A delicious afternoon tea, and a welcoming smile from Mayor Lyn Reisterer and Deputy Mayor Shona Brown awaited recipients of two endowment funds granted in Opotiki recently. 

Catriona White, Chair of BOT at Opotiki College along with Susan Impey, Principal and newly appointed HoD Music  were on hand to receive the first grant from the fund of the late Jim Towersey QSM Endowment, a passionate and talented musician, set up to encourage and champion musical ability and skills within Opotiki College. Jim's daughter Susan Bedford, also a past pupil of Opotiki College, was on hand to take part in this special moment.  The funds will be used for tuition, instruments, and technology to allow students to participate fully in musical learning opportunities, and encourage excellence in musical understanding and performance. 

Also on hand was Verna MacDonnell, and Dot Wilson, Curator of the Opotiki Museum along with members of the Board of Trustees.

Verna holds a special place in the hearts of the Opotiki Community , as well as the hearts of our trustees and staff, as being the first to set up an endowment fund with our Foundation. Each year she has been on hand to witness the difference her contribution is making towards preserving the historical and quirky treasures of the Opotiki District. Temperature controlled display cabinets, disabled access, an updated data system have all been part of Verna's legacy, and her passion to ensure those in the future can learn from the past.