The Foundation

The St Margaret’s College Foundation works with the College to ensure a future where generations of girls are empowered to learn, live and lead.

About The Foundation

Established in 2009, The Foundation generates and stewards gifts and donations from our St Margaret’s College community. Its vision is to create a legacy for the future; its purpose to provide sustainable financial support to the College in partnership with our community.

Relying on the ongoing generosity of parents past and present, Old Girls and corporate supporters, The Foundation supports the College in its commitment to delivering the best independent girls’ school education in New Zealand.

The Foundation has developed key fundraising priorities in support of SMC, its students, and our wider community:

  • Wellbeing and student experience

    Providing students with pastoral care and exceptional experiences across all aspects of College life, including sports, music, performing arts and cultural experiences.

  • Scholarships

    Funding bursaries and scholarships which help qualifying students receive a SMC education, and supporting the diversity of the College for the educational benefit and enrichment of all students.

  • Teaching and leadership

    Enabling the ongoing professional development of our educational staff to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of teaching and learning, and recognising and rewarding the dedication of our teachers in their commitment to our students.

  • Building, technology and campus enhancement

    Continuing to improve our campus through the addition of new facilities, renovation of existing buildings and the purchase of emerging technology and equipment.

  • General purpose

    Providing the College with flexible income that can be utilised wherever the greatest need lies, or should unexpected financial needs and challenges arise.

The impact of The Foundation

The Foundation Bursary Fund

Established in 2021 with the support of current and past parents, Old Girls and College Staff, the Fund has helped many families directly and significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund now sits in perpetuity, ready to support families who find themselves affected by extraordinary circumstances.

St Marks Chapel

This 115-year-old church was kindly gifted to the College in 2017 by Old Girl Gina Satterthwaite. Following a successful fundraising campaign, the chapel is now fully restored and offers students a space conducive to silence and meditation, as well as being available for community use.

Scholarships

Academic scholarships allow students who might not otherwise be able to afford tuition to receive an outstanding education at the College. Through The Foundation, students have been supported in pursuing their passions, whether in academia, the arts, or sports, changing the course of their lives.

Foundation Trustees

  • Ingrid Taylor – Chair

    Ingrid is a Partner in the Property and Commercial Team of Taylor Shaw, Barristers and Solicitors. Her daughter Georgia graduated from SMC in 2017

  • Nick Pfahlert

    Nick is Director of Upright Scaffolding. His daughter Maddie is in Year 12 at SMC.

  • Greg Anderson

    Greg is the Managing Director of Northington Partners. His daughter Ruby graduated from SMC in 2018.

  • Cindy McEwan

    Cindy owns and operates a strategic marketing consultancy and her youngest daughter is in Year 11, and her oldest graduated in 2022. She is also the Trust Board representative on The Foundation Board.

  • Diana Patchett

    Diana is Executive Principal at SMC. She is dedicated to the College’s vision to create empathetic, confident and connected global citizens, who value personal excellence and strive to make a positive difference.

  • Fionn Moore

    Fionn is General Manager – Business Director at SMC and is appointed to the board to represent the College. Fionn is committed to the sustainability of The Foundation and the College, and responsible for the fiscal operations of both.

  • Martin Cudd

    Martin is the General Manager for Business & Innovation at ChristchurchNZ. His daughter Hollie is in Year 11.

  • Jeremy Flood

Discover how you can help us to create a legacy for the future.