The MAC Foundation story
In 1993, Mount Aspiring College had experienced many years of lower-than-expected student enrolments. The impact of faltering global markets following the 1987 stock market crash caused many people to leave New Zealand’s regional towns for larger urban centres. Schools around Otago were not immune and potential resource relocations from the Ministry of Education loomed. In an effort to boost the roll and save the school, the Mount Aspiring College Board came up with the unique idea to create a hostel programme, inviting students to experience MAC’s education and outdoor opportunities in Wānaka. The first intake of students was hosted in buildings on Little Street. It soon became apparent the programme would stay. And so, MAC Foundation was formed as a separate entity from Mount Aspiring College (and, therefore, the Ministry of Education) to purchase land and develop a dedicated property for the Hostel programme.
Thanks to the generosity of the Wānaka community and support from the Queenstown Lakes District Council, a parcel of land adjacent to the school was purchased and the hostel was built. The Hostel programme soon became highly sought-after and it wasn’t long before there was a waiting list to join (and still is to this day). Today, MAC Foundation still owns the hostel building and the land on which it sits, and provides funding to the school to operate the hostel. Mount Aspiring College manages all other aspects of the hostel programme.MAC Foundation had succeeded in its vision to support Mount Aspiring College by establishing a profitable income stream for the school while providing a way to enhance the school’s reputation and the experience of its students. Since then, MAC Foundation has continued to demonstrate innovative thinking and astute investment planning in order to support the college.
Today, MAC Foundation undertakes a range of initiatives to support the delivery of an outstanding education for all students at Mount Aspiring College, fostering an inclusive environment where every learner can thrive. See our impact.
Our mission
For Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College to have the resources to empower every student to reach their ultimate potential. Our mission is ambitiously two-fold:
- Expanding our students’ and MAC’s community potential through growth opportunities and outstanding facilities.
- Enabling equitable opportunities and access to excellent education through the Tautoko Fund.
2024 & beyond…
With the recent redevelopment of Mount Aspiring College, MAC Foundation has been reinvigorated and has embraced a larger goal of building a significant $5 million endowment fund to secure the continued success of the school. Working closely with the Principal and the Board of Trustees, we intend to provide MAC with extra funding to ensure a world-class education for all our students. Our goal is to establish a range of funding initiatives which will enable MAC to drive high academic, sporting, and arts achievement, assists students who are experiencing financial hardship to fully participate in educational and extra-curricular opportunities as well as supporting the wellbeing of our school community.
Highlights
1986
Wānaka Area School is split into Wānaka Primary School and Mount Aspiring College.
1987
Princess Anne opens Mount Aspiring College
1987-1993
Wanaka’s static population sees the school struggling to grow its roll and maintain sustainable levels for senior classes. The College is at risk of being shut and amalgamated with Cromwell College. From a ‘no silly idea’ meeting at the school, the idea of a school hostel programme begins to evolve.
1993
The school does not have the ability to use MoE funds to purchase land for the hostel, so MAC Foundation is formed to facilitate the purchase.
1994
The first hostel students arrive to participate in a senior year focusing on life skills and outdoor pursuits. The hostel programme makes news around the country.
1996
The Foundation works with QLDC to change zoning on reserve land near the school. MAC Foundation purchases land from Council to build the hostel. MAC Hostel opens
2005
MAC Foundation purchases land at 135 Plantation Road
2016-2023
This period sees MAC Foundation maintaining financial stability and exploring future viability2023
Mount Aspiring College undergoes a major redevelopment that prompts the MAC Foundation relaunch and outreach to donors, business stakeholders, the local community and alumni.
Highlights
1986
Wānaka Area School is split into Wānaka Primary School and Mount Aspiring College.
1987
Princess Anne opens
Mount Aspiring College
1987-1993
Wanaka’s static population sees the school struggling to grow its roll and maintain sustainable levels for senior classes. The College is at risk of being shut and amalgamated with Cromwell College. From a ‘no silly idea’ meeting at the school, the idea of a school hostel programme begins to evolve.
1993
The school does not have the ability to use MoE funds to purchase land for the hostel, so MAC Foundation is formed to facilitate the purchase.
1994
The first hostel students arrive to participate in a senior year focusing on life skills and outdoor pursuits. The hostel programme makes news around the country.
1996
The Foundation works with QLDC to change zoning on reserve land near the school. MAC Foundation purchases land from Council to build the hostel.
MAC Hostel opens
2005
MAC Foundation purchases land at 135 Plantation Road
2016-2023
This period sees MAC Foundation maintaining financial stability and exploring future viability
2023
Mount Aspiring College undergoes a major redevelopment that prompts the MAC Foundation relaunch and outreach to donors, business stakeholders, the local community and alumni.
Our impact
Here are just a few of the ways MAC Foundation—with the help of generous donors and stakeholders—is making an impact for students at Mount Aspiring College.
