Edmund Hillary School’s  Partnership with KPMG

Edmund Hillary School has enjoyed a special partnership with KPMG since 2007 when a three-year Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the Board of Trustees and CEO Jan Dawson.  At that time the Committee for Auckland’s vision was to partner decile 1 schools in South Auckland with businesses.  The aim was to provide additional advice and support for the school and to combine our strengths to transform a school in need.  We understand the partnership is the only one to have  continued beyond the original signing of the memorandum of agreement.  The support provided on many levels by KPMG  is unprecedented and the enduring partnership has been the point of difference in transforming the school into a significantly better place.  Since the beginning of the partnership we have had one and sometimes two  KPMG leaders sharing their expertise and support,  serving on our Board of Trustees in a voluntary capacity.  The range of support has covered many areas and enabled us over the years to enact the principles of partnership, participation and protection embedded in  Te Tiriti o Waitangi.


KPMG has a strong focus on people and adding value to communities. Many of their Senior Managers, Partners and Graduates' have provided support with important activities such as camp and other field trips for children who would not otherwise be able to attend.  This level of support  has enabled us to meet the legislative requirements of adult/student ratios.  Above all though they are wonderful role models for our students and always bring along fun coupled with wonderful humour. 


There are a number of  activities held on a yearly basis which are organised, funded and supported by KPMG staff.   They include but are not limited to the KAT Literacy Programme, Scholarship Awards, Easter Bunny Visits, Whanau fun evenings, Christmas gift giving, Field trips such as Kelly Tarltons, the Zoo, Camp Adair and Camp Awhitu.  Other major activities have included a total repaint of the school and upgrading gardens, donating bikes and book drives.


Scholarship Awards

Karearea Scholarship


Every year KPMG provides substantial funding to support the special Karearea Scholarship award.


The criteria align with the schools’ values, and have a positive impact for students and whanau in transitioning to secondary school when they leave us.


The name given by ‘KPMG for the award refers to;

 the karearea, featured on the New Zealand $20 note. It is a bird  typically described as a hunter – and despite being small in stature, the Karearea is known to fiercely defend its territory against foes twice its size and is the fastest flying New Zealand bird. This award therefore reflects a strong commitment to one’s communities and cultural heritage- and a person that demonstrates a resounding commitment to achieve their goals against all odds. Our world is full of change, opportunity and inequality of opportunity. This award is a gift to your young leaders, so they can venture on new journeys like the Karearea.

In addition to the prestigious Karearea award,  KPMG/Formica scholarship awards are also given  to deserving recipients.  The scholarship awards cover;

Over time it was decided to also award a scholarship for Citizenship using the following criteria;


Easter Bunny

The children look forward to the Easter Bunnies who turn up every year to hand out baskets of Easter eggs. Not surprisingly the staff happily look forward to the treats too.