HUTT VALLEY

Life Education Trust Hutt Valley
P O Box 30 459
LOWER HUTT

Secretary/Treasurer

Steve Graves
Phone (04)566-4399

Educator

Jo Manks
Phone(027) 442 3054

Trustee

Sheila Ellis

Trustees

Bob Bishop
Malcolm Barber

Four fine people sat down on 8 May 1998 to explore the possibility of setting up a Life Education Trust in the Hutt Valley. We have 66 schools in the Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Wainuiomata and Eastbourne regions. On 6 May 1999, we went to Wanganui to collect our completed and sign written classroom for our educator to take into our first school on Monday 10 May. During that year there have been few days where Life Ed was not on the daily "thought menu" and through that time we have had a constant flow of ideas, action and fun.

Original Trustees were Brian Shearer, Joy Quigley, Steve Graves, Margaret Carruthers, Peter Walters and Tony Moore. Soon after we started we appointed Grant Partridge (a jeweller) and Linda Olsen (a Marae Manager in Wainuiomata). Our educator was Sarah Hill.

Current Trustees are Brian Shearer (Chairman), Joy Quigley (Deputy Chair), Ian Rattray (Trustee), Sheila Ellis (Trustee), Steve Graves (Secretary/Treasurer), Natalie Carter (Trustee), Margaret Carruthers (Trustee), Tracy Tubb (Trustee), Heather Knewstubb (Trustee), and our educators are Helen Arbuckle and Lynda Western.

We were incredibly blessed by Roy and Renate Savage's generosity when in 1988 they donated sufficient money for us to purchase our mobile classroom, leaving us the initial task of raising about $100,000 in cash and kind for our Year 1 operation. They take a keen interest and mentoring role in the Trust's ongoing activities. We are very grateful for their quiet wisdom.

At the end of 2000 our original Educator left to seek a career outside teaching, and we were fortunate to employ the first ever 'job share' position in the history of Life Education Trust.

We have successfully sought and secured five "Foundation Sponsors" for a five year commitment with suitable recognition on our mobile classroom and letterhead. They are:

* Alpha Specialised Movers Ltd - who move our classroom free of charge
* Banks Shoes
* Partridges Jewellers
* Kendons Chartered Accountants
* Telstra Clear

Then, of course, we have chased up Trusts, Service Clubs, media, businesses and individuals, held functions and lotteries all of which have been successful both financially and for "bonding" within our Trust.

Corporate Sponsors and other organisations also play a huge role in supporting our Trust. They are:

* Gillies and Mark Real Estate
* Community Trust of Wellington
* Winton and Margaret Bear Charitable Trust
* TG McCarthy Trust
* Rotary Clubs
* Lions Clubs
* Upper Hutt Leader
* Rimutaka Licising Trust
* Pelorus Trust

We have obtained Mayoral support, established a Harold Club, participated in street parades and held well-publicised competitions, including Harold's Birthday, when we had a party for him.

The hard work and dedication of every person, business and organisation mentioned above is invaluable in the ongoing success of Life Education Trust Hutt Valley. Thanks everybody!