The History of Kaharoa 1907 - 2007

Mission Statement

To provide a quality learning environment that encourages lifelong learning. To promote Cornerstone values as the basis of good character. Contents

SCHOOL History 4 Buildings and Grounds 7 Swimming Pool and Tennis Courts 13 School Sports Comples Development 15 Years - Principals and Teachers 16 Graph of School Roll 19 Principals’ and Staff Memories 20 School Committee / Board of Trustees 26 Administration and Resourcing 32 The Last Decade at Kaharoa School 34 Opportunities for Students 1997-2007 36 Kahawrite / School House Captains 37 Art, Music, Drama and Productions 38

TIMELINE 40-41 School Bus 42 School Reports 45 Home and School Committee / PTA 46 Agricultural Days / Flower Day 49 Trophies 52 Dental Service / Manual Technology 57 Religious Instruction 58

FARMING 60 Rural Women of New Zealand 61 Kaharoa Water 63 HALL 66 DOMAIN / KCA 68 COMMUNITY GROUPS Netbal and Tennis 70 Garden Circle 72 Hamurana Play Centre 3 Kaharoa Kokako Trust 73

COMMUNITY MEMORIES 74 Current Schoolchildren (Kahawrite) 78

2 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 FOREWORD

BY WARWICK MOYLE PRINCIPAL, KAHAROA SCHOOL

‘Few will have greatness to bend history itself, but each one of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation’ Robert F Kennedy The hundred year’s celebration of education in the Kaharoa District is a signiﬁcant milestone in the history of the area, worthy of written recognition. The daily lives and activities of all those who have lived and worked in this area over these past 100 years, and prior, have contributed to building the strong community we have today. The challenge for those working on this book was how best to record this history. This publication is the culmination of many hours work and toil by a dedicated few trawling through various school and community minute books and log books. Past publications, interviews with local identities and a variety of contributors have also been of valuable assistance in ensuring we have a publication that reﬂects the Kaharoa School and the place it holds in this dynamic community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in getting ‘The History of Kaharoa 1907 – 2007’ to print and for producing a document that will stand the test of time for future generations to enjoy. Thank you to the Centenary Committee for your tireless work and commitment. I wish everyone an enjoyable Centenary celebration full of fellowship, laughter and memories.

Acknowledgements The 75th and 100th history publications are complementary, as well as sequential with overlap. The 75th publication represents the many hours of commitment by Don & Flo Tombleson to collect, collate and record the predominantly oral histories from the people of the district. This work formed a valuable base from which to continue recording Kaharoa’s history. A copy is held in every classroom at Kaharoa School. The centenary publication is predominantly collated from the surviving written records such as Householder’s meetings; School Committee; Home and School Committee; PTA (Parent Teacher Ass.); Hall Society and BOT (Board of Trustees) minute books. As is, and always has been common practice among past and present residents of Kaharoa, this history has been researched, coordinated and facilitated by a team of volunteers, with contributions from many sources and people. Special acknowledgement however must go to the succession of people and groups who recorded their history while making history in our Kaharoa community. • Principals & Teachers. • School Committees and then the Boards of Trustees. • A variety of, again voluntary, community groups. The records and memories, these people and groups, contributed have been invaluable. To research, collate and compile a historical record can be fraught with controversy. Every effort has been made to record the history of Kaharoa School & District accurately. Individuals have been named, where they ﬁt into the district’s history. As with all records the author’s presentation may not always correspond with those of its readers. If names have been overlooked, events remembered differently then we apologise. We did our best. Editors Anne Paterson Anne Managh

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 3 KAHAROA SCHOOL A Historical Overview

The Crown purchased the Mangorewa-Kaharoa block (42,949 acres) in 1896. The block was opened up for settlement in 1900, with the earliest settlers arriving in 1903. The area was an early farming area, settled by the “district survey” settlers and their families of 1905. They were mainly dairy farmers who broke in and burnt the large areas of bush covered land. The land was later found out to be very marginal, as ‘bush-sickness’ and lack of cobalt was eventually apparent. The mineral deﬁciencies in the soil meant that animals began to waste away after about six months. There was also a shortage of good water, the climatic conditions were hard and the country was infested with blackberry. Many settlers walked off the land having lost their capital. These settlers provided the ﬁrst generation of school pupils in an isolated loca- tion.

