A YEAR OF GENEROSITY & COMMUNITY SPIRIT
In 2024, the Rangi Ruru Girls’ School community came together with generosity and purpose, making a meaningful impact through philanthropy and service. We focused on giving back, recognising the importance of supporting those in need, particularly in the current economic climate. Rather than conducting an annual appeal, we dedicated our fundraising to an initiative that aligned with one of our core values, generosity of spirit.
A highlight was our involvement in ‘The Amazing Raise’, a Māia Health Foundation initiative supporting its Kahurangi project–enhancing mental health outpatient services for children and youth in Canterbury.
Our Rangi Ruru community embraced The Amazing Raise with enthusiasm, taking out the 2024 Fundraising Hero’s award along with Titans of the Track. Who knew the winning combination of Tracy Herft and Georgia Rumball (and their fierce competitiveness) would be such a formidable duo!
I recently attended the opening of Kahurangi. Hearing Sir John Kirwan speak about the realities of living with mental illness was deeply moving. Knowing we all contributed to this facility, gives me immense pride.
A Commitment to Giving Back
Our decision to forego a traditional annual appeal in 2024 was intentional. Guided by our values of respect, integrity, and generosity of spirit, we chose a campaign focused on giving to the wider community. Showing leadership and commitment beyond our own needs is a vital part of educating young people. We are so grateful this cause resonated with you; our incredible Rangi Ruru community.
Simply, Thank you!
Kirsty Rueppell Development and Sponsorship Executive
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR AND PRINCIPAL
In a world that is constantly evolving, the power of generosity remains a steadfast force for good. At Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, 2024 was a year of profound impact, thanks to the unwavering support of our donors, sponsors, alumnae, and wider community.
We are proud to share this Impact of Giving report with you. It is a celebration of what we’ve achieved together. From new learning initiatives to enhancements in arts, sport, and sustainability, each contribution has played a vital role in shaping the Rangi Ruru experience.
This year also marked a powerful expression of our commitment to giving back. Through ‘The Amazing Raise’, our community united to support youth mental health in Canterbury, raising funds for Māia Health Foundation and the Kahurangi Mental Health Outpatient Facility. This initiative exemplifies the values of service, compassion, and leadership that are central to a Rangi Ruru education.
As Board Chair and Principal, we are deeply grateful for your belief in our mission and your commitment to empowering every Rangi Ruru student to discover their purpose, pursue excellence, and make a meaningful difference in the world. Thank you for walking alongside us on this journey.
Together, we continue to grow a legacy of opportunity, courage, and connection.
Nicki Carter & Tracy Herft Board Chair & Principal
11,000+
$37,760
(X2) 5
18,000 NATIVE PLANTS GROWN ON-SITE FOR THE RED ZONE AND 30 SATELLITE NURSERIES AROUND ŌTAUTAHI 21 SPONSORS
MĀIA HEALTH FOUNDATION’S
THE AMAZING RAISE APPEAL
101 DONORS
72+
EASTER & CHRISTMAS BASKETS
FILLED WITH ESSENTIAL ITEMS & TREATS
DELIVERED TO LOCAL CHARITIES
2,408 NONPERISHABLE ITEMS DONATED TO THE CITY MISSION FROM HARVEST FESTIVAL COLLECTION
END OF YEAR PRIZES
$2,230
YEARS 7 & 8 OLD GIRLS’ SCHOLARSHIP
$8,695
GIBSON WEBB EXHIBITIONS
$2,250
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FAMILIES, STAFF, PAST STUDENTS AND FRIENDS WHO SUPPORTED RANGI RURU GIRLS’ SCHOOL IN 2024.
FROM THE FOUNDATION CHAIR
The Rangi Ruru Foundation, established in July 1995, has been a cornerstone in fostering educational opportunities at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School through professional investment management practices and the strategic use of donations and bequests. As of 2024, the foundation oversees an impressive $5.4 million, ensuring that these funds are dedicated to their intended purposes, which primarily support the cost of education, sports, and scholarships.
