A powerful legacy for one of Wellington’s most progressive women.

Providing equitable, accessible support for older generations and people with dementia.

Edith Sprott, wife of the Bishop of Wellington. Original photographic prints and postcards from file print collection, Box 3. Ref: PAColl-5671-51. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.

In 2019, what was then known as The Sprott House Trust rebranded to The Edith Sprott Trust. More than just a name change, this was a powerful acknowledgement of the woman behind its long history and a compelling statement to articulate the future vision of the Trust.

Its namesake Edith Sprott (nee Campbell) was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1859. Although she was born to an affluent family, great poverty was prevalent in the surrounding city. Edith was aware of the challenges of those less fortunate than her from a young age, and she worked in women’s and children’s welfare from her early 20s. It was this experience, as well as her years working in a slum parish in Kingston upon Hull, England, that formed the foundation for a lifetime of work with marginalised and vulnerable communities.

Edith arrived in New Zealand with her husband Reverend Thomas Sprott in 1892 and when he was made Anglican Bishop of Wellington in 1911, she became involved with St Mary’s Guild – an organisation with deep roots in the Anglican Church. Its premises, which were then described as a “home for orphan and destitute girls, and for those living in undesirable surroundings”, were located in Newtown.

Edith’s involvement in the Guild, as a member from its establishment in 1898 and then as President from 1923–1925, came at a time when support for women and children was rare. As a forward-thinking individual, Edith saw this as an opportunity to help women by providing professional care and opportunities for employment. St Mary’s Anglican Home moved to Karori in 1900, where it housed 101 children and young women across four sites.

Moving with the times

The introduction of the Social Security Act in 1938 meant better infrastructure for welfare, decreased financial hardship and better living conditions and healthcare services. With parents now better equipped to care for their children, the demand for St Mary’s Home’s services declined, and in 1951, the home was transitioned into a home for “elderly gentlewomen”. Although Edith Sprott died in 1945, this next chapter mimicked her pioneering, determined spirit, with the Guild spearheaded by an all-female staff. Like Edith, these kinds of services were also progressive. “There was little in the way of residential care available at that time, and what little was available was run by church or community organisations,” says Edith Sprott Trust Chair Chris Sanders.

In 1971, St Mary’s Anglican Homes Trust Board became Sprott House Homes Incorporated, and by 1989, both entities were wound up with their assets transferred to the newly formed Sprott House Trust, which continued to provide quality aged care from its Messines Road property.

An enduring legacy

2019 signalled a step-change in the Edith Sprott Trust’s story. Having sold Edith Sprott House a year prior, the Trust was looking for a way to ensure the perpetuity of Edith’s legacy, wanting assurance that “the Edith Sprott name would continue to effect real change in our communities, as it has in Wellington for over 120 years”. It was also important that the proceeds from the sale of Edith Sprott House were managed effectively and would give back to causes the Trust believed would be close to Edith’s heart. Nikau Foundation provided the guardianship they were looking for, so The Edith Sprott Fund was established in 2022.

“The Edith Sprott Fund has a mission to make life better for older people and people living with or supporting people with dementia,” says Chris.

This funding focus was a natural fit given Edith’s commitment to her communities, the Trust’s affiliation with aged care and lack of available funding in these areas. Echoing Edith’s work with St Mary’s Guild and the Anglican Church, the fund will focus on addressing inequities and making sure everyone can access quality care. “Unless you are in the position to self-fund, access to many services takes a back seat. It is our vision, through funding, to address this inequity,” says Trust board member Chris Thompson.

“We are honoured to be working alongside members of The Edith Sprott Trust,” says Nikau Foundation Executive Director Emma Lewis.

“Edith was a true pioneer, leading the way in what community care and support could and should be. As a woman of her time, we must commend her bravery in being progressive, enterprising and unafraid to do things differently. It is truly the ultimate privilege to be able to continue in her footsteps and play a part in ensuring her legacy stands the test of time.”

Through the creation of the Fund, Edith's story will continue, her vision for our communities will endure, and her generosity will be felt by generations to come.