthropy at St Margaret’s is about much more than financial contribution. It reflects a shared belief in the power of education to shape lives and in the importance of creating opportunities for girls to flourish. Every gift, regardless of size, strengthens our community and helps sustain the distinctive character and quality of the St Margaret’s experience.
Throughout the year, we have seen the impact of this generosity in many ways; in the opportunities created for students and in the preservation of the traditions and values that make our school so special. This support reflects both the confidence in the future of the College and the enduring connection so many of our community continue to feel towards it.
As a Foundation, one of our principal priorities remains the growth of the Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund represents one of the most important longterm investments we can make in the future of the College. It is a lasting expression of commitment to the College and helps ensure exceptional opportunities will continue to be available for future generations of students, whatever challenges or changes may arise.
By continuing to strengthen the Endowment Fund, we are supporting the long-term sustainability of the College and creating a permanent source of support
for those who will follow. It enables us to look beyond immediate needs and focus on the kind of future we want St Margaret’s to enjoy — one grounded in opportunity, resilience, and legacy.
I would like to sincerely thank every donor, supporter, volunteer, and advocate who has contributed to the work of the Foundation over this past year. Your generosity, commitment, and belief in the College are deeply valued. Together, we are helping to preserve all that is special about St Margaret’s while building a strong and enduring future for generations to come.
Ingrid Taylor Chair
The St Margaret’s College Foundation
Our current Foundation Trustees are:
Ingrid Taylor (Chair) | Greg Anderson | Arihia Bennett | Martin Cudd | Jeremy Flood | Olivia Jarvis | Cindy McEwan | Fionn Moore | Diana Patchett
Foundation staff: Erin Reeve and Kate Jones
Executive Principal report
Every day at St Margaret’s College, we see the impact that generosity has on the lives of our students. Behind every opportunity is a community of supporters who believe in the value of education and in the potential of young women to shape the future.
A gift made today is never simply about the present moment. It is an investment in the girls who will walk through our gates tomorrow, next year, and for generations to come. It is a commitment to ensuring that future students have access to the same exceptional opportunities, encouragement, and sense of belonging that define a St Margaret’s education.
At St Margaret’s College, we are preparing young women for a rapidly changing world - one that will require resilience, confidence, compassion, creativity, and leadership. Philanthropy enables us to continue adapting to meet these challenges. It supports innovation in learning, strengthens opportunities in sport and the arts, provides pathways through scholarships, and ensures our girls continue to flourish in an environment that inspires excellence.
Of equal importance, philanthropy preserves and strengthens the character and values of our school. While education programmes may evolve, the heart of St Margaret’s remains grounded in community, connection, and care for one another. The generosity of our donors helps us uphold these values while continuing to grow and improve for the future.
I am continually inspired by the generosity of our community - our families, Old Girls, staff, sponsors, and friends of the College - who understand that education changes lives. Your support empowers young women to discover their strengths, pursue their ambitions, and make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
On behalf of the entire St Margaret’s community, thank you for your belief in our girls and in the future of our College. The gifts made today will shape the class of tomorrow, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
Diana Patchett Executive Principal St Margaret’s College
More than a doll’s house: A gift across generations
The preschool children at St Margaret’s College are delighting in hours of imaginative play thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Old Girl Jane Hickman (née Stanley), who has gifted a remarkable Swedish doll’s house to the school community.
Beautifully handcrafted and rich in intricate detail, the doll’s house is believed to be only the second of its kind in New Zealand, making it a truly special addition to the St Margaret’s Preschool. For Jane, the gift holds deep personal meaning. Today, her granddaughter is among the preschool children who gather around the doll’s house daily to open tiny doors, arrange miniature furniture, and create endless imaginative adventures with friends.
Watching a new generation find joy in such timeless play has made the gift even more significant.
This act of generosity beautifully reflects the enduring connection many Old Girls feel to St Margaret’s. It is a reminder that philanthropy is not only about giving resources, but about creating experiences, nurturing wonder, and strengthening community.
The doll’s house has quickly become a cherished feature of the preschool, encouraging creativity, storytelling, and curiosity among the children.
We are deeply grateful for this thoughtful and meaningful gift, which will inspire imagination and happy memories for many years to come.
Why I support St Margaret’s College: Mike Greer - Purpose behind property
Success in business opens doors. Mike Greer believes it also brings responsibility.
When Mike Greer bought his first property, the bank’s provision allowed him to build one house on the section. He looked at it differently. He subdivided it and built two homes instead. That decision shaped the way he has approached business ever since - don’t think small, don’t accept limits, and always look for ways to create more value for people.