The 1877 Education Act made schooling compulsory, free and secular for children. Originally all Kaharoa Dairy farming was the predominant farming activity. children had to travel to Oturoa School on the Oturoa Forestry and the milling of timber were still evident at Road for formal schooling. this time also. There was a new flush of new settlers, In February 1907 six local families with 20 children including many ex-servicemen. total, petitioned for the establishment of a school at The 1930s saw vehicles in Kaharoa and the introduc- Kaharoa. The school duly opened in May of 1907 with tion of the first ‘bus’ service, driven by the headmaster, six pupils, who had to be housed in a 16’ x 12’ build- in his Ford 10, and later a 1937 Chev. For every year ing loaned free of charge by a Mr. Hedges. A tender to of Kaharoa School’s history, the teacher(s), with the build the permanent classroom was signed in October approval of the School Committee initially and then of 1908, for a sum of two hundred and twenty eight as part of the principal’s duties, have arranged school pounds and ten shillings. It included the school build- picnics. McKenzie’s Bay in the 1930’s (now called Wil- ing, shelter shed, toilets, 20 chain of fencing and school son’s Bay); Maketu. 1960’s; Pilots Bay in Mount Maun- gates. The building was opened on 1 March 1909. ganui, and more recently Boyes Beach, Lake Okareka. Later, timber milling, road constructing (the Man- A major school trip in 1929 required significant plan- gorewa Gorge / Tauranga Direct Road), and gold min- ning to join with other Rotorua schools to visit the ing contributed to the development of the area. Tram- Hamilton Winter Show. The School Committee of that lines were built in 1910 and timber was transported year also decided to raise funds by holding a Chil- to Ngongotaha, thus providing extra income for some dren’s Ball in November. Mrs Morrison was asked to farmers. The school closed for 17 months in the middle arrange the Ball, Mr Florey the music and Mr Thomp- of World War I. son the posters. Fancy Dress Balls, attended by all ages The 1920s appeared to have been a fairly stable pe- were popular social events from the early 1930’s right riod, characterised by community functions at the lo- through until the 1960s. cal hall, and picnics, transport being horse and cart. The recorded charges for the Plain & Fancy Dress Ball

4 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

funding, to bring its facilities up to standard. 1961 saw the introduction of a 12 seater departmental bus, a red Bedford. 1965 saw the last “sole” teacher and also the building of a new administration and schoolroom block, tennis court and swimming pool. The 1960s saw the school providing the opportunity for outdoor education - a trip through Whakareware- wa, beach picnics at Maketu, and Port Waikato camps. Children gave musical concerts and performances in the hall during this time. On Christmas day 1972 the original school building was burned down. Not only was the building lost but also many valuable historic documents, records, and school library books perished. In 1973, a replacement building arrived, and with the extreme help of a very supportive community, school life was business as The teacher, Mr Nairn, and pupils outside the school, usual. Deer farming started to make an impact on the 1936. area’s farming makeup from this time. of 1932 and again in 1940 was • Gentlemen 2/- (two shillings) • Ladies 1/6 (one shilling and sixpence) • Children of Kaharoa and Te Pu schools Free • Children outside this area 1/- (one shilling) Community social events over the years have included: dances, concerts, farewell parties, bachelor balls, outings to ballet or similar in town, beer fests, wine tasting evenings and quiz evenings. Profits were often shared between the school and Hall Society, with the latter in turn making regular contributions to the school funds over the years. In 1949, the roll collapsed and the school closed. It is not clear why. Perhaps due to no suitable teachers’ accommodation or maybe the children had reached the age to leave school to work and supplement their fam- School trip to Mokoia Island, 1982. ilies’ incomes. The school did not re-open until 1953, and only then, when the locals realised the building The 1980s show the school roll growing, a continu- was in danger of being removed. The school had been ing trend still. Those who were willing to travel the neglected and required significant efforts, many of extra distance appreciated the ‘small family school’ them directed to the Education Board of the day for atmosphere. Thus began the appearance of different children’s families’ occupational backgrounds, which really, up until then, was basically a farming life. In 1982 social events on the school calendar included: Waikaremoana school tramp; a senior school 4 wheel a visit to a Maori Pa site on Mr Tombleson’s property where competitions in camp craft were held; cooking, fire-lighting, tea making, and camp hygiene; the show ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at Western Heights High School; and the end of year picnic on Mokoia Island. This particular year’s example, demonstrates the extracurricular activities being included over these years. For ‘Telethon 1985’ a national fundraiser, the senior class took part in a sponsored bicycle ride around the block (17 kilometres from the school to Old Tauranga Road, Te Waeranga, Penny and Kaharoa Roads and School trip to Mount Maunganui, mid 1960s. back to the school) while the middle school organised