The 2024 Foundation Board of Trustees consists of seven volunteer professionals who share a deep commitment to the value of education, specifically in enhancing the educational environment for girls.
The decision made by the foundation last year, to shift the investment strategy to align more closely with those of major educational institutions with substantial endowment funds, proved timely. Financial assets globally had a very strong year with the fund returning 16.63%. So, a growth-oriented portfolio performed well. The timing of this change in portfolio balance was largely chance. It is always helpful to have the ‘good years’ at the start of an investment.
The 2024 investment landscape remained challenging, characterised by an unsettled and, some would argue, a deteriorating geopolitical climate. The enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and all that those initial with regard to future investment and payoffs was very supportive to equity indexes. The market also took comfort in the fact that interest rate increases from the previous year had not resulted in a hard landing for the global economy.
Significant achievements in 2024 included the distribution of scholarships and bursaries worth $27,000 to eight students and the approval of funding grants totalling $14,700 to staff and students including contributions to:
• Literacy training for staff
• The Young Farmers programme
• The Artist in Residence programme
• Rowing equipment – contribution to a new marquee
• The National Debating competition and debating tutor
• Resolutions for the Big Sing National competition
The foundation’s future goals include further development of school facilities as outlined in the school’s master plan, reliant on the
ongoing generosity of donors, including significant contributions from alumnae and bequests.
In 2024, the Foundation Board of Trustees saw some changes in its personnel. The foundation welcomed Ada Tian, and Shannon Johnson as two new trustees.
The foundation continues to encourage alumnae to contribute, whether through scholarships or legacy gifts, emphasising that supporting education is a lifelong gift. These efforts underscore the foundation’s enduring commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and facilities at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, thereby impacting many future generations.
Stuart Nattrass
Rangi Ruru Girls’ School Foundation Chair
Young Farmers
Julia Holderness with a Year 12 painting class
Debaters Angam Vraich, Joni Lester & Millie White Resolutions
“
...giving back isn’t just about helping others. It’s about building a stronger, more connected community.
“
Angam delivering the 2024 Easter Baskets
GROWING THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE
One of the biggest lessons I learned as 2024 Head of Service was that giving back isn’t just about helping others. It’s about building a stronger, more connected community. Service is sometimes misunderstood as a one-way act of generosity, but it’s really a shared experience that fosters responsibility, awareness, and connection.
Over the past year, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a range of organisations, working alongside both students and the wider Ōtautahi community. One of the most rewarding initiatives was our annual Easter baskets campaign. We curated baskets filled with requested items for various Canterbury organisations, including Canterbury Refugee Centre, Women’s Refuge, Ronald McDonald House, and Aviva. This not only supported families and individuals, but also deepened our relationships with these groups, reinforcing the idea that service is about connection as much as it is about action.
Additionally, I was fortunate to visit to the Christchurch City Mission foodbank. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the practical, behind-the-scenes logistics required to run what many of us may see as a simple initiative.
We also participated in the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, raising significant funds, whilst reinforcing valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and purpose. Service isn’t just about what we give. It’s about how we grow through the experience.
Reflecting on the year, I’ve come to realise that service is not a one-way street. The most meaningful impact happens when we recognise that service is not just about helping others. It’s about strengthening the community we are all a part of.
Angam Vraich Head of Service 2024
CREATING CONNECTIONS BEYOND THE BOARDING HOUSE
In the Boarding House we want to teach and encourage our students the value of what it means to give back and pay it forward, as well as recognising the importance of helping others and how it can have a positive impact.
Inspired by my old school and their connection with local rest homes, a few years ago we initiated a relationship with the Elmswood Retirement Village. Every Easter, we make up around
40 Easter baskets and a van load of boarders deliver them. The students always come away buzzing. The joy on the residents’ faces, the tears, the surprise and gratitude are so rewarding and leave a lasting impression on our students.
We also take a group of students to perform for the residents each term. They love it and our students gain confidence performing in front of others. At the end of the year, boarders help decorate
residents’ doors for Christmas, sing Christmas carols as well as deliver some Rangi fudge for them to enjoy.