Today, Mike Greer Homes has grown into New Zealand’s largest privately owned building company, with more than 500 homes currently under construction nationwide. It now has 16 branches across New Zealand, a national development team, and a national commercial construction division delivering homes, retirement villages, government housing developments, and commercial projects throughout the country.
But for Mike, success has never been just about the number of homes he has built. It is about the impact he leaves behind.
That is why Mike chooses to support causes that closely reflect his vision and values.
Giving back has always been deeply connected to the principles that drive Mike: quality, performance, accountability, and creating long-term outcomes that make a genuine difference in people’s lives. Building homes is one way of strengthening communities; investing in people, initiatives, and opportunities that support those communities is another.
Sport has also played a significant role in shaping Mike’s outlook as he is heavily involved with elite athletes and high-performance teams, both in New Zealand and internationally. Top-level sport teaches discipline, resilience, teamwork, and accountability,
values he sees as being equally important in business and life. Whether it is supporting local grassroots sport or being involved with professional sporting organisations and athletes abroad, Mike sees sport as a powerful vehicle for developing character and inspiring communities.
Mike sees donating to St Margaret’s College as an investment in people, communities, sport, and opportunities that can create lasting outcomes long after the donation is made.
‘If we can help create better communities through the homes we build, the jobs we create, the sports we support, and the causes we invest in, then that is a legacy worth building,’ Mike says.
Mike Greer and Erin Reeve, Foundation Manager
Protecting the past for the future: The transformative impact of the Amber Gazzard Bequest on St Margaret’s College Archives
St Margaret’s College has long cherished its rich history, shaped by students, staff, and families for more than a century. Today, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the late Old Girl Amber Gazzard, that history is being preserved and reimagined for future generations through a significant digitisation project within the College archives.
The Amber Gazzard Bequest has become a catalyst for one of the most important heritage initiatives undertaken by the College. Through this generous contribution, St Margaret’s is ensuring that treasured archival materials - many of them fragile, irreplaceable, and historically significant - are protected, accessible, and able to continue resonating with the community for decades to come.
Within the St Margaret’s archives are tales of leadership and service, moments of celebration and challenge, and the everyday experiences that together define the spirit of the College. The digitisation project supported by the Amber Gazzard Bequest is enabling these stories to be carefully preserved in digital form. Historic photographs, newsletters, magazines, uniforms, memorabilia, and rare documents are being professionally scanned and catalogued, creating a secure and enduring digital archive.
This work is protecting valuable material from deterioration and loss, and at the same time making it far more accessible to the wider community. Old Girls, current students, families, historians, and researchers will increasingly be able to engage directly with the College’s history.
In supporting the digitisation of the archives, the bequest recognises that preserving history is an investment in the future. It ensures that the achievements, leadership, creativity, and contributions of St Margaret’s women are not lost with time, but instead remain accessible and celebrated.
Another development arising from the bequest has been the transformation of a College boardroom into a dedicated heritage and archival display space. Renamed the Amber Gazzard Boardroom, the space now showcases selected items from the College archives.
As the digitisation project progresses, it stands as a powerful reminder that philanthropy has a role in shaping the stories and heritage that define a community. Through this remarkable act of generosity, Amber Gazzard’s legacy will continue to inspire our community for many years to come.
Our partnership with Mainland Capital: Building a legacy together
The partnership between the St Margaret’s College Foundation and Mainland Capital reflects a shared commitment to building an enduring legacy.
At the heart of the Foundation’s mission is a responsibility to safeguard the future of St Margaret’s College, ensuring that young women continue to benefit from exceptional educational opportunities and a nurturing environment in which to thrive. This work is made possible through meaningful partnerships with organisations that share our vision for long-term impact.
Established in 2010, Mainland Capital has developed a strong reputation in fund management, providing investors with tailored solutions aligned to their risk and return objectives. With a focus on multi-asset property funds and a team of highly experienced industry professionals, Mainland Capital is guided by a commitment to long-term value creation and clearly defined strategies.
Our partnership is grounded in a shared belief in supporting future generations. Mainland Capital’s contribution to St Margaret’s is expressed through their sponsorship of the performing arts and rowing programmes - two areas central to the experiences the College offers its girls.
Through a shared commitment to investing in people, potential, and purpose, this partnership exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy. Mainland Capital’s support enables the Foundation to continue enriching the student experience, ensuring that opportunities in both the arts and sport remain accessible and of the highest standard.
In this way, the partnership stands as a testament to what can be achieved through thoughtful collaboration: a legacy carefully nurtured, a future confidently secured, and a community strengthened.
