Wheelbarrow One Fine Day wedding venue Tauranga

All set for another spectacular wedding season

Old Forest School is all spruced up and ready to kick off another enchanting wedding season! This year, we’ve put in extra effort to ensure every corner of the venue is looking its absolute best. Many of our beloved buildings have received a fresh coat of paint, both inside and out, enhancing the charm of …

Wedding venue making a difference in the environment

Old Forest School – Vintage Wedding Venue are proud supporters of the Rotoehu Ecological Trust (RET), here’s a few words about RET from their Chairperson Sarah Orton.

You can find out more at the Rotoehu Ecological Trust website.

rotoehu-ecological-trust


Rotoehu Ecological Trust (RET) first became a concept in 2011, before officially becoming a registered charitable trust in 2013. We operate primarily in Pongakawa Ecological Area (650 ha), which forms part of the wider Rotoehu Forest Conservation Area (some 3,500 ha). In 2015 we added the Otari Block to our management area, bringing the total managed area up to 750 ha. The Trust manages the land in partnership with the Department of Conservation, and in particular looks after a Category One Site (one of only five in the country) of North Island Kōkako (Callaeas wilsoni) population of around 150 birds that is present in the forest. The kōkako are our keystone species and RET works on the theory that if we protect this endangered species then the whole ecosystem will benefit, particularly from pest control.

Rotoehu Forest is located some 30 minutes from Rotorua and Tauranga, on Rotoehu Road. In addition to the kōkako population, the forest is also home to whitehead, the New Zealand Bush Falcon, grey warblers, tomtits, geckos, and giant rewarewa, rimu and puriri trees. The Trust protects these native assets by carrying out weed and animal pest control including for possums, rats, mice, mustelids, hedgehogs, wild/feral cats, wallabies, blackberry, pampas and wilding pines.

In addition to working with the local Department of Conservation office in Rotorua, RET has also formed valuable relationships with other local and national conservation groups and entities including Kōkako Specialist Group, Kaharoa Kōkako Trust, Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust, Manawahe Kōkako Trust, Kōkako Organic Coffee, Old Forest School, Little Miss Rose Photography, Kaingaroa Timberlands, Ngati Makino, Te Puke Forest and Bird and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

RET first came into contact with Old Forest School around 2013 when we were looking for a venue, close to our patch of bush, to hold a thank you BBQ for our volunteers. It was our first operational year as a Trust and out then chairperson, Murry Clode, recommended Old Forest School as he was friends with the owners, Su-an and Alastair McMahon. The Old Forest School has always been a beautiful and serene place, but back in 2013 Su-an and Alastair had only really begun to cherish it again after years of neglect.

For RET though it was, and continues to be, perfect. Over the last four years the relationship between Old Forest School and the Trust has flourished. Su-an and Alastair always love having the Trust, our guests and our volunteers out to use their beautiful facilities (indeed we frequently get told we need to make greater use of the School). In addition to hosting volunteer BBQs, the School has also hosted Kōkako Organic Coffee in their restored on-site accommodation last year when they came down to volunteer with the Trust, and again this year when Kōkako Organic Coffee returned, bringing with them local cafes Artisan and Abracadabra.

Su-an, Alastair, and their daughters Holly and Rose are always the perfect hosts, keen to show off their latest additions to the School, whilst making their guests feel warmly welcomed. The whole family take an avid interest in RET’s activities, always wanting the latest news on our kōkako, and working on new and exciting ways to further strengthen our relationship. Old Forest School’s ultimate goal is for the Trust’s activities to be so successful that they have kōkako in their backyard, adding to their dawn chorus.

Rose, of Little Miss Rose Photography Ltd fame, also professionally supports RET, acting as the official photographer and videographer. Thanks to her hard work and talent behind the lens, and with the support of her sister Holly, Rose has produced some outstanding photos that capture the very essence of the Trust’s conservation work, and the dedication of our volunteers. The fact that Rose managed to perfectly capture an elusive kōkako on her first outing into the bush is a source of annoyance for Roger, one of our Trustees, who had been trying to do the same, unsuccessfully until this year.

Over the last four years of running RET I have come to realise the importance of the support we receive from the groups and volunteers that we engage with. RET’s passion is for our conservation work, restoring and protecting a small part of our natural environment, enriching it for future generations, and ensuring the continued success of the endangered kōkako. But it is the reciprocal passion that we receive from our volunteers, Kōkako Organic Coffee and Old Forest School that truly helps to drive us forward. People like Su-an, Alastair, Rose and Holly take our passion and enhance it a hundred fold. We at RET as so lucky to be able to use the Old Forest School, and count them amongst our supporters, and more importantly, amongst our friends.

He aha te mea nui o te ao
(What is the most important thing in the world?)