We also have a long-standing relationship with Cholmondeley Children’s Centre. Each year in Term 2, the boarders bring in raffle items, which are made into baskets, with proceeds going to the charity. At our winter Boarders’ Concert, students contribute a gold coin donation, again supporting the cause. In recent years,
a Cholmondeley staff member has also spoken at the concert, sharing how the donations help the families they support.
Anna Van Der Meer Boarding House Operations Manager
RANGI RURU SUPPORT OF MĀIA HEALTH FOUNDATION - KAHURANGI PROJECT
Māia Health Foundation is on a mission to take the health system from good to great. Māia is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the Canterbury, and wider South Island community. Māia does this by raising money for game-changing projects that will positively impact communities today, and for future generations.
In 2021, Māia committed to raising $6m for a new facility for the Child, Adolescent and Families Mental Health Outpatients Service in Christchurch. Since the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 demand for mental health services for tamariki and rangatahi has surged. Clinical interactions have increased 157% and now around 640 young people receive treatment every month in Christchurch, so the need for a modern, fit-for-purpose facility in which to provide treatment has never been more vital. And raising these funds was going to need a real community effort.
It was fabulous that Rangi Ruru decided to get on board with the fundraising efforts to provide the new facility, Kahurangi (meaning Blue Skies). Kahurangi opened in December 2024, and it is an amazing place for healing and growth, which is nothing less than our young people, and the people treating them, deserve. None of this would have been possible without the support from the likes of the fabulous community that is Rangi Ruru. Having had two daughters go through Rangi I know what a wonderfully caring community it is, and we are truly grateful for their support.
Michael Flatman Chief Executive, Māia Health Foundation
“
“ Maia is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the Canterbury, and wider South Island community.
“ “
Helping to support further growth and development to ensure that current and future students can continue to receive a range of fantastic opportunities is highly rewarding.
WHY I GIVE
My grandmother believed strongly in the value of a well-rounded education and the benefits of sporting and cultural opportunities. This started our family connection with Rangi Ruru, with my aunt, sister, and myself all proud to call ourselves Rangi Ruru Old Girls. My own daughter is now paving the way for the next generation.
During my time at Rangi, I was involved in every aspect of the school: gaining academic knowledge, achieving sporting success, learning musical instruments, and taking on leadership roles. The confidence, self-belief, and skills I developed set me up for the path I took.
Contributing financial donations, is one small way I can give back to the school community and maintains and strengthens my connections with Rangi. Helping to support further growth and development to ensure that current and future students can continue to receive a range of fantastic opportunities is highly rewarding. Seeing that in action with my daughter is the icing on the cake.
Sarah Hurring Class of 1985 and current parent
COMMUNITY SERVICE
In 2024 community service and manaakitanga continued to be an integral part of the Rangi Ruru culture, allowing students to come together to make a positive impact on our wider community. The Service Council, led by Angam Vraich, set two key goals: to offer more opportunities for students to get involved in service events and to increase our participation in community-level initiatives.
The Service Council started the year promoting the Student Volunteer Army Service Award programme to our Years 9 to 13
students, actively encouraging them to take responsibility for finding and organising service opportunities for themselves. Collectively as a school we amassed over 11,000 hours of community service through this award in 2024. The majority of students achieved at least their member badges (5 hours), 72 students their bronze badges (32 hours), seven students their silver badges (250 hours) and amazingly three students achieved their gold badge for volunteering over 500 hours of service to our community. The recipients of the latter awards were celebrated during school assemblies.
As a new initiative this year Rangi Ruru participated for the first time in Relay for Life. Teams of students and staff took part in this 12-hour event, passing the baton around a track to raise funds for those affected by cancer. As our Head of Service, Angam said, “the enthusiasm from both students and staff was incredible, and the success of the event truly showcased the strength of our community when we come together for a cause close to our hearts.”