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 5 KAHAROA SCHOOL a very lucrative Bring and Buy stall complete with raffles and the junior classes presented a concert for parents, friends and other children raising a total of $382 for Telethon. In 1989 the publication of “Tomorrow’s Schools” featured many of the recommendations of the Picot Re- port and which Today’s Schools abide by, implement- ing the NEGS and NAGS guidelines from the Board of Trustees level. These comprise many pages of documented planning and operational guidelines, resulting from many hours of work to create many more report- ing on them. (NEG: National Educational Guidelines; NAG: National Administration Guidelines) From the 1990s to the current time the trend of emerg- tration block (library, office, principal’s office, deputy ing lifestyle blocks has continued, amongst the bigger principal’s office, interview room, staffroom/board- established farming blocks. Children from Hamurana room, utility area (photocopier etc.), sickroom, staff/ families still attend the now, ‘not so small’, country wheelchair toilets, 2 pupil toilet areas, swimming pool school (225 pupils in 2006). area/changing rooms, caretaker/sport shed, and a An enrolment scheme has been in place since 1995 to community/tennis clubroom. control the rapid growth at the time and for the future. With pressure and support from the community There has been a 14.4% growth since 1996, due to vig- members in 2000, the Rotorua District Council bought orous land subdivision in the area. The current growth farmland adjoining the school to provide a Domain for of the area has been predicted at 15%! The roll in 2006 community sporting and recreational facilities, which was 225, which included 52% boys and 48% girls. Of combines successfully with the school. these 89% pupils classified as New Zealand European, The local Kaharoa Hall, which has a colourful history 9% Maori and 2% other. all of its own, was built and funded by the community, Kaharoa School is a full Primary School, which in- twice, after it burned to the ground. It is within walk- cludes years one to eight, previously known as Prim- ing distance from the School and is utilised frequently mer 1 – 4, Standard 1 - 4 and Form I, & II. Based on by the school and community alike. Government website statistics for Kaharoa District in The School residence (hard-fought for in early times!) 2001: was sold in 2003 and these funds helped to pave the • 90.7% were identified as European compared to way for a new jointly funded sports complex includ- the national figure of 80.1 %, income median was ing a pool, courts and support buildings currently $22,700 vs $18,500, being completed. These will service both the school, • Unemployment was 5% vs 7.5%, community and Domain. • 11.6% were one parent families vs 18.9%, The current community consists of dairy, sheep, deer, horse, alpaca, horticulture and other farming ventures • Household figures were all above the national fig- as well as numerous lifestyle blocks. The school also ures by 10%, serves the Hamurana community, whose residents • And 36.3% aged 15 years and over had a post- largely commute to work in Rotorua. Presently, there school qualification vs 32.2%. are still a significant number of lifestyle and residen- As a result of those figures Kaharoa School has decile tial subdivisions being developed within Kaharoa and 10 rating 2007. This reflects that the school’s recog- more planned for the future. It is 25 kilometres from nised catchment area is from a reasonably affluent, the tourist Mecca of Rotorua. European dominated, rural based, growing area. It Over the years and into the new millennium school also dictates the level of Ministry of Education fund- shows, dances, art exhibitions, Top Road competitions ing the school receives. The School’s emphasis is on on the Domain, kokako preservation in the Kaharoa the students, their values, their attitudes, and on them Forest area, Paddy in the Paddock musical evenings, becoming successful life-long learners. The staff are sports teams and sports days, PTA Auctions, Hall So- positive and the school culture friendly and inclusive. ciety functions and fundraising activities and all the It is well supported by the Board of Trustees, the PTA working bees required to keep the District’s assets in and local community. good shape and growing, all contribute to binding the Kaharoa School has for most of its life been a comfort- Kaharoa school and community together. able rural school, but the residential expansion has Kaharoa School has indeed come a long way. And is a caused enormous growth in the community and for place to be very proud of. the school over recent years. School buildings now include 8 classrooms, 2 resource room areas, adminis-

