More than fifteen years ago, we stumbled upon a forgotten treasure—a rundown country school, tucked deep within the Pongakawa Valley. We never imagined that this neglected beauty would not only become our home but also shape our lives in the most extraordinary ways.

OUR STORY…

In the summer of 2007, we set out in search of a simpler life, a place where our children could run barefoot through wildflower meadows, climb ancient trees, and grow up in nature’s embrace. We dreamed of a sanctuary—something rustic, rich in history, and just waiting to be loved again. What we found was an old schoolhouse, abandoned and almost beyond saving. Yet, beneath the dust and decay, she had a heartbeat, a soul still very much alive. We knew we had to rescue her before it was too late.

We will never forget the day we first arrived, nor the fact that we bought her the very next. Despite the broken windows, peeling paint, and weather-worn bones, there was a warmth that wrapped around us, as if the laughter of generations of schoolchildren still lingered in the air. This little school, built in 1933, had once been the heart of a small farming and forestry community. Over the years, pupils, teachers, and families had all passed through her doors, creating memories that still whispered through the walls.

RESTORING A LEGACY

The restoration was no small task—it was backbreaking, relentless, and at times, overwhelming. Every inch needed care, every structure needed saving. Week after week, strangers appeared at our doorstep, drawn by the news that ‘the old school’ had been bought. Some came to share their stories, their childhood memories. Others arrived with tool belts in hand, ready to help. The school’s history began to return—her trophies and ribbons, her jungle gym, even her old school bell. It was as if she was coming back to life before our eyes.

Our first focus was the Schoolhouse, once the beating heart of this place. The roof sagged with age, the weatherboards had rotted through, and inside, layers of history lay hidden beneath the dust. As we sanded, scraped, and painted late into the night, we uncovered treasures—letters tucked into wall linings, books buried in attic corners, and time capsules hidden beneath the floorboards. Every find was a moment of connection to those who had come before us.

For five long years, we poured everything we had into this place. We had no grand plans beyond restoration—we didn’t know what this school would become, only that it had to be saved. Then, in a moment of pure serendipity, we hosted an open day for past pupils and community members. The response was overwhelming. People reunited after decades apart, friendships were rekindled, and the school was once again filled with laughter and life.

It was on that day that we found our ‘why.’

Among the visitors were couples who had once celebrated their weddings here, families who had gathered for special occasions, and individuals whose most cherished memories had been made within these walls. The school had always been more than just a place of learning—it had been a place of togetherness, of celebration. And just like that, we knew. We would open our doors, not just as a home, but as a venue where new stories could be written, where love, laughter, and legacy could continue to thrive.

After 5 solid years work, alongside raising our family we were ready to open Old Forest School up to the world.  We certainly never anticipated what we brought as a simple family home would grow to this point, but life sometimes has a mind of its own and all you can do is buckle in for its journey not sure what lies in its future. It all started with an open day for all who had a connection with the properties past. The gathering was an enormous success, gosh that is quite an understatement!  We all, I think, quietly hope to do one thing in our lives that really means something…this was the day our family realised we had done that. Playground friendships re-ignited after 50 years, new and old connections being reforged, the pride and respect for this school, love and laughter…and stories, oh the stories. Never have we smiled so much as that day, and to look up and see a small country school beaming with pride made it all worth while.

A SCHOOL REBORN

In 2013, we officially opened Old Forest School to the world. What had begun as a labour of love had transformed into something much greater. Almost immediately, we were fully booked, and we have remained that way ever since. Word spread quickly, past pupils shared its revival, and before we knew it, Old Forest School was gracing the screens of TV shows and films. When TV3 approached us to film an episode of The Bachelor NZ here, we expected a small segment—what we didn’t expect was for them to fall as in love with the place as we had, dedicating an entire episode to its beauty.

The attention was both exhilarating and humbling. Our once-forgotten school had become a sought-after destination. With this growth came challenges, protecting the integrity of this historic space while welcoming those who wished to be part of its story. We stand firm in our belief that all who pass through our gates must honour those who came before and respect those whose history is yet to be written. Old Forest School is not just a venue, it is a living, breathing legacy.

