Stage Challenge Foundation PO Box 5620, Wellesley St Auckland 1141, New Zealand E: admin(astaaechallenoe.co,nz w: www.staoechallenoe.co.nz 27 November 2017 Dear Llaison Teacher I am writing on behalf of the Stage Challenge Foundation with the sad announcement that unfonunately Stage Challenge and J Rock ("the Events")will not be proceeding. The Foundation relies each year on Government and corporate sponsorships, grants, participation fees and ticket sales to cover the cost of producing the Events. Major costs of production include venue hire and the associated costs of providing staging, lighting and sound. The current economic conditions are making it difficult for the corporate sector to sponsor charitable events while these same conditions impacted tickets sales in 2017. The result is that the Foundation believe that the income generated from sponsorship and ticket sales in 2018 will be insufficient to produce the events to the high standard that has been done in the past. The Foundation is however, most Bratefulto the sponsors who have steadfastly supported the events for so many years. Stage Challenge and J Rock events have been an important part ofthe lives of so many New Zealand students for 25 years and we are proud and honoured to have had more than 500,000 students benefit from the opportunities provided bytheir participation during this time. Giventhe proven benefits which the Events have given to so many students and school communities over the years, we would have loved to continue so future generations could have a similar experience The Foundation wishes to thank its sponsors - government, non-government and corporate, the venue staff and crew, the media, suppliers of goods and services and all the staff and crew employed over the many years for their invaluable contribution. Thank you to you and your team for your wonderful support of the events over the years and wish you all the best for your School's future and the future of your students. Should you have any enquires or require any further clarification, please email Helen Sjoquist (Producer) on hsioquist@staqechallenae.co.nz. '{Y",fu Chairman Board Members Leiqh Sm,th; Lester Taylor QSO lP; Harry Lyon