6 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL Buildings and Grounds

The first permanent school build- 1907 Kaharoa School started life in a borrowed 16 x 12 ft building. ings, which opened on 1 March 2007 One hundred years later the building complex includes: 1909, were built for a total of • Eight classrooms £228.10.0d, and included • Two resource rooms • 18’ x 14’ 6” foot classroom with • Community room – shard with the Tennis Club an 8’ x 8’ porch – of heart Kauri • An administration block including timber • Library • Office / Reception • 15’ x 8’ 6” shelter shed • Two offices – Principal and Deputy Principal • Toilets (long drop) • Interview room • 20 chain of fencing and school • Staffroom gates • Board meeting room • Storeroom Efforts were made several times • Ablution facilities over the years, to extend the schoolroom and build a schoolhouse for the teacher but each time The present (1982) sports field was established on the side of the road the roll collapsed before work was built by contract. The grounds and in March 1963 and in May a bus ever started. In fact the roll was so horse paddock were fenced and shelter was erected by Henderson unstable that the original building the cycle / saddle shed was built Contractors. (present wood shed)(1982)” was almost sold during the closure Planning for an area to be levelled of 1949-1953. [Copied from 75th booklet.] for a tennis and basketball court had Records demonstrate efforts to Pat Sushames, an old boy, fund- commenced soon after the school maintain the grounds. For example: ed and built a schoolhouse. After re-opened in 1953. The Building 1929 when prices were obtained renting from a local farmer for Inspector finally visited in June to ‘….for putting the school grounds five years, the teacher Mr Cyril review the proposed court area to in order: Discing, harrowing, lev- Miles and his family moved into be levelled. A price of £400 had elling and rolling.’ Mr Bain’s price the schoolhouse in October 1957. been quoted for the job. £250 was of £2 was accepted. June 1934 the In November 1959, a 3,000-gallon approved. Work commenced on an school inspector recommended storage tank with an electric pump hourly rate until the funds ran out. tar sealing the school paths and was installed at the school to collect Approval for a tennis court was re- repainting the school. The school roof rainwater. This worked well granted in 1960, however further committee applied to the Educa- in the wetter years. Later the land applications were still being made tion Board for funds and permis- on which the school and grounds in 1962. The Hall Society was suc- sion for a closed tender to have Mr were situated, in fact belonged to cessfully approached as a partner Crammer to do the job. Mr Reeves. Negotiations in 1962 and discussions about community access to the courts outside school In following years 300 yards of rab- between Mr Reeves and the Board hours was discussed. bit netting was applied for to en- resolved this satisfactorily, with in- close the school grounds, as well as clusion (at Mr Reeve’s suggestion) Concurrently people began to trying to get the school stove and of a sports / rugby field. School consider the option of including a chimney replaced. Mr O’Connell Committee volunteers erected swimming pool in the planning. finally put up the boundary fence goal posts on the sports field in In May 1962, Mr Len Fleming and in 1940 and once rabbit proofed, a the same year. A parking area was family donated £20 to open the second hand lawn mower was purchased for 10/-. When the school reopened in 1953, all facilities were in a poor state. “It was a school that was simply an empty building with no water supply, neglected grounds and shelterbelts that were overgrown and in need of removal, in a district still very short of money. …. The work included the removal of many tons of trees by local effort. The school buildings in 1961.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 7 KAHAROA SCHOOL fund account for a new swimming The second teacher arrived in equipment was lost. Fortunately pool. Other donations followed. September 1962 and taught in the Mr Carr had a comprehensive list The pool became a focus for fun- old shelter shed until a transport- of all school resources. The Educa- draising efforts. The Hall Society able prefab building was deliv- tion Board slowly granted funds donated £75, a flower show raised ered. Work did not commence on for replacement of equipment and £12-8-10d, bottle drives and sheep a new classroom until April 1963. books The School Committee ad- and wool sales provided steady The new building was completed dressed cleaning up the site and additions to funds. in October and the transportable making do, until the pre-fabricat- prefab removed for use at Western ed classroom was relocated to the Kaharoa School Extensions Heights Primary School. The offi- school from Turangi. Donations of Earthworks cial opening of the new classroom, mats to cover the floor in the un- • Earthworks 1030 cu yds pool and courts was celebrated in heated prefab re-locatable room • Grassing 1/3 acre March 1965. were requested and made. Follow- • Car park 48 cu yds metal By 1968, when Mr Wally Gotz took ing inspections by representatives • Fencing 1.8 chains approx. over as Head Teacher, the school of the Education Board in April, it Building was well developed with good fa- was agreed that a new classroom • Single classroom & toilets cilities. The senior classes were in would be built on the old site and additions to the senior room made, • Minor alterations to existing the new block and the junior school school building in the older building. The grounds including a staffroom, library and • Water & power services were well developed with a large storeroom. • Concrete paving sealed court area, a well-grassed January 1973 was spent clearing Total area approx 1400 sq ft sports field and a swimming pool. the rubbish from the site. The old Behind the new block was a small transportable prefab building was Costing was estimated to be £1,000 grove of native trees beyond which placed behind the main block in and applications commenced to was Athol Reeves farm. A small time for the start of the school year. As the Education Board released funds teaching materials (library and reading books; maths equipment; film strip projector; record player and music equipment) were ordered to replace those lost in the fire. It was June before a contract was accepted to build a classroom. In September the Education Board Building Supervisor visited to examine the site for the new building, approve the underground wir- The burnt-out schoolroom after the Christmas 1972 fire. ing and water pipes to the school pool. He also authorised adminis- source half this amount from the garage housed the school bus. tration block extensions to the sen- Board to meet material costs and ior classroom and its re-painting. Christmas Eve 1972, the original voluntary labour and materials During this time the senior class kauri schoolroom burnt to the the remainder. Work commenced used the Kaharoa Hall for lessons. ground. The suspected cause was on 30 October 1962 when the first faulty wiring in the roof. Approxi- Builders started the extensions on three sections of the concrete floor mately $3,000 worth of books and 15 October. The new classroom ar- were laid. At the Householders’ rived on 17 October and the exten- Meeting in 1963 to, elect the new sions, including soak holes and con- School Committee, a reminder to Mr Carr saw a red glow on his nected water pipes were completed continue to fundraise for the tennis windows from his teacher’s by 7 November 1973. Members of courts was made residence and looked out to see the community completed the road The South Auckland Education flames leaping 20 feet into the fence and put new goal posts up in Board architect visited the school air. Rotorua and Ngongotaha fire 1977. brigades attended. 4 September 1961, for preliminary Maintenance Officers from the Ed- discussions and measurements Little could be done to save the aging wooden building. An ucation Board visited several times for a second classroom. A tender at the beginning of 1978 to examine (newspaper records: September / electrical wiring fault in the roof was suspected as the cause. facilities for necessary maintenance October 1962) was called. of all buildings, support facilities

