The Westgarth scholarship

John Westgarth attended St Andrew’s College from 1954–1959, walking the short distance to the College from his family home in nearby Heaton Street. From a very early age, John had a burning ambition to be a farmer.

Alison Westgarth attended Columba College, a girls’ Presbyterian school in Dunedin. Alison was brought up on a farm in Waikaka Valley, Southland. She had her own floristry business in nearby Gore.

John and Alison were married at the First Church in Dunedin. Their farm Punaroa Downs, purchased in 1964, was their home for the next 46 years. There they raised their family, in due course sending their sons James and Ben to St Andrew’s College and their daughter Annabel to Rangi Ruru Girls’ School.

The Westgarths have supported the College for many years as members of the Strowan Club and have given generously to many College fundraising campaigns.

The Westgarth Scholarship is to be awarded to a student entering Year 9 at St Andrew's College. It is the Westgarth’s great hope that the Westgarth Scholarship will give young people an opportunity to get the best out of their secondary school education. This uncomplicated desire certainly reflects the Westgarth’s straight forward style, and heartfelt generosity.