10 Jun 2024
The Whakatipu Rowing Club is thrilled to welcome the addition of a new SLR Quad to their fleet, the Wilding 2
The Whakatipu Rowing Club is thrilled to welcome the addition of a new SLR Quad to their fleet, the Wilding 2, generously funded by the EP Wilding Estate, through the Wakatipu Community Foundation (WCF). This significant contribution underscores the Wildings’ legacy of commitment in supporting local sports, youth, and community in the Queenstown region.
Officially launched by club Patron, and WCF Ambassador, Jim Boult earlier this month, the Wilding 2 represents a substantial boost to the club’s fleet of boats and will help cater to the growing number of rowers. The new boat is named in honour of Peter and Helen Wilding, whose legacy of community assistance and support for rowing continues to inspire. Their first donation to the club in 2013 enabled the club to purchase the Wilding 1.
"We are very grateful to the EP Wilding Estate for their generous donation," said Amy Wilson-White, President of the Whakatipu Rowing Club. "The Wilding 2 will not only provide our rowers with new equipment but also serves as a tribute to Peter Wilding’s dedication to our community. This boat will undoubtedly play a key role in helping our rowers achieve their full potential."
The EP Wilding Estate Fund established to honour the memory of Peter Wilding, and resettled with WCF, focuses on supporting initiatives that enrich the community and promote youth development through sports and education.
Peter Wilding was a Southland farmer who moved to Lake Hayes in the 1980’s after being awarded an OBE in 1980 for services to the community and local body affairs in 1980.
Former Trustee of the EP Wilding Estate and WCF Ambassador, Graeme Todd, said “this is a very fitting way to continue the work of the Wildings’ legacy. Peter and his wife Helen lived on the shores of Lake Hayes for many years, and Helen would often sit at the window and watch the rowers in the mornings as they trained on the lake.”
The Wilding 2 has already had its successful debut at Maadi Cup where the Whakatipu Rowing Club won the Presidents Scull for best sculling school for the third year in a row. It was also on the water for the South Island Secondary School champs where the club won the Bell Trophy for best overall South Island school.
About Whakatipu Rowing Club: The Whakatipu Rowing Club is dedicated to promoting the sport of rowing in the Queenstown Lakes District. With a focus on developing confidence and lifelong friendships, the club offers programs for all ages and skill levels.
About EP Wilding Estate: The EP Wilding Estate was established to honour the legacy of Peter Wilding by supporting initiatives that benefit the community, particularly in the areas of sports and education. The Trust aims to foster youth development and community spirit through targeted donations and projects.
About Wakatipu Community Foundation: The Wakatipu Community Foundation exists to grow philanthropy in the Wakatipu, primarily by establishing endowment funds for the benefit of the community.