8 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

shared resources and space in the senior room. Mr Trevor Loomb, General Man- ager, South Auckland Education Board (SAEB) and Mr D. Classon, Rotorua District Ofﬁcer, visited the school 5th June 1981 to discuss the third classroom, interior painting and the unsatisfactory condition of toilet block and foyer in wet weather. Skylights, louvres and heat lamps were recommended for the latter and an architect despatched to determine a suitable site for the additional classroom. The Right Honourable M Wel- lington, Minister of Education, ac- The arrival of the new classroom in October 1973. companied by the Mr W Cleghorn such as water and proposed im- of $12 per hour for 10 hours work. (SAEB Ward member) visited the provement programmes. Favour- When this was complete, with the school 22 September. The minister able comments were made on the ground levelled, disced, sown, commented on the pleasant ap- condition and general appearance rolled and fertilised, a parent, Mr pearance and tone of the school, of the school. Brian McFetridge, delivered a load the spirit shown by the commu- In April the Rotorua County Coun- of sand for the sandpit and jump- nity in providing the new library cil visited and an approach was ing pit. and visited both classrooms. The made into the possibility of them Simultaneously the exterior of the School Committee Chairman Mr sealing the entranceways into the school was painted and plumbing Brian Managh, with members school at both gateways and in- attended to. In July a major work- Mrs Helen Wiles and Mr Paul stalling necessary drainage works. ing bee was held to tighten and Shaw also present, were not un- It was recorded that the recom- repair the swimming pool gate happy when he enquired about mendation was well received and and front fence; plant and protect additional teaching space, having that the matter would be “looked shrubs and native plants; general noted the crowded conditions of into”. It is assumed this work was gardening and painting lines on the senior room. The re-locatable completed, as no further reference the netball, padder tennis and hop- classroom arrived from Hilltop to its need is recorded. scotch courts. Primary School Taupo 16 October. Six days later Mr Classen returned In the meantime (May 1978) In 1980 there were three teachers to attend Lamb and Calf Day and records show that the School Com- with only two classrooms - a situ- open the school library building, a mittee decided to improve the ation repeated many times in the small Lockwood building, funded boundary southeast corner of the Kaharoa School history. Mrs Mar- jointly by the Education Board and school, “where a bank presents an tin taught the NE, J 1 & 2 in the community (now the tennis club- untidy view”. This work was con- re-locatable classroom while Mr room). tracted to Mr Reeves for the price Richard Thompson and Mrs Wall In 1982, when neighbour Athol

A view of the school buildings in 1978.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 9 KAHAROA SCHOOL

