Hanmer Springs School has officially opened its new Wares Family Playground, a project made possible through the generosity and vision of the late John Wares, his wife Irina, and the wider Wares family.

The playground was funded through the Wares Family Fund, one of two enduring endowments the Nelson couple established with the Top of the South Community Foundation (TSCF) to support Hanmer Springs School and Amuri Area School. Each school is supported by a $1 million fund, creating a legacy that will continue to benefit students for generations. The couple chose TSCF to administer the endowments so the funds would provide enduring benefit to the schools through the interest from the invested capital.

Kapa Haka performing at the opening

The prime purpose of the Hanmer Springs School Fund (the Wares Family Fund) is to support the general welfare of the school and its pupils, with an emphasis on the basics of education – speaking, reading and writing the English language, arithmetic and sciences. The fund also supports extracurricular activities and physical improvements to the school beyond what is provided by the government.

A special celebration on 31 October featured kapa haka, speeches, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the school’s youngest and oldest students. While Irina Wares could not attend in person, the event was livestreamed so she and her family could share in the moment.

Mr Long (John Wares' good mate from school) with two of our Head Students cutting the ribbon.

Principal John McBride said the playground had quickly become a much-loved part of school life.
“Our tamariki are absolutely loving it – it’s far more than just a playground. It’s a daily reminder of what community generosity can achieve and how one family’s vision can enrich so many lives. We’re deeply thankful to the Wares family and TSCF for helping make this dream a reality.”

The new playground offers a safe and exciting space for children to play, climb, and explore. It stands as a tangible symbol of the Wares family’s belief in the importance of education, community, and opportunity.

Students enjoying the swing!

Supporting education was always at the heart of John and Irina Wares’ giving. John attended Hanmer Springs School and Culverden District High School (now Amuri Area School) before going on to a long and successful international career in project management. Despite decades overseas, he never lost his affection for Hanmer Springs and the people who shaped his early life. Irina, a retired teacher and university lecturer who grew up in Russia, shared John’s belief in the power of education and their commitment to helping children in these communities achieve their full potential.

Bob and Norma Wares pictured in 1955 outside the Hanmer Forest Camp cookhouse with their children Margaret and John. The Wares operated the Hanmer Forest Camp cookhouse from 1954 to 1970 and are commemorated by the 'Wares Family Hanmer School Endowment'. 

John passed away earlier this year and is remembered not only for his generosity, but also for his advocacy for community philanthropy and unwavering support of TSCF. One of his wishes was to inspire others to give what they could to organisations like TSCF to help communities thrive. The Foundation is committed to honouring that wish and continuing this work alongside Irina.

John and Irina Wares who have established enduring endowments, administered by Top of the South Community Foundation, for Amuri Area School and Hanmer Springs School

TSCF Chair Jane Peterson said the playground captures the heart of the Wares family’s vision.
“This space will bring happiness to children every day – it’s a lasting reminder of the Wares family’s kindness and belief in the power of giving back. John and Irina’s legacy will continue to inspire others to create positive change through their own acts of generosity.”

Top of the South Community Foundation (TSCF) is a charitable foundation dedicated to supporting the growth and prosperity of the rohe – Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough – through community giving. TSCF encourages and inspires generous donors to connect with projects and causes that are dear to their hearts. It invests and grows donors’ gifts, distributing the income earned so that these gifts keep giving for generations to come.