Helping students to unlock their potential forever.

Ad astra per aspera - to the stars through endeavour.

Image credit: St Matthew’s Collegiate School

Nestled down a quiet road in Masterton, St Matthew’s Collegiate School has a long history of educating confident, resilient and successful young women. Established in 1914, St Matthew’s educational vision was largely influenced by Founder Miss Ella Hampton, who was determined to create new opportunities for women at a time where paths and expectations were limited. More than 100 years later, her spirit and attitude is still reflected in the ethos of St Matthew’s and is echoed in the school’s motto ‘Ad astra per aspera – to the stars through endeavour’.

With a mission to support students in a variety of ways, St Matthew’s Old Girls’ Association was formed in 1931. Since its establishment, the Association has spearheaded several significant projects such as purchasing a disused church to be used as the school chapel, which was transported from Turakina to the school’s Pownall Street site in 1985, developing gardens and preserving the school’s long history through a photo archive that hangs proudly in the school’s hallways and foyers.

Focusing on unlocking potential, the Association also facilitates grants that provide financial assistance for a daughter of an old girl to pursue their education at St Matthew’s and offer opportunities to undertake a life-changing voyage on youth development experience Spirit of Adventure.

In late 2021, St Matthew’s Old Girls’ Association was looking for a way to ensure more certainty in the support they were providing students, with a focus on protecting the future of grants.

“Establishing the St Matthew’s Old Girls’ Association Fund with Nikau Foundation means ensuring long-term support for our students,” says Association President Amanda McLeod. “The fund will make sure that St Matthew’s students will continue to have opportunities to grow, upskill and continue to pursue their education.”

Nikau Foundation Executive Director Emma Lewis says, “We are delighted to be working with St Matthew’s Old Girls’ Association to make sure that students can unlock their potential and nurture the next generation of leaders.”