ously on temporary piles quite high interviews without interruption. In off the ground on the side facing 1988 Mr Bill Cleghorn advised that the playing field yet at ground lev- $1900 had been approved to carry el facing the administration block. out alterations to administration Fortunately it came complete with block to create an office, interview a toilet block, which greatly allevi- and sick room in the old resource ated the shortage of toilet facilities storeroom. The classroom was ex- created by the growing roll. tended and upgraded to increase However power, water and toi- classroom-working area. let facilities were not operational Alterations were completed the The third classroom, 1981. for two weeks and the rest of the same year. Mr Bill Pomare who building not inhabitable until mid- had a son in Std 2 donated a stove Reeves, decided to subdivide, ne- October. The extra toilets did re- to the staffroom and wired it in gotiations between Mr Reeves, the duce foot traffic in the main foyer. place. An entire carpet lot was do- Education Board and the school Unfortunately the position of the nated by Westpac Bank and used began, to have the fence lines girl’s toilet allowed the wind and in classrooms and the administra- changed and be replaced on their rain to pour in and further soffits tion area. The main building roof correct legal boundaries. This ne- were required. was also replaced. The coal fire in gotiation was settled in 1987 giving Room One had deteriorated and the school access to the back pad- The Principal had persisted in seeking to make alterations to the electric heaters were recommended dock to provide additional playing by the Hamilton Education Board fields. staffroom and book room facilities to provide a working area for but with the extensive re-wiring At the end of 1986, the library the clerical assistant, an enlarged required, the School committee door lock broke, and the Educa- staffroom to relax in and a place decided to investigate Marshall tion Maintenance Officer had to where he could conduct private Heater options. be called from Rotorua to release those locked inside. In fact – all locks were defective and on the point of breaking down. This was addressed three days later. Fol- lowing this incident the Building Supervisor visited and required replacement of wire fences with mesh; replacement of the incin- erator; safety glass in the library doors and an extra tar sealed area in school grounds. This was completed throughout 1987, along with installation of security lighting for paths and parking areas. The new library under construction.. An entry in the Principal’s logbook dated 2 February 1987 states “As perhaps expected in these times, the (Education) Board has failed to deliver the fourth classroom for our new teacher. Conse- quently Miss Young has to “float” albeit teaching with ‘no fixed abode’ Possible delivery in May school holidays”. Extra teachers were always easier to get from the Education Board, permanent classrooms were much more difficult to prise from the Board. The new classroom arrived on 7 July from Pukeroa Forest and required a lot of work. It sat precari- The opening of the new library, 1981.

10 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

feature on the community’s social calendar. Having a heated pool extended the swimming season by six weeks. A proactive and ongoing maintenance programme was continued through the decade. This included tasks such spraying Onehunga weed; repairing vandalism, broken handles and windows and painting. Also installing a volley ball base and wall; a new motor for the Above and below: The arrival of the new classroom in 1987. pool; fencing around the pool to allow spectator seating to be erected; and purchase of library books. The Health & Safety Act 1992 came into force on 1 April 1993 and resulted in further works particularly associated with the playground areas. As a consequence, efforts to attain a new library and sick bay were frustrated as MOE funding for school was all consumed in meeting health and safety requirements. The Principal’s Report to the BOT (September 1994) included the Property Joke of the Month. In 1990 - ed over 1991 & 1992 via the often- “ With the increased roll in 1995, • A new wall was installed in the voluntary efforts of Board of Trus- we will qualify for a principal’s storage shed to ensure chemi- tee (BOT) member John Coleman. office but have no hope of receiv- cals could be in locked storage. Deferred maintenance funding ing this until outstanding main- • Reading Recovery area built of $12,600 was received from the tenance in property agreements is MOE to enable school and teach- • New storage areas for class- dealt with – about 3 years away.” er’s residence building upgrades. room reference materials This included exterior painting, The ongoing dispute with the MOE • Maypoles were re-built. re-roofing, guttering, asbestos re- over the ‘phantom’ classroom was • Job description for Caretaker placement, swimming pool paint- finally put to rest in 1998 when the rewritten to reflect increased ing and fitting with stainless steel extra classroom required, became requirements for hygiene and rails and ladders, blinds and floor available and caught up with the health. coverings. extra teacher allocated. The new hard court area, com- New projects initiated and funded Over the years, many tasks had menced in 1990, was completed by the BOT included a new cloak- been voluntarily undertaken by in 1991 and marked out to allow room and the building of a 5th many parents, PTA and school both tennis and netball. The Tennis classroom by John Coleman. In committee members. The increas- Club was re- formed in 1990 and 1991 Mr David McFetridge loaned ing school size made this impracti- by year-end the school and club the school a Marshall Heater to cal. The caretaker’s job description were discussing club use of school heat the pool and a pool cover was was reviewed and the appropri- grounds with access to the staff purchased. Investigations to install ate tools were provided to ensure room to make a cup of tea. A Ten- a larger Marshall Heater to heat jobs such as leaking taps and pool nis Club landscaping project result- pool in summer and classrooms maintenance could be addressed. ed in barked shrub gardens around in winter were initiated but not Kaharoa School went through a pe- the courts. They put a caravan onto concluded. The original Marshall riod of rapid growth over the 1990s, the school site for their use but this Heater was eventually donated from four to seven classrooms with caused some dis-satisfaction and and remained in use until 2007. the eighth classroom arriving on discussions began about erecting A wood shed was constructed to site in 2002. The remodel of the a building for club use that would house the wood used to feed the junior block was also completed in ‘fit’ into the school layout. Marshall and regular firewood 2002. It was in the mid 90s that the, Major capital works were complet- working bees became a regular then Kaharoa School Board, recog-

