Here at Old Forest School, we’ve always been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique history of the Pongakawa Valley. Our historic venue is a treasure trove of vintage charm, where stories from the past seem to whisper through the trees, the original school buildings, and the curated collection of heritage items we’ve lovingly gathered over the years. From tales of early settlers, the mill, and the once-thriving forestry village, to memories of the tobacco farms and the old valley shop, we’ve cherished every piece of history we could find. But there was always one missing piece of the puzzle that eluded us: the story of the railway that once connected our valley to the world beyond.
That is, until now.
We are beyond thrilled to announce that the circle has finally closed, and an important piece of Pongakawa’s past has come home at last. After years of searching and a fortunate bit of serendipity, the original Pongakawa Railway Station sign now hangs proudly above the blackboard in our School Hall, a testament to the rich history of this place and a connection to the rail stories that were once such a vital part of the valley.
The Hidden Rail History of Pongakawa
While we’ve always known a lot about the heritage of the valley and the early years of Pongakawa, the rail history remained somewhat of a mystery. The Pongakawa Rail Station was located on Pongakawa Station Road—the very road you take when turning off the state highway on your way to Old Forest School. The station opened its doors in 1916 as part of the East Coast Main Trunk Line, serving as a valuable connection for the people of the valley. It was more than just a stop on the railway; it was a lifeline for the local community, linking farmers, settlers, and residents to the larger towns and cities along the coast. However, like many small rural stations, it was closed on February 7, 1959, as the era of railways began to give way to the rise of road transport.
After the station’s closure, the building and its sign were moved to the Tauranga Historic Village, where they became part of a collection dedicated to preserving New Zealand’s railway heritage. The sign was eventually relocated to the Ngongotahā Railway Society, a small but passionate group dedicated to showcasing the history of the region’s railways. It was there, tucked away among a myriad of other relics from New Zealand’s rail past, that we spotted the sign and knew we had to bring it back to Pongakawa.
Bringing the Past Home
Acquiring a piece of history like this isn’t always straightforward. It took a fair bit of haggling, some heartfelt pleading, and a lot of patience, but we managed to secure the sign and return it to its rightful place in Pongakawa. It was clear from the moment we saw it that this piece of the past needed to come home. There’s something indescribable about knowing a relic belongs here, in the place where its story began.
However, time hadn’t been kind to the sign. The years of exposure and storage had left it worn and weathered, but we saw its potential. With a gentle restoration, we carefully brought it back to life. We decided not to erase its imperfections but rather to embrace them, allowing the patina of age to remain, as a nod to its storied past and the hands that had built, painted, and hung it over a century ago.
Pride of Place in the School Hall
Today, the Pongakawa Railway Station sign has pride of place above the blackboard in the School Hall at Old Forest School. It’s a fitting location, surrounded by the historic beams of the building and nestled among other vintage treasures. The sign serves as a tangible link to the valley’s past, a reminder of the people who once relied on the railway, and a symbol of the connection between Pongakawa and the greater region.
It feels wonderful to finally honour the rail history that played such a vital role in shaping the valley. Our venue has always been a place where history comes alive—whether it’s through the stories of the early schoolchildren who once filled these classrooms or the legacy of the settlers who worked the land. Now, with the railway sign back home, we can share another chapter of Pongakawa’s story with our visitors.
A Journey Through Time
We invite you to come and see this incredible piece of history for yourself when you visit Old Forest School. The sign stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Pongakawa Valley and the efforts we make to preserve its unique heritage. It’s not just a sign—it’s a connection to the past, a slice of nostalgia, and a reminder of the valley’s bustling, hardworking community in the early 20th century.
If you’re interested in more behind-the-scenes photos and videos of the sign’s restoration and installation, head over to our Instagram page @oldforestschool. There, you can follow along as we continue our journey of celebrating and preserving New Zealand’s history in our own little corner of the Bay of Plenty.
In the end, it’s moments like this that remind us why we do what we do. When we find and restore pieces of the past, we’re not just collecting objects—we’re honouring the stories of the people who came before us and ensuring their legacy lives on for future generations.
So, next time you visit, take a moment to look up at the Pongakawa Railway Station sign and imagine the countless journeys that began and ended right here, in the heart of the valley. It’s a small but significant reminder that every piece of history matters, and we’re proud to bring it home to where it belongs.