A PLACE TO BELONG

Today, Old Forest School is a thriving, family-run business, built on a foundation of passion, preservation, and purpose. It supports a network of talented artisans, local businesses, and charities. And at its heart, it remains true to its origins—a place of joy, of history, and of connection.

Every decision we make, every structure we restore, every new addition is done with immense care for the generations who walked here before us. When a past pupil visits and struggles to recall whether a building is original or new, we know we’ve done our job well. We use locally sourced, reclaimed materials, ensuring that everything feels as though it has always belonged. We let the land guide us, balancing its past with its future.

This school is an extension of our home, our family. Everyone who steps onto these grounds is welcome. And every day, we wake up grateful to be its caretakers.

Old Forest School continues to evolve, just as she always has. Ideas flourish, new connections form, and creativity thrives here. Many exciting plans lie ahead, stories waiting to be told, memories yet to be made.

We look forward to welcoming you into this next chapter.

Lastly, a blessing, written anonymously by a past pupil for our family, our home, for you, for New Zealand and for a very precious little school….

A VALLEY SHRINE (ABRIDGED)

To the schools Maori friends, please approach your ancestral Spirits and ask them to protect this place that no man or act of God would ever bring it to its knees again. That it has risen from near death is a miracle and all those who cherish this place must be forever thankful. Please protect it from rain or fire, wind or earthquakes and may it always be cherished with memories of those who played in its grounds.

Thoughts on those who have passed this way, a tribute. To the farming community who have supported this place, we remember you, children, grand and great grand children who have turned this valley into the place we honour today. We can no longer see your face, grip your hand or hug your shoulders but we smile when we remember you.

To the people of the Pines, hard working, strong and poor, some uneducated, the Depression and World War II was grim for all and work with very little pay or play was the order of the day, yet above it all was courage, friendship, harmony and honour, unlike today.

To the people of the mill, thank you for being there, our lives were so dependant on your waste product slabs, slabs for the stove for cooking and warmth, for a little hot water, slabs for the open fire, slabs to make with, chook houses, dog kennels, garden edges, trolleys, sledges, milking yard rails and bail shelters while milking, an endless supply of slabs, you were very much part of our existence, thank you for your support, this was your school also, we enjoyed our social time together, like dances. Your friendship and support were very much part of our lives.

To the pupils of the pines, 40,000 acres or so we were told, our playground, where the tree in front of you was the same as the one you had just passed, the same to the left and the same to the right, the line to eternal darkness as it went or just a small ray of light in the distance to guide you to the end. What a playground. To those of you who enjoyed this place, the lessons, the sport, the play, the mates and friendship, give your thanks, those educators of the day, they taught you learning, lifted you above the pines, made you who you are today, gave you the skills to rub shoulders with all, be a citizen of this country, fight its fights, celebrate its glories by the standards set by our parents and by our schooling, Hard, but good times.

To those who have been back you should be very thankful for the peace and tranquillity this place holds, good memories, friends. Settle down, remember the smell of the pines, walk across the playing fields, rub your hands in the needles and relive those moments as a child you lived through here. This place stands as a tribute to all who passed this way and to the parents who supported it.

To those who haven’t been back, we plead with you to do so, your memories may be sad but you will find a peace you have never known, drink in the atmosphere, recharge your batteries, go back into the world feeling at peace and so pleased you have returned.

This place deserves our support, we cannot enjoy and not contribute to its restoration and maintenance, we can be thankful with its present ownership and the sharing they have with us, if we want our grand and great grand children, our Whanau to visit this place we must support it so one day young children may visit and say with pride ‘my Great/Grand parents strode these paths and fields’.

To Alistair and Su-an and your two Princesses may we say thank you for your foresight and hard work, for your inspiration and downright doggedness, this restoration must have nearly broken your hearts and will. We hope your endeavours will be duly rewarded and our thanks must also go to the princesses for helping Mum and Dad, a forestry tradition.

Bless you all, Thank you.

Author Anonymous