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 11 KAHAROA SCHOOL nised the school was out growing many of its facilities including the school’s swimming pool. Conse- quently the swimming pool was identified in the school’s strategic plan for future development. Still the school grew and eventually the Board was able to convince the Ministry that a new administration block and library were necessary. Building changes including a new classroom, resource room, library and the decking extended to line up with Rooms Four and Five. The caretaker’s shed and sports shed were demolished and a new sky- line garage built to house the Care- taker and sports equipment. The new playground, 2006. The $100,000 contract to complete this work was paid for by the Min- istry of Education and managed by School House Dimensions. This new and current The School House, built in 1953 on the market for tender via Opus in administration block, with recep- land directly opposite the school, April 2003. Tenders closed early tion, offices, meeting and staff- was a well designed and comfort- May. Local Ray White Real Estate rooms took Kaharoa School into able three bedroom house which agent, Dennis Quirke, handled the the third millennium. teachers and their families hap- sale and donated half of the com- Shade cloths for the courtyard were pily made their home for many mission to the school. Ministry of purchased using the prize money years through until the 1990s. As Education and Opus were writ- from the 2003 “Under Cover Cody” lifestyles changed and everyone ten to by the BOT expressing their SunSmart competition via the Dai- became more mobile, teachers concern at the poor level of com- ly Post newspaper, while the PTA starting opting to buy and/or live munication. On 18 August 2003 funded the shadecloth over the in homes that better suited their the school received notice from the sandpit, via a grant from Southern needs. From then, when the house MOE that the Ministry holds the Trust. The PTA committee, like so was not required for teachers it to funds for 6 months after the sale, many PTA committees before it, others to provide some income to and that the school would receive continues to undertake projects the Education Board. Successive half the proceeds from the sale. that enhance the school’s environ- school Committees and BOTs were This money was committed to the ment. The playground project was still responsible for the mainte- swimming pool upgrade. completed in 2006 after significant nance. The School house, now privately fund raising and much donated With no communication to the owned, is once again a home lived personal ‘elbow grease’. School BOT, the Ministry of Edu- in with pride by a family. Changes A Cyclic Maintenance Programme cation put the school house on have been made and the grounds is now in place covering interior developed. and exterior painting and maintenance programmes for the next 10 years, as well as continuing ongoing minor asset maintenance such as carpets, spouting and fencing etc It has been a very challenging journey and a lot of commitment and hard work for many over the years but as we now celebrate the Centenary of the school the community can be well proud of the wonderful school facilities now here at Kaharoa.

New administration block, 2003.

12 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL The Swimming Pool and Tennis Courts The first swimming ‘pool’ for Kaharoa children was a natural, if somewhat unreliable one when it dried up, down in the Mangorewa Gorge. In the late 1930’s when children returned from climbing up the hill, from a swim or nature walk, Mrs. Terry used to give everyone a cool drink and biscuit. The first swimming pool – 1960s Russell Wright, Chairman of the School Committee over these years, was the driving force behind the establishment of the school pool and court. Planning for the first school swimming pool commenced in 1962, a learner’s pool of 45 x 20 feet. The first pour of concrete caused challenges as the rainfall was very high that year, up to early November = 120 inches. However the children were able to use the pool from February 1964. Mr Cockerill, the South Auckland Education Board Secretary Manager chatting to pupils at the official of the swimming pool in 1965.

day, many of whom also featured in the large photo. Mr Cockerill was quoted as saying “…… Transformation (from 1953 reopening of the school) is a tribute to the Kaharoa Community, as a whole and the school board in particular ……….. “One of the ﬁnest educational set-ups anywhere in NZ ……… the only blob on the landscape, (referring to the 60 year old original kauri building) which would go eventually but was adequate at present” - this burnt down in 1972 Working on the swimming pool, 1962 Having a swimming pool in the district was real high- Concurrently, community-working bees were devel- light. Swimming was popular, both for lessons and for oping the tennis court, which was in use by October recreational swimming at lunchtime, after school and 1963. The Tennis Club opened 29 November 1964 and in the weekends. Families purchased a key for a nomi- commenced their regular weekend competitions. nal price ($5 per summer, with a refund of $3 then $1 by 1986 on key return) to use the pool as often as they wanted. In 2007, the cost of a summer pool key is still nominal at $25 per family.