Foundation Chair Ingrid Taylor with Ben Bridge and Tim Jones, Mainland Capital
Dancing together: Celebrating the generous support of PAK’nSAVE for the 2025 Dance Show
The St Margaret’s College annual Dance Show is an opportunity for students across our Junior, Middle and Senior Schools to express themselves, build confidence, develop teamwork, and experience the excitement of working towards a shared goal. Months of rehearsals, choreography, costume preparation, technical production, and collaboration culminate in a showcase that reflects talent, dedication, and resilience.
The 2025 Dance Show was a spectacular celebration of creativity, energy, and student talent. We are grateful to our partner PAK’nSAVE, whose sponsorship
and encouragement helped bring this remarkable event to life.
Support from PAK’nSAVE plays an essential role in making these performing arts opportunities possible. The success of the 2025 Dance Show was evident in the assurance and pride felt by every student who stepped onto the stage.
We extend our sincere thanks to PAK’nSAVE for their generosity, partnership, and belief in our girls. Together, we continue to demonstrate the power of community partnerships and the incredible impact they have on enriching student life.
Annual Appeal 2025: Together for people and planet
The 2025 Annual Appeal has already begun to leave a lasting mark on St Margaret’s College, transforming a space on campus into one that nurtures connection, wellbeing, and environmental stewardship. Thanks to the generosity of our community and the support of key partners, tangible progress is underway on both the community garden space and House seating projects.
At the heart of this year’s appeal was a shared commitment to “people and planet”. These values are deeply aligned with our matched donor partner Fife Foundation, established and led by Old Girl Gina Satterthwaite. Through Fife Foundation’s generous support, every contribution made by our community carried even greater impact, helping bring this vision to life.
The community garden space is currently being completed and is already taking shape as a vibrant outdoor area for students to learn and to gather together. The garden has been further enriched through the generosity of the St Margaret’s College Parents & Friends Association and the Eco Action
Nursery Trust, whose donation of plants will help bring colour and life into the space. This support reflects the strong spirit of partnership within our school community and a collective desire to create environments where students can learn and grow.
Alongside the garden development, the first stage of the new House Seating project has now been completed. These welcoming seating areas are already being embraced as part of daily student life, used to provide spaces to connect with friends, collaborate, reflect, and strengthen House spirit.
The success of the 2025 Annual Appeal demonstrates the power of community and the impact that can be achieved when we work together towards a shared vision. We are deeply grateful to Fife Foundation for their matched donor partnership, and to the Parents & Friends Association and Eco Action Nursery Trust for their generous contributions. Most importantly, we thank every member of the St Margaret’s community whose support is helping create spaces that will benefit both people and the planet for years to come.
Sponsorship at SMC: 2025 in review
Partnerships and sponsorships continue to play a vital role in enhancing the St Margaret’s College experience, helping students pursue excellence across academics, sport, the arts, and community life. We are proud to acknowledge the generous organisations and businesses who have chosen to support St Margaret’s and invest in the next generation of young women during 2025.
Our sponsorship programme exists to create real benefits for students through meaningful partnerships with businesses within the wider school community. From sporting events and cultural initiatives to flagship fundraising occasions, sponsors help place exceptional opportunities within reach for our girls.
This year, we are especially grateful for the continued support of sponsors across our rowing and performing arts programmes. These partnerships provide invaluable assistance and allow students to perform and compete at the highest levels while representing St Margaret’s with pride and distinction.
The St Margaret’s rowing programme continues to flourish thanks to the backing of committed sponsors who understand the teamwork and resilience the sport develops in young athletes. Likewise, support
for performing arts helps nurture creativity and confidence, enabling students to shine in productions, music, dance and cultural performances throughout the year.
Several key community events in 2025 have also been strengthened through generous corporate sponsorship. We are delighted to recognise BMS Group and Upright Scaffolding as sponsors of the annual St Margaret’s College Foundation Golf Day, a much-loved event that brings together supporters and friends of the College in support of student opportunities and school initiatives.
We also extend sincere thanks to Treasure Box by Biani for sponsoring the Foundation Spring Lunch. This elegant annual occasion continues to grow as a highlight on the College calendar, celebrating our community connections and the spirit of giving that underpins so much of life at St Margaret’s.
As we look ahead, we are deeply appreciative of every sponsor, donor and supporter who partners with the College. Together, we are helping ensure St Margaret’s students continue to thrive.
Thank you.
Sponsors
PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
Driving sustainability through partnership: Working together towards a greener future
The St Margaret’s College Foundation is proud to continue its partnership with Lexus of Christchurch, a relationship that reflects a shared commitment to excellence, sustainability, innovation and leadership.
