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Jane Thomson – first NZ woman to traverse Aoraki / Mount Cook lies in an unmarked grave. Help fund a memorial plaque

$2,502 of $1,800 goal
Given by 58 generous donors in 6 weeks

Jane Thomson: The First NZ woman to summit Aoraki Mount Cook lies in an unmarked grave – Help fund a memorial plaque!

West Coast

"Hi, I'm Stella. I'm 13 years old and I want to tell you about my wonderful cousin.

My cousin Jane was a remarkable woman. She climbed so many peaks and because of her pure ambition and willingness to never give up she then became the first NZ woman ever to traverse the low, middle and high peaks of Mt Cook. At the time, she was barely recognised and the only fame that she got was in newspaper articles. Despite her achievements, she rests in an unmarked grave in Ruru Lawn Cemetery in Christchurch, her story almost forgotten.

After learning about her and even writing a speech (linked) that won me second place at regionals, I knew we had to do more than just raise awareness.

I’ve designed a plaque to honour her and make sure she’s finally remembered for what she achieved.

Your donation will help us honour Jane and make sure she’s not forgotten."

-Stella

Use of funds

My daughter Stella has designed a beautiful design for Jane's memorial plaque. Canterbury Monuments has a rendered her design and is ready to go. We have been quoted 1,777.60 for the plaque which includes installation.

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Latest update

If our fundraising goal is exceeded  8 January 2026

Thank you so much for all the generous donations so far! If we exceed our goal, we will use the extra funds to upgrade from the plaque (basic model) we've been quoted.

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2% Effective Fee
On average, fundraisers pay just 2% to use Givealittle. This is one of the lowest effective fees in New Zealand fundraising. We charge a 5% platform fee to cover the cost of running the platform. Because most donors choose to top up their donation to cover this fee, the effective cost paid by fundraisers is about 2%. That means around 98 cents of every dollar raised goes to the cause. Learn More

Latest donations

Suzanne
Suzanne on 16 Jan 2026
Jane Thomson was an extraordinary woman and mountaineer. She deserves far more recognition. The placing of a memorial plaque will be a special way to honour Jane's life.
$100
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 11 Jan 2026
Good on you Stella. Jane deserves a memorial plaque and it’s wonderful that you have thought of her and raising funds to achieve your goal. Last year my 2 sisters and I organised a memorial plaque for our mother’s little brother who died of diphtheria in 1918, aged 4 years, and lay in an unmarked grave until the plaque was installed last year.
$100
Andrew Sinton-White

Thats so sad, I'm so glad that he got the plaque that he deserved and with your help so will Jane. Thank you so much for donating, you are so incredibly generous. - Stella

Andrew Sinton-White
Hilma
Hilma on 11 Jan 2026
$20
Andrew Sinton-White

Thank you so much Hilma!! - Stella

Andrew Sinton-White
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 10 Jan 2026
$40
Andrew Sinton-White

Thank you so much for your support!! - Stella

Andrew Sinton-White
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 09 Jan 2026
$30
Andrew Sinton-White

Thank you! Your incredible! - Stella

Andrew Sinton-White

Who's involved?

Andrew Sinton-White's avatar
Created by, and paying to a verified bank account of, Andrew Sinton-White on behalf of The Sinton-White Family
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This campaign started on 23 Dec 2025 and ends on 23 Jun 2026.