Juliana & Harry

I have no words for this place, such a special place with a cool history, the most amazing venue I could ever dream of!!Su-an was a bless during the planning months before the wedding day, she helped so much, always answering all my never ending questions.We had the best day of our lives, everyone enjoyed …

Amber & Mitchell

Thank you SO much!! We had the absolute best day of our lives last Saturday. Our wedding was everything we could have dreamt of and even more.  The whole process from the start of planning to the big day felt so easy and we felt supported at every step. The day ran so smoothly and …

The ultimate old school wedding guestbook

Since we began hosting weddings at Old Forest School, one unique feature has truly captured the hearts of our guests: the original schoolhouse blackboard. This charming relic has become a beloved way for guests to leave messages of love, joy, and support for couples on their wedding day. The blackboard isn’t just an old school …

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 …

One Fine Day wedding venue Tauranga

One Fine Day Wedding Fair in Melbourne

In early March 2018, some of the Old Forest School team had the pleasure of attending the vibrant One Fine Day Wedding Fair in Melbourne. This inspiring event, held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, offered two full days packed with wedding magic and creativity from some of Melbourne’s finest wedding vendors and suppliers. From florists and …

The Fernery wedding venue

The Fernery

  This summer, Old Forest School proudly introduces a new space: The Fernery. This botanically-inspired haven has quickly become a favorite among couples, photographers, and guests alike, bringing a fresh, lush ambiance to our grounds. Filled with ferns and an array of greenery, The Fernery creates an immersive experience, inviting guests to step into a …

Famous musos at Old Forest School

At Old Forest School, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to welcome some seriously talented musical artists to our grounds. From intimate wedding performances to appearances for reality TV shows on TV3, our venue has played host to a diverse range of musicians who have added their own unique energy to our special place.

Among the artists who have graced Old Forest School are:

  • Tiki Tane – Known for his soulful blend of reggae and acoustic sounds, Tiki’s performances are always memorable, bringing a heartfelt vibe that resonates with every guest.
  • Stu Larsen – With his folk-inspired melodies and wanderer’s spirit, Stu’s music has brought a touch of warmth and storytelling to our venue, making each performance feel deeply personal.
  • MC OJ and Rhythm Slave – These legends add an upbeat and energetic twist, getting everyone into the groove with their lively beats and engaging stage presence.
  • Luke Wilson – A crowd-pleaser known for his rich vocals and powerful guitar work, Luke has created some unforgettable moments for our guests.
  • Joseph & Maia – This duo’s harmonies and indie-folk style fit perfectly with the rustic charm of Old Forest School, adding a beautifully intimate touch to any event.

These talented musicians have become part of the Old Forest School story, each performance leaving an impression on our guests and making our venue a true gathering place for creativity and celebration. We’re honored to have had them here and look forward to welcoming many more artists who will add to the vibrant musical legacy of Old Forest School.

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

Donkeys wedding venue

A pair of miniature donkeys arrive at wedding venue

Have you met the latest new entrants at Old Forest School – Vintage Wedding Venue. Teddy and Tim are a couple of 2 year old miniature donkeys.

Teddy (the shaggy one) and Tim (the not so shaggy one).

teddy-tim teddy-tim-2

We’re thrilled to introduce two very special new additions to Old Forest School—our rescued miniature Jerusalem donkeys! These lovely boys are settling in and slowly learning to trust people again. Though they’re still adjusting to their new home and are a bit shy, they already love a gentle scratch behind the ears. For now, they’re happiest in their paddock with some space, but we’re sure they’ll warm up to visitors in no time.

When you visit Old Forest School, be sure to stop by and say hello! These gentle souls bring a little magic to our grounds, and we’re excited to share some fascinating facts about them:

Do you know why they’re called Jerusalem donkeys?
If you look closely, you’ll see a cross-shaped marking on their backs. According to legend, Jerusalem donkeys were so heartbroken by the sight of Jesus on the cross that they had to turn away. This mark is said to be a symbol of their loyal and humble spirit, left in honor of their devotion and service.

Did you know they’re also a lucky omen for expectant mothers?
It’s believed that seeing a Jerusalem donkey while pregnant brings blessings for the child—a life marked by kindness, good manners, and wisdom.

Our donkeys bring both charm and a touch of folklore to Old Forest School, adding yet another unique element to the experience here. We feel so lucky to give these boys a new home, and we can’t wait for them to become a beloved part of the family here, sharing their gentle energy with everyone who visits.