The partnership is built on common values. Lexus’ philosophy of ‘The Pursuit of Perfection’ closely mirrors the College’s vision of developing empathetic, confident and connected young women who strive to make a positive difference in the world.
As part of this valued partnership, Lexus of Christchurch provides the College with an electric vehicle for staff use, supporting day-to-day operations while reinforcing the importance of environmentally conscious choices within our community. The initiative was among the first of its kind within New Zealand schools, and continues to demonstrate how purposeful partnerships can help shape a more sustainable future.
The electric Lexus has become a familiar sight around Christchurch, used by staff for a variety of
College purposes, including student activities and community engagement. Beyond its practical benefits, the vehicle also serves as a visible reminder of the College’s commitment to innovation and responsible stewardship.
Lexus of Christchurch, part of the Miles Group, has long been recognised for its leadership in sustainability and innovation. The dealership’s investment in electric and hybrid technology reflects a wider commitment to reducing environmental impact while continuing to deliver premium experiences.
Executive Principal Diana Patchett says, “St Margaret’s shares a vision with Lexus of Christchurch and the Miles Group for a sustainable, greener future, through collaboration, innovative thinking, and emerging technologies. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support, through a partnership that continues to benefit both our staff and students.”
Charitable activities: 2025
Charitable Activities 2025
Lenten Appeal Fun-Raiser in support of Anglican Missions Board Lenten Appeal 2025
National Pink Shirt Day funds going to the Mental Health Foundation
Pink Ribbon Raffle and morning tea
Cooking for Full Bellies donation
Girl Boss Canterbury - Community Award
Pyjama Drive for ‘Good Night, Sleep Tight’
Sponsorship at NZ Agricultural ShowEquestrian Trophy prize
Sony Camp and Christmas gifts to families and campers
Deputy Head of Senior School, Student Care and Experience
Whole school
2025 Strategic Goal and Environment Prefect and Council
2025 Head Prefect and EGG committee
Rowing to glory: Our 2025 season
The St Margaret’s College rowing programme achieved an extraordinary milestone in 2025, proudly securing once again the prestigious Levin Jubilee Cup, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated rowing honours and regarded as the country’s premier girls’ rowing race.
This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication, resilience, and teamwork that define our rowing community. The Levin Jubilee Cup is steeped in history and fiercely contested by the nation’s leading rowing schools. To have our girls’ names etched alongside some of New Zealand rowing’s greatest programmes is a moment of immense pride for the entire St Margaret’s community.
This season’s success has also been made possible through the incredible support of our sponsors and supporters. Their generosity and belief in our vision enable our rowers to access outstanding training
opportunities, equipment, travel, and development experiences that help them perform at the highest level.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our rowing sponsors and supporters for standing beside our programme and investing in the future of our young rowers. Your partnership plays a vital role in helping our students pursue excellence and represent St Margaret’s College with pride on the national stage.
We also thank our rowing families, volunteers, Old Girls, and wider community whose encouragement and commitment continue to strengthen the programme year after year.
While winning the Levin Jubilee Cup was the headline for our rowing programme for 2025, every rower in our programme embodies the celebration of the collective effort, spirit, and belief of an entire community.
SMC Rowing Sponsors
Diamond Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Vehicle Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Platinum Plus Sponsor
Join the 1910 Society Create a lasting legacy
A gift in your Will to St Margaret’s College is a powerful way to support future generations of girls and honour the values that have shaped our community since 1910.
By including St Margaret’s College in your estate plans, you become a valued member of the 1910 Society - a special group of supporters
whose generosity helps ensure the College continues to inspire, educate, and empower young women for years to come.
Leave a gift | Leave a legacy | Join the 1910 Society
Your legacy, no matter the size, will make a lasting difference and help preserve the spirit and excellence of St Margaret’s College for future generations. For further information contact foundation@stmargarets.school.nz
Our Supporters
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous 2025 donors, whose unwavering support made a palpable difference in the lives of our students and the future of St Margaret’s College.
Please advise us if we have mistakenly omitted your name by contacting foundation@stmargarets.school.nz.
Thank you for your donation and for helping make a difference.
