KIT MCGUIRE NURSING FUND

Kit McGuire’s story is one of dedication, service, and deep compassion. Born in 1896, she attended Timaru South School before embarking on a career in psychiatric nursing. She graduated from Sunnyside Hospital in 1927 and returned to Timaru after her parents passed away.

Kit dedicated herself to healthcare, working part-time as a public nurse and serving as a private nurse to Doctors S Fraser and WH Unwin. Her commitment to nursing extended beyond patient care. As a member of the New Zealand Registered Nurses Association, she played an integral role in supervising state nursing examinations at Timaru Public Hospital for twenty-two years. However, it was her leadership as the Matron of the South Canterbury Health Camp for twenty-eight years that made a lasting impact, helping countless children achieve better health.

In recognition of her tireless efforts, Kit was awarded the MBE in 1960, cementing her legacy as a respected figure in the community.

Although she passed away in 1973, her influence endures through the Kit McGuire Fund, which continues to support the education and professional development of nurses in the Aoraki region.

“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing.” — Mother Teresa

About the Fund

A nursing scholarship was established when the Nursing Association South Canterbury Branch was dissolved in 1988. This scholarship was in the name of former nurse Kit McGuire.

In 2024 the trustees of the Kit McGuire Trust decided to resettle the funds with the Aoraki Foundation and establish the Kit McGuire Nursing Fund. This new fund will carry on the purpose of the Trust, to advance nursing and specifically the education and professional development of nurses in their 3rd year of training who reside in the Aoraki region. Once the fund reaches $50,000 it will award an annual scholarship to a South Canterbury nurse in their third year of training. 

Help fill the thermometer

Can you help us fill the Kit McGuire Nursing Fund so we can start awarding nursing scholarships? This is a fantastic way to support the development of 3rd year nurses in South Canterbury.

You can make an immediate one-off donation or a regular monthly donation below. All donations are eligible for a 33% tax credit.

If you would prefer to make a bank transfer or leave a bequest in your will, please contact us now.

Stories / Resources

Kit McGuire Nursing Fund Flyer
PDF

Can I get a scholarship?

The Kit McGuire Fund is in the process of building so meaningful scholarships can be applied for and granted to nurses in their 3rd year of training who reside in the Aoraki Region.  This fund is not distributing at this time.