On November 4th we meet with our 2021 Kate Moetaua Foundation Scholarship Recipients. After an uncertain couple of months for everyone, I am proud to say we have successfully made it through via many long zooms. This year the Kate Moetaua Foundation has identified 9 talented students at Wakatipu High school and given out 9 grants totalling $3500. These recipients were Elke Koehn, Olive Watherston, Helena Hornbacher, Rumatiki Destiny Kirk, Sorcha Wilkinson, Subath Wijerathna, Allyx Jen Palacio, Mary Navasca and Joseph Leyden.
Our small team consisting of the Moetaua Family, Eunice Borrie and Jennifer Belmont are all proud of the efforts we made this year and are looking forward to what the future has in store for our foundation.
"It was nice to finally catch up with recipients of the Kate Moetaua foundation scholarships during the week," Teaukura Moetaua says. "Scoop from the local paper Mountain scene was there to get a group shot before the formal speeches. Personally, it was a great honour to congratulate the scholarship winners in person knowing that we were carrying on Kates final wishes. Anika was able to send in a video from Blenheim which was nice to see. A big congratulations to our main winners Olive Watherston for her sporting accolades and Elke Koehn for her talents in the art arena. The application process showed there was such amazing talent here in Wakatipu that it was hard coming to our final decision. Finally, a massive thank you to Eunice from the Wakatipu Community foundation for all her support."
"The Kate Moetaua Foundation Scholarship is such a wonderful initiative," Euni Borrie, Wakatipu Community Foundation Scholarship Coordinator said. "Recognising rising stars and supporting them to reach their goals by helping them financially sends a great message to the community. Due to our location, students have additional barriers of time and travel costs so this scholarship can help to alleviate those pressures on families. With the quality of the candidates, I know we will be seeing more about these recipients as they pursue their dreams. Having the winners all come together along with T, and Malia was a special day to be able to congratulate them in person. I'd also like to recognise Anika and all the work she does to chair the Kate Moetaua Foundation in memory of her Mum, Kate. The Wakatipu Community Foundation is honoured to be a supporting partner of the Kate Moetaua Foundation."
Aya Moetaua says, "I think that mum would have enjoyed seeing all the things that people accomplish in sports and drama." Malia Moetaua agrees and says, "I think that the foundation is a great idea to help other people to achieve their dreams."
"I often say I have the best job in the world, says Jennifer Belmont, CEO of Wakatipu Community Foundation. "There is nothing better than working in philanthropy - with donors, grantees, volunteers and everyone else in between - I love it all. But nothing has been as rewarding as being a part of the Kate Moetaua Foundation's setup and growth. My son was one of the lucky ones to have had Kate as a teacher and I credit her with helping him in his successes. So I was tremendously honoured to be asked by T to help set up a memorial fund in Kate's name under the Wakatipu Community Foundation. The first grants given out a couple of years ago were one of my most cherished life moments. Seeing Anika now take the helm and watch it grow and thrive under her would make her mom immensely proud. I feel very privileged to walk a wee bit with this awesome Moetaua family on their journey and look forward to many years of the foundation’s grants given out in Kate’s name an amazing legacy."
Finally from me (Anika Moetaua), I believe that the Kate Moetaua Foundation is truly about recognising and celebrating all the talent that we have in the Wakatipu region, as well as giving back to the community that supported our family through so much. Mum dedicated most of her life to teaching and giving back to students regardless of whether she taught them or not. This is what makes our foundation so special. As Chair, I have learnt so much about the power of giving back. I feel extremely proud to continue Kates legacy, walking in her footsteps and doing this alongside my family. I want to say a huge thank you to Wakatipu Community Foundation for your partnership, Wakatipu High School Queenstown for your continued support and the team at the Mountain Scene and Crux for always leaving a space in the headlines for us.
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