Friday, 20 March 2026
QLDC land deal paves way for MAC Foundation future enhancements
Agreement reached on deal to update the legal structure of MAC Foundation-owned land in Wānaka
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE FROM MAC FOUNDATION & QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL
Mount Aspiring College Foundation and Queenstown Lakes District Council have reached agreement on a deal to update the legal structure of MAC Foundation-owned land in Wānaka.
The agreement, adopted by Councillors at their meeting yesterday (Thursday, 19 March), will see the subdivision of the 9,500sq m Totara Terrace and Plantation Road site into two lots to clarify ownership arrangements, support long-term investment in the College hostel, and enable surplus land to be returned to the community.
Under the agreement:
Lot 1, containing the existing hostel buildings, remains with MAC Foundation under a new simplified encumbrance that ensures continued benefit for Mount Aspiring College students.
Lot 2, including the old music classrooms, which is no longer required, returns to QLDC as a community asset.
MAC Foundation chairperson Matt Williams says the deal is the result of almost two years of constructive engagement with current and the previous administrations of Council.
“This is a fantastic result for both the school and the wider Wānaka community. Not only does it clarify ownership, but it also removes long-standing legal hurdles and gives MAC Foundation the freedom to reinvest in the hostel.”
Williams says that both MAC Foundation and QLDC approached the arrangement with a genuine commitment to a win-win.
“Both MAC Foundation and QLDC entered this agreement with a desire to find a solution that would benefit the school and the wider district. We truly appreciate QLDC’s proactive partnership and their strong support for local education.”
Wānaka–Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer says the agreement means the best use of community assets.
“This is a prime example of how community partnerships can work well. MAC Foundation retains the land it needs to support students, and the community regains use of surplus land. The Community Board is pleased to have championed a solution, along with MAC Foundation, that delivers positive outcomes for the Upper Clutha.”
Mount Aspiring College principal Nicola Jacobsen says the deal strengthens the long-term future of the hostel programme.
“The hostel is a vital part of our identity as a school. We are delighted that this proposal will future-proof this important asset.
“Through the hostel, we welcome 30 outstanding students from across New Zealand to MAC every year, which in turn enriches the learning environment for all students at the school.”
As part of the updated structure, covenants dating from 1996 and 1997 have been removed from the land title. These covenants have limited MAC Foundation’s ability to access funding or leverage the land to upgrade the ageing hostel buildings. Removing them would clear the way for the Foundation to make improvements to the buildings and unlock the full benefits of this asset for the school and its students.
ENDS | KUA MUTU.
View images of MAC Foundation Chair Matt Williams and Mount Aspiring College principal Nicola Jacobsen
For more information, please contact:
MAC Foundation Chair Matt Williams
P: 0211643257
williamsm@mtaspiring.school.nz
QLDC Communications
P: 03 441 1802
About MAC Foundation
The Mount Aspiring College Foundation (MAC Foundation) is a charitable organisation supporting Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College since 1993. It provides long-term financial support through donations, business partnerships and an endowment fund. The Foundation owns and operates the MAC Hostel and funds initiatives that enhance student wellbeing, learning opportunities and school resources, helping ensure excellence and equity for all students. Since 2008, MAC Foundation has gifted $600,000 to Mount Aspiring College. Ways to support MAC Foundation can be found at https://macfoundation.org.nz/
From QLDC
The full report presented at yesterday’s Full Council meeting can be found at https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/council-meetings/19-march-2026-full-council-meeting/