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
(It is the people, it is the people, it is the people)

Maori proverb

Thank you so much Old Forest School

Sarah Orton
Chairperson, Rotoehu Ecological Trust

Food truck Europe inspired wedding venue Tauranga

Fabulous food trucks in Europe

Food trucks seem to be popping up everywhere you go in Europe these days, each one as charming and unique as the last. This isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a vibrant new approach to food culture that’s definitely here to stay. There’s something incredibly inviting about a passionate foodie serving up delicious, creative dishes from a small, specialty truck, often crafted with as much personality as the food itself.

If you’re planning a wedding with a relaxed, fun vibe, a food truck can be the perfect addition. Not only does it add a laid-back feel, but it also offers a memorable experience for guests. Imagine a cozy setup with gourmet food being served right out of a truck! The variety of food trucks available today is amazing, covering everything from traditional paella to artisanal hamburgers, decadent cupcakes, nostalgic Mr. Whippy ice cream, L.A.-inspired Mexican dishes, vibrant Peruvian flavors, and just about anything else you can dream up.

The hardest part might be narrowing down which truck (or trucks, if you just can’t decide!) to go with. The possibilities are endless, letting you tailor the food to reflect your unique tastes and add a flavorful twist to your celebration. Here’s a little roundup of some standout food trucks we’ve spotted recently in London, Edinburgh, and Split, each offering its own special charm and culinary delights. Whether you’re after something classic, adventurous, or even a bit quirky, there’s a food truck out there ready to make your wedding unforgettable.

food truck london food truck croatia food truck edinburgh

And if you want to take it to a whole new level, how about a food canal boat serving coffee and sweet treats. We found this little treasure on the edge of the canal in Edinburgh. Simply delightful!

food canal boat edinburgh

Groom’s Wedding song for his bride

Adam McLean had a truly romantic idea up his sleeve for his wedding day. To surprise his soon-to-be wife, Cayley, he decided to write and record a song just for her, a heartfelt gift that would capture their love in a way words alone couldn’t. The couple celebrated their wedding at Old Forest School on December 29, 2015, and Adam’s plan added an unforgettable touch to their special day.

Looking for some serious romantic inspiration? Adam’s song, shared with everyone during the speeches, was nothing short of magical. As the video played, guests watched his heartfelt performance, and the room filled with smiles, laughter, and even a few happy tears. Cayley was completely taken by surprise, overwhelmed by the depth of emotion and love in Adam’s song.

The video became an instant hit among the guests, creating a moment of shared joy that everyone would remember. For Cayley, it was a once-in-a-lifetime surprise that made her wedding day even more extraordinary. Adam’s thoughtful gesture reminds us all of the power of music and the impact of a simple, genuine act of love.

The coppers arrive at wedding venue

We’ve had some new guests arrive at our wedding venue; The Coppers. A quartet of beautiful Red Shaver Hens, that have been named because of their colour (copper brown) and the fact they look a little like a detective on a fresh crime scene. Incriminating looks, ponderous expressions and some accusational neck thrusting.

Holly has named them because her love of British crime shows.

We have Barnaby from Midsomer Murders.

Lestrade from Sherlock Holmes.

Lewis from the show by the same name.

And one for the true aficionado of British crime drama, Gene Genie from Life On Mars.

The Coppers have just started laying eggs for us, those clever girls. So they now have a brand new sign on the gate of the chicken coop.

Look at for them next time you visit Old Forest School, they might be on their beat (free ranging).

OFS Coppers 1OFS Coppers 3

 

 

festoon barn wedding

Let there be light – Light Viking

This is a guest post by Darcia from Light Viking.

Special events are magical…. Surrounded by loved ones, dressed up to the nines, with lovely food and drinks to enjoy.

It’s important for your venue to provide a fantastic setting to ensure yours and your guests’ comfort – from our experience, Old Forest School – Vintage Venue are most definitely one of those venues. Being set on a historical school site offers so many options not often available at large gatherings – for example, having a pool to swim in, tennis courts, a cricket pitch – good golly – such fun!

For us personally, our favourite aspects of Old Forest School aside from the delightful hosts, are their gorgeous barn, the seriously cool touches of authentic vintage to be found dotted about the venue, and the strands of festoon lights draped romantically across the party areas. The latter of which brings us to our favourite discussion – event lighting.

Event lighting sounds very grand, but unless you are looking for something akin to a big stage production, many whimsical and gorgeous lighting touches can be added to your party without breaking the budget. Here are 3 ways to light up your event…

1. Fairy Lights – there are seemingly a gazillion fairy light options available these days… and many ways that the humble fairy light can transform an area. An extremely simple DIY is a jar with a strand of the battery operated seed lights woven through marbles or glass beads, offering a sparkly little glow for table settings or pathways. They could also be suspended from above, placed on shelves – you are limited only by your imagination with these quick and easy little wonders.

faerie party table

This amazing table setting was created by Tricia Saroya, North America. And whilst it is insanely gorgeous, if you deconstruct the elements, it is completely achievable should you desire – just be sure to practice before the big day…. And allow plenty of time to create!

2. Candles – so versatile, and by putting them into vintage jars (or any jars for that matter) you can keep mess and danger to a minimum. Battery operated candles are available too, and can be quite difficult to tell from a real one.

