New fund to help sustainable farming school at Waipaoa

The trustees have established the Waipaoa Station Farm Cadet Training Trust (WSFCTT) Endowment Fund at the Sunrise Foundation to help build long term financial stability into the organisation. 

Ken Shaw, WSFCTT Chair, says although they have been operating for ten years and are pleased with the progress they have made, a reliable ongoing source of revenue is their biggest challenge. 

“We are lucky to have had the generous support of many individuals and organisations in the agricultural industry, which has helped us build Waipaoa into the success it now is. Even so we have to secure our sponsorship every year, and we know we can’t rely on the same people and organisations to keep giving year on year.” 

Ken added that although Waipaoa is growing the future leaders of red meat production, and beef and sheep as large export industries are crucial for New Zealand, they do not receive government funding. 

“Waipaoa is one of the few cadet schemes to provide theory, practical and full residential training. Trainees study toward National Certificate qualifications while experiencing the annual farm cycle first hand.” 

Denver Palmer, WSFCTT Manager, says feedback from employers and industry representatives are that Waipaoa trainees display an in-depth knowledge of general farm practice, are work ready and have a reputation for being well-rounded, confident and motivated to achieve. 

“After ten years we have graduated fifty well trained cadets and now have employers coming to us to seek out our cadets as they finish. We’re proud to be shaping the people who will help shape the future of beef and sheep farming in New Zealand.” 

The trustees and advisory board want to provide potential supporters with a transparent and safe means to do so and feel the endowment model at Sunrise provides the perfect vehicle. John Osborne, WSFCTT Advisory Board, says one of the biggest challenges and a key focus for the board is to secure long term financial sustainability. 

“It may appear that we are growing and prospering as an organisation, but the reality is every year we are a few key sponsors away from not balancing the books. We know there are people and organisations out there that are passionate about training young people in sustainable farming. We hope our new endowment fund will be an avenue for them to help us create a meaningful legacy for Waipaoa.” 

Ken added that they believe with the help of Sunrise the Waipaoa fund will grow into a significant source of reliable income to help future guardians continue the work they have started. 

“The business of fundraising is specialised and not necessarily something that we, with our farming backgrounds, are good at. We hope future income from the fund will free up management to concentrate more on improving the learning environment and education.” 

Glenda Stokes, Sunrise Executive Officer, says the team at Waipaoa have done a fantastic job so far and she is confident Sunrise will be able to help them further their fundraising efforts. 

“We will work hard on behalf of Waipaoa to find new supporters. As well as donations, we do extensive work in the area of bequests. Wealth and inheritance are sensitive subjects and sometimes people find it easier to deal with a third party such as Sunrise when realising their philanthropic goals.” 

All donations to the Waipaoa Station Farm Cadet Training Trust Endowment Fund will be invested, protected and grown to keep up with inflation. The surplus investment income will be returned to Waipaoa Station Farm Cadet Training Trust each year. 

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