Gareth Abdinor
Rebecca Abrahams-Boon
Reatha Ackroyd
Bruce and Jane Allen
Greg and Nicola Anderson
Jocelyn Atkinson (Robinson)
Caleb and Miranda Ballin (Astley)
Alice Beer
Sam Bejjani and Rebecca Laney
Gill Blackler
Sylvia Borst
Ben and Anna Bridge
Nick and Diana Bridge
Tim and Jude Burnside
Nicola Bush (Warren)
Kate Butterfield
Rebecca and Andrew Clayton (Brown)
Kath Conlan
Neil and Sonya Cookeson
Nicky Coop (Young)
Patrick and Vanessa Coughlan
Suzanne Craig
Paul and Julia Croft
Vicki Cross
Martin and Julia Cudd
Nick Davey
Daphne Daysh (Parr)
Elizabeth de Lambert
Oxana Edmonds
Grant and Lianne Edmundson
Sarah-Jane and James Evans
Jeremy Flood and Rachel Wilson
Rebecca Foulds
Emlyn and Hilary Francis
Jamie and Nathan Fridd
Adrian Gamble and Jennifer Loming
Susan Gardiner
The Estate of Amber Gazzard
Richard and Justine Gearry
Andy Glackin
Jocelyn Golding (Perkins)
Qiaoyu Guan
Andrew and Sarah Hawkes
Jane Hickman (Stanley)
Lane Hocking
David Hsia and Eva Chang
Josie Hu
Caro Hutchison and Henry van Asch
Kris and Georgie Inglis
Lesley Johnston (Glasson)
Tim and Lis Jones
Robert and Grace Kamuhangire
Alan Kwan
Kerri Lee
Indie Lissington and Harper Lee
Georgia Lund
Sarah Masterton
Phill Mayers
Nicki and James McDonald
Richard and Cindy McEwan
Dean and Nicki McGuigan
Sally McKenzie (Blakely)
Katharine Moore
Melanie Muirson
Neil and Helen O’Donnell
Josh and Amanda O’Malley
Jackie O’Sullivan
Diana Patchett
Nick and Victoria Pfahlert (Maling)
Jennifer Pryor
Tim and Christine Rankin
Hitesh Ravji
Erin Reeve
Kim Ridl
Philippa Rutledge
Gina Satterthwaite (Gough)
Julia Savill
Matt Sawyer and Sheryl Waite
The Estate of James Scanlon
Jennifer Schlecht (Cox)
Janet Scott
Karen Scott
Pam Scott (Brown)
Delwyn Sell
Ganga Selvarajah and Srimala Kumarapaapillai
Darren and Jan Shand (Webby)
Juliana Sherratt (Stewart)
Jenna Simes (Rennie)
SMCOGA (SMC Old Girls’ Association)
Don and Julie Smith
Sendjaja Soetanto
Cam and Marisa Spear
Felicity Speight
SMCPFA (SMC Parents and Friends Association)
Laura Steen and Peter Stratford
Pieter Stewart (McKenzie)
Sue Talbot (Wright)
Ingrid Taylor
Virginia Thomas (Scott)
The Estate of Judith Vogan (Furze)
Dennis Wang
Katie Ward (Mackintosh)
Simon and Mel Wareing
Melissa Warrington and Jonathan Davidson
Andrew Watson
Melanie Watson (Burr)
The Estate of Ann Webley (Ballantyne)
Paul and Debbie Willis
Richard and Melissa Wilson
Rob and Sarah Wilson
Rex Yule
Foundation Manager: Thank you
As we reflect on 2025, the extraordinary generosity and support shown to the St Margaret’s College Foundation throughout the year is something I hold with deep gratitude.
The Foundation continues to go from strength to strength, and this progress is only possible because of our incredible community - Old Girls, current and past families, staff, friends of the College, sponsors, and our donors who believe in the power of a St Margaret’s education.
Every contribution made this year, whether large or small, has made a meaningful difference. Collectively, these gifts help us provide opportunities that enrich the lives of our students, strengthen our programmes, and ensure the College continues to thrive.
Philanthropy is not measured solely by the size of a donation, but by the spirit of generosity behind it.
We are deeply appreciative of every individual who chose to support the Foundation in 2025. Your commitment demonstrates a shared belief in excellence, opportunity, and community.
This year has seen remarkable momentum across many areas of the College, and it is heartening to witness the growing culture of giving within our community. Together, we are building a legacy that will continue to benefit young women well into the future.
On behalf of the Foundation Board and the wider St Margaret’s College community, thank you for your generosity, encouragement, and ongoing support throughout 2025.
We look forward to continuing this journey together.
Erin Reeve Foundation Manager
All gifts, no matter the size, collectively make a huge impact on the lives of current and future generations of St Margaret’s College students.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible gift to the St Margaret’s College Foundation, please contact our Foundation Manager, Erin Reeve: 027 221 7703 foundation@stmargarets.school.nz