A very easy DIY, as seen here, is simply candles, jars, a holder (could be a basket, a wire basket, a wooden crate – there are many potential options), some pretty blooms, and a place to display your creations. Sand in the bottom of the jars helps to stabilise the candles, and will also catch any wayward wax if you are using real candles. If you use some scented candles, you will also add another dimension – essential oil candles can set the mood perfectly.

3. Include a budget for a Lighting Stylist to transform your event. A lighting stylist will have a variety of lighting elements on hand, and many will have styling packages available, including hire, setup and deconstructing after the event. Hiring a Lighting Stylist will eliminate the need for you to source, purchase and set up your lighting, and give you quite a bit of bang for your buck, because a lighting stylist is, by very definition, someone who lives and breathes beautiful lighting scenarios. Additionally, they will quite often be incredibly creative, assuring you of a unique and bespoke style for your event. From the beautifully basic, to the out of control gorgeous, the right lighting stylist will be sure to meet your requirements and budget with a serious touch of fancy and bling.

So, if you are a DIY kinda person, or prefer to have your lighting dreams brought to life by a professional, there are endless lighting options available. Be sure to check what your venue offers in terms of “additional lighting” they may also be able to recommend a Lighting Stylist if you choose to go that route – word of mouth is often the very best reference.

Most importantly, when all is said and done, your event is about you and your loved ones enjoying one another’s company, and creating memories to be cherished forever more.

About Light Viking: Established in 2013, Light Viking is a Bay of Plenty company who manufacture Vintage Style Marquee Lights, and provide Lighting Styling services. They have a variety of decorative lighting options for hire.

 

TC location The Batchelor

Old Forest School on the telly

Old Forest School made its prime time television debut on Tuesday 22nd April 2015 on TV3.

One handsome bachelor, 4 bubbly bachelorettes, a game of tennis, some “burger people” aka the amazing Tag Burger, some delicious sugary treats in Tippy and a very romantic surprise in the Little Barn, with Tiki Tane performing. It all made for a magical group “date” with Art.

Thank you so much to the fab folk at Tourism Bay of Plenty for asking us to be involved. We are very proud to have had the opportunity to showcase the best of what the Bay of Plenty has to offer to the rest of New Zealand.

You can watch the episode with Old Forest School at http://www.tv3.co.nz/THE-BACHELOR-NZ-Season-1-Ep-11/tabid/3692/articleID/111328/MCat/4352/Default.aspx until the 18th May 2015.

A huge, big thank you to everyone who helped out to make the “date” such a hit.

The Heirloom

Spongedrop

Tag Burger

Light Viking

Courtney Horwood Photography

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Woman’s Day wedding venue

Old Forest School Wedding in the NZ Woman’s Weekly

One of the beautiful couples who celebrated their wedding at Old Forest School featured in the NZ Woman’s Weekly this week.

Old Forest School Matt and Emily

“In the middle of a forest of native trees, Emily married her love Matt at Old Forest School, Pongakawa.  Accompanied by their two year old daughter Sophie.  The couple, who have friends in common but had never crossed paths, finally met in a Mount Maunganui bar in 2009 and it was love at first sight !  Their ceremony was held at the historic schoolhouse, where guests perched on school pews and congregated near the hopscotch court afterwards to play cricket, handball, tennis and other childhood games.  The reception was in a double marquee near the Redwood Stables which had the perfect dance floor.  The table decorations were lovingly arranged by Emily’s mum, Jackie Middleton and her friends, Mary, Helen and Debbie.”

Here’ s a photo of Matt and Emily at Old Forest School.

 

photo 4

 

NZ Herald Old Forest School

Tauranga Wedding Venue in Viva – Festival Weddings

Old Forest School, our charming wedding venue nestled near Tauranga, was thrilled to be featured in the Viva section of the NZ Herald on March 26, 2014, in an article highlighting the growing trend of festival-style weddings. The piece captured the essence of what we offer here: a boutique, bohemian experience designed for couples seeking something a little different, complete with on-site glamping and playful touches like lawn games for guests to enjoy.

Festival weddings are all about creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed, joyful, and unique—a departure from the more traditional, formal wedding day. Su-an McMahon, owner of Old Forest School, shared her thoughts in the article, explaining how this style of wedding has become a significant part of what makes our venue so popular.

“It’s what we firmly believed in when setting up Old Forest School,” Su-an explains. “We saw that the traditional wedding venue market was already well-served, and we wanted to offer something fresh, something that would break the mould.”

This style appeals to a new generation of couples, many of whom are now paying for their own weddings and are looking for a way to make their day feel personal and memorable. Festival-style weddings allow them to create an entire experience for friends and family, who often travel from all over the world to be with them. It’s no longer just about the ceremony; it’s about making lasting memories together, with room for spontaneity, connection, and all the fun elements that make the day truly theirs.

You can read the full article here.

ofs in viva