Building Belonging: New Grant Supports Diverse WHS Community

The Wakatipu High School Foundation is delighted to receive $65,000 in funding from the Mactodd Community Charitable Trust to expand culturally responsive support for students and families at Wakatipu High School.

As the only secondary school serving the Wakatipu Basin, the school reflects the vibrant and diverse community of Queenstown. Today, students from more than 62 ethnicities call Wakatipu High School home, making belonging, connection, and support more important than ever.

This funding will allow the school to expand targeted support for migrant students and families, particularly those from Brazilian and Filipino communities. Over the next one to two years the initiative will include:

• Two part-time bilingual migrant support staff

• Additional guidance and careers counselling capacity

• Stronger communication and engagement between the school and families

• Community information evenings and engagement opportunities

These bilingual staff will work alongside the school’s pastoral and wellbeing teams, helping families navigate the New Zealand education system, communicate with the school, and access the support their young people need.

The initiative builds on a successful 2025 pilot programme, which showed that language-accessible, relationship-based support significantly improves engagement between families and the school.

Principal Oded Nathan says the funding will make a real difference for students and families.

“Our school community is enriched by the many cultures and experiences our students and families bring. This generous support allows us to strengthen connections with families and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed and feel a strong sense of belonging at Wakatipu High School.”

The Foundation is incredibly grateful to the Mactodd Community Charitable Trust for investing in the wellbeing and success of young people in our community. Their support will help create stronger connections, better outcomes for students, and a more inclusive school community.