Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about donations and fundraising

Is my donation tax-deductible? How do I get a tax receipt? What is the payee information?

All donations are tax-deductible and you will be emailed a tax receipt when you donate. Your donation will go to the Queen Margaret Foundation Trust (the payee). The tax receipt will contain all the necessary information, including the following:

Payee: Queen Margaret Foundation Trust
Registration Number: CC20814, NZBN: 9429043056040, IRD Number: 915-934-777

Why is QMC fundraising? What's the goal?  Is this about getting more students?

We're fundraising to help deliver the Campus Master Plan, starting with a purpose-built Creative Industries Centre, and later expanding into dedicated STEM and Wellbeing spaces.  This is not about enrolments or getting more students, it's about having the best learning spaces and facilities for the students we already have. This is about future-proofing QMC for our students and their families – not changing who we are, but making sure we stay ahead.

Doesn't the government fund campus development for schools? Why not just use fees? 

As an independent school we don't receive government funding for capital works. Tuition fees cover day-to-day operations, not major building projects. Like many independent schools, we rely on community support to bring bold campus developments to life.

I thought private schools had massive endowment funds for things like this?  Don't you have an endowment fund?
No, we don't have an endowment fund – and as a girls'-only school we're not alone in this. Research shows that women (including alumni and parents) traditionally give their time  to support schools but not money. Unlike many boys' schools who have long had a culture of philanthropy among alumni and parents, girls' schools often don't have endowment funds or a culture or tradition that support them. This campaign is an opportunity for us to change this and create a legacy of giving at Queen Margaret College. 

I would like to donate more than $5,000 directly - who do I contact?

Thank you for your generosity. For donations over $5,000, we recommend reaching out directly so we can assist you personally. Please email communications@qmc.school.nz and a member of our team will guide you through the next steps. 

I'd like to donate in exchange for naming rights for spaces within the Creative Industries Centre, can I do this? I'd like to donate towards specific equipment in the Creative Industries Centre, how do I do that? What kinds of spaces or equipment could I donates specifically towards? 

Thanks so much for your generosity. This is a really meaningful way for you to to support the Creative Industries Centre in areas that particularly interest you. We're keen to hear about what spaces, areas or equipment you'd like to fund, support or have naming rights to. Some examples that might interest you are the sound studio, the pottery kiln, the gallery, the photography studio, audio and visual equipment, green screens, and the sprung dance floor but there will be many others that might appeal specifically to you and your interests.  Please email communications@qmc.school.nz to start a conversation about this. 

Who should I contact about other ways to donate - such as prizes, student scholarships, or bequests?

There are many meaningful ways to support Queen Margaret College beyond general donations. If you're considering contributing prizes, funding student scholarships, or leaving a bequest, we'd love to hear from you. Please email communications@qmc.school.nz to start a conversation about how your gift can make a lasting impact.

 
Questions about the Creative Industries Centre and the Campus Master Plan

What is the timeline? When is the Creative Industries Centre opening?

Our goal is to raise the funds needed to complete and open the Creative Industries Centre in 2028 or early 2029, pending fundraising and Council consent. From there, we'll move on to the next phase of the Campus Master Plan, continuing to transform learning spaces and expanding into dedicated STEM and Wellbeing spaces. Over the next 10 to 20 years, we plan to continue to expand and develop our campus in alignment with this Master Plan. This won't happen overnight, and it can't happen without the support of our community.

What will be the outcome? What can I expect from the Creative Industries Centre? 

You can expect:

• Superior learning environments

• World-class cultural activity and performance spaces

• Advanced scientific learning zones

• Optimal environments for wellbeing and social interaction.

The next great filmmaker, designer, performer, innovator or creative entrepreneur could be walking our halls right now. The Creative Industries Centre will give them the tools, spaces and inspiration to take bold steps forward and create lasting impact.   

Why build in phases?

Because of the limited size of our urban campus, each phase of development is carefully staged to minimise disruption to teaching and learning while making the best possible use of space. This is why we are starting with the Creative Industries Centre, where the Old Gym currently stands. This plan means we:

• minimise disruption to teaching and learning

• make the most of every square metre

• plan smart, act bold.