IMPACT PROJECT
Revitalising school and community: The Mount Aspiring College Hostel Programme
Initiated in the early 1990s, the Mount Aspiring College Hostel Programme provides a transformative opportunity for Year 13 students from across New Zealand. The programme capitalises on Wānaka’s unique outdoor environment while providing a programme to facilitate personal growth and development alongside a full academic year of study. What many people may not know is that the hostel was the catalyst for the formation of MAC Foundation.
Mount Aspiring College was established in 1986 following the division of Wānaka Area School into a primary and secondary school. By the early 1990s, Mount Aspiring College faced stagnating student numbers, particularly in its senior years. 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.
Mount Aspiring College was established in 1986 following the division of Wānaka Area School into a primary and secondary school. By the early 1990s, Mount Aspiring College faced stagnating student numbers, particularly in its senior years. 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.
Creative problem-solving
To combat the low student roll, the school board and principal sought innovative solutions. From a “no silly ideas” meeting, the idea of introducing a lifestyle boarding program that would expand on the school’s outdoor education programme was mooted. The idea was to entice Year 13 students from around the country to live and study at Mount Aspiring College, where they would not only complete their final year but also partake in the school’s unique outdoors programme and learn life skills such as cooking and cleaning in a hostel setting.
Initially, the hostel utilised a motel complex on Little St in central Wānaka to accommodate students. But the success of the programme meant it soon became apparent the programme would stay and permanent lodgings for students were needed.
And so, MAC Foundation was formed. Established as an entirely separate entity from Mount Aspiring College (and, therefore, the Ministry of Education), MAC Foundation was able to purchase land and develop a dedicated property for the hostel programme. MAC Foundation was officially established on September 28, 1993, with Mike Allison as Chair and Heather Thorne as Secretary.
Initially, the hostel utilised a motel complex on Little St in central Wānaka to accommodate students. But the success of the programme meant it soon became apparent the programme would stay and permanent lodgings for students were needed.
And so, MAC Foundation was formed. Established as an entirely separate entity from Mount Aspiring College (and, therefore, the Ministry of Education), MAC Foundation was able to purchase land and develop a dedicated property for the hostel programme. MAC Foundation was officially established on September 28, 1993, with Mike Allison as Chair and Heather Thorne as Secretary.
Strategic land purchase and building construction
With the support of the Wānaka community and the Queenstown Lakes District Council, MAC Foundation purchased a parcel of land adjacent to Mount Aspiring College and began the construction of a purpose-built hostel funded by MAC Foundation. Being separate from Mount Aspiring College enabled MAC Foundation to retain ownership of the hostel building and the land and then provide operational funding to Mount Aspiring College. To this day, the same structure remains with Mount Aspiring College managing all other aspects of the hostel programme.
MAC Foundation’s commitment to financial stability
MAC Foundation recognised the benefit that an investment strategy could bring to provide ongoing financial support to Mount Aspiring College. MAC Foundation’s Board of Trustees have continued to adhere to this strategy of establishing profitable income streams for the school as well as enhancing the school’s reputation and the experience of its students.
The impact of the MAC Hostel
At the time, the establishment of the Mount Aspiring Hostel Programme played a pivotal role in saving Mount Aspiring College from potential amalgamation or significant resource relocations. It was successful in attracting students from across New Zealand to bolster the student roll and enhance Mount Aspiring College’s reputation.
Those first wise investment decisions made by MAC Foundation have paved the way for its current trajectory. With a goal to ensure enduring financial stability for Mount Aspiring College MAC Foundation continues to seek out viable opportunities for future investments. Today, the impact of the hostel programme continues to be felt. The programme is highly regarded and highly sought-after, and each year sees a waiting list of hopeful students apply. The programme has not only been instrumental in securing the future of Mount Aspiring College but has also made a remarkable impact on the Wānaka community.
More impact projects
ESOL and Music Room
In support of Mount Aspiring College's commitment to investing in students' success, MAC Foundation funded the construction of a dedicated ESOL room, which later became the Music Room. Following the 2021 redevelopment of Mount Aspiring College, the building is now a residential rental property, providing a sustainable source of income that will continue supporting the Foundation's charitable purpose.
Donations
Since its inception, MAC Foundation has provided annual funding to Mount Aspiring College for various projects, including scholarships, sports equipment, library equipment, and landscaping. Following its reinvigoration in 2022, MAC Foundation intends to build on its financial base to grow donations and increase impact. In 2022, the school received a donation of $85,000 from MAC Foundation.