Tania Morgan Head of Global and Community Connections
Success through unity of purpose
“ “ Kia uru kahikatea ki tu -
SUSTAINABILITY
Statistical highlights reflecting Rangi Ruru’s sustainability practices in 2024 include:
• 171 students/staff in the CARE (Caring and Active Rangi Environmentalists) Team
• 147 students/staff in the Tree Planting/Eco-Action Team with groups regularly attending Eco-Action planting/propagation
• 18,559 plants grown onsite at Rangi Ruru in our nursery. Students played a key role in contributing to our wider community growing over 60,000 native plants. Our efforts enabled plants to be supplied to 30 satellite nurseries in local schools, retirement villages and community gardens.
• Together Eco-Action planted 24,000 plants in the Red Zone and gifted the remaining plants to local regeneration projects
• 1,197 recorded volunteer hours of service through Rangi Ruru sustainability initiatives by students/staff
• Rangi Ruru ReUse Depot collected and redistributed 25,720 items
• Years 12 and 13 Te Ara students contributed a further 648 hours helping in the Rangi Ruru nursery and planted the native garden alongside Hewitts Road and Merivale Lane and a kōwhai tree in memory of Kiingi Tuheitia.
• 31 students/staff involved in the Edible Gardens Team growing vegetables and fruit for those in need
• Rangi Ruru hosted the ‘Positive Action for the Environment Youth Conference Space’. This was a large event with over 300 secondary and tertiary students and kaiako from across Waitaha. 65 Rangi Ruru students and 13 staff were involved.
• 62 students were involved in River Clean Ups (a total of 93 hours service) at Kerrs Reach and along the Ōtakaro (Avon River).
Kate Rivers Director of
Sustainability
THANK YOU!
Rangi Ruru relies on the support of its community to prepare for future generations, seize opportunities, and ensure the Gibson sisters’ vision continues to soar. We’ve endeavoured to include everyone who gave to the school in 2024. if your name is accidentally omitted, please contact the Development Office.
Janet Allan
B
Rebecca Barnett
Catherine Bartlett
Katrina Beresford
Christabel Blacklock
Julie Borthwick
Brannigans
C
Nicki Carter
Giovanni Casiello
Jane Caughley
Pauline Clegg
Clements Family
Juliet Collins
Sue Cusiel
D
Maggie De Vadder
Amanda Dick
Joanna Dodgshun
Hannah Doney
Caroline Etherington
Will Fang
Mike and Phillipa Flutey
Anna Fox
Charlotte Glass
Jennifer Gosney
Cynthia Hampton
Jodi Hart
Ally Herft
Madison Herft
Tracy Herft
Sarah Hickey
Emma Hill
Sarah Hurring J
Aaron M Jay
Barbara Jordan K
Carol Killoh
Gabrielle Lanauze
Leech Family
Michael Liu
M Mel McCrone
Katherine McLean
Zoe Meikle
Scarlett & Ann-Maree Melhopt
Chris Milne
Stu Munro
N
Winnie Ng & Johnny
Jiang
Michelle Noonan
O
Olliver Family
P
Chrystal & Camille Perelini
Chris Porter
Sophie Pye
Rangi Ruru PTA
Rangi Ruru Students
Redcliffs Medical Centre
Bronwyn Reed
Gill Rich
Alyssa Robinson
Tania Robinson
Kirsty & Felix Rueppell
Lesley Rumball
Rachel Rumball
William Rumball
Fiz Rutherford
S
Kate Senior
Louisa Sharpe
Sarah Smith
Sue Smith
Olivia Spencer-Bower
Sutton Family T
Rex Ward
Connell Weston
Rosemary Whyte
Bill Willis & Steph Grieve
Bridget Woodham
Xunlei Wu Z
Xinyu Zhang
Ada Tian & Ricki Lee V Adrian Vance W
Anonymous x 39
A BIG THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Our sponsors create opportunities and enhance curriculum and co-curricular programmes that benefit Rangi Ruru students and its community, and for that, we are grateful.
MERIVALE
