Taking home the Rotorua Wedding Show award for Most Outstanding Exhibit in 2013 was a moment of pure joy and validation for us. Our whole team was glowing, and it felt like the Old Forest School house itself stood a little taller with pride when we placed that trophy in its new home. This award was more than a win—it represented the long journey we’ve taken with this beloved schoolhouse, a journey filled with hard work, vision, and an unbreakable bond to preserve its charm and history. Looking back, I’m so grateful that we stayed the course together.
The excitement didn’t stop with the award. Our local newspaper, the Te Puke Times, saw fit to share our accomplishment with the community, publishing a wonderful article all about Old Forest School and our success at the show. Their words celebrated not just our venue but also the significance of breathing new life into a piece of New Zealand’s rural history that was nearly forgotten. This schoolhouse, once facing the risk of becoming just another memory, was now being recognized and cherished.
Following the article, we had so many local families and friends stop by to see the trophy firsthand, proudly displayed in the old schoolhouse. People were curious to know more about this little gem in Pongakawa, eager to see a piece of the Bay of Plenty’s past thriving again in the present.
Special thanks go to Pauline Carney, editor of the Te Puke Times, who has been a steadfast supporter of ours, helping to promote our community events and reunions and sharing our journey with the wider public. Pauline’s enthusiasm and dedication to the local community have helped Old Forest School become a cherished spot, connecting past and present generations. From all of us at Old Forest School—thank you, Pauline, for believing in our dream and helping us celebrate this special piece of history.