October, 1963 However it took until the end of 1964, and many working bees, to complete the tennis court fences, pool surrounds and changing sheds. The ofﬁcial opening of the second classroom, swimming pool and court, by South Auckland Education Board Secretary Manager Mr K C M Cockerill, took place 23 March 1965. This event featured in the Daily Post newspaper, which delighted the 35 pupils of the The pool in use, 1964

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 13 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Ongoing problems both with the filtration plant and seepage through the base of the pool curtailed three seasons of swimming (1972-1975). Sequential repairs to the filtration plant, base of pool and replacement of handrails was undertaken and the pool was re-painted for start of swimming season November 1975. It was a very dry year in 1975 when local parent Ian McGregor carted 3,000 gallons of extra water to the school and a further 1500 gallons was purchased. Again 1978 3000 gallons of water was delivered bit it is not clear whether this was for the pool or general use. The need for painting and repairs persisted through the early 1980s. The block walls of the changing sheds required structural strengthening and rotten supports for the shed roof were replaced. The Kaharoa banner proudly displayed oa the swimming sports in 1997, at the Aquatic Centre. season to five months: November 1986 – March 1987. Before the end of the year, it was time to attend to cleaning, painting and rust protection again, in readi- ness for the new season.

The 1990’s saw increasing problems with the school pool. There were perished O-rings and the filter and pump were increasingly not able to cope with the size of the pool and the numbers of people swimming. Above and below: Opening day of swimming, 1980. In 1990, a Marshall Heater was lent and then donated to the school (1991) by Mr David McFetridge to heat the pool. A pool cover was added to help maintain the temperature. This Marshall Heater was in use up to the demolishing of the original pool 2007. Over all the years there have been many working bees on different properties around the district to cut, transport and stack wood for both the classroom and pool heater fires. Kaharoa School was experiencing extremely rapid growth. The school roll had increased by 50% over the past two decades. This trend has continued. By 1993 there was significant concern about health risks of an aging pool system and the new Health & Safety Act (1992) to comply with. In 1994 a new swim- Then in the mid-1980s, attention turned to discussion ming pool filtration system was made a priority by of options, with the Hamilton Education Board (previ- the Kaharoa School Board, while recognising that the ously South Auckland Education Board), to heat the school was out growing many of its facilities includ- pool. In August 1986 ‘coils of wire’ were placed on the ing the swimming pool. The teachers had major con- roof of changing room sheds. This early solar heating cerns about the limitations of small changing rooms unit was a great success and extended the swimming for the swimming pool which was designed and built when the school had 35 pupils; the same tiny changing rooms now have to cater for classes that size. Consequently the swimming pool was identified in the school’s strategic plan for future development. When the schoolhouse was sold, in 2003, the funds were ‘tagged’ for the school pool. (No teacher’s had lived there for several years) In the meantime facilities were maintained as required. Pool covers were replaced, filtration system’s maintained and firewood stocks kept up for the Marshall Agroup of happy swimmers,1980s. Heater by the PTA.

14 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Domain & School Sports Complex Development In 2002 representatives from the school met with the Kaharoa Community Association (KCA) and others to discuss a coordinated approach and a further development proposal for the Domain – Stage 2. Considerable discussion took place with the school advocating pool development, tennis club representatives pushing for a multiuse court development, others cricket practise nets and portable pitch. The wish list went on. Architect, Andrew Stephenson drew up concept plans which were displayed at the school’s end of year prize giving as part of community consultation. The tennis court complex in 1964. A Community Meeting in March 2003, agreed with the revised plans presented in three phases to identify funds was sent to wider community. Successful funding requirements and priority of development. funding applications for this project at the time of publication have been received from: Phase 1: Ablution block; all weather playing field; pavilion; pool $550,000 approx. • Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust - Pool $50,000 Phase 2: Second floor of the pavilion • BOP Community Trust – Pool $20,000 $200,000 approx. • Ministry of Education for the pool checking Phase 3: Basketball court size extension to the Hall or $44,000 gymnasium. • Lion Foundation for Solar Heating $10,000 A draft business plan was formulated, the community • Pub Charity for concrete $10,000 surveyed and a local community member, John Long- • RDC for courts, lights & changing facilities bottom, (who later did a large amount of work toward $75,000 the project with Bondor NZ Ltd) drafted several ver- sions of development plans and costings. • Southern Trust for Astroturf $30.000 Finally in October 2005, with final amendments to the • Kaharoa Tennis Club - for half the cost of court court design to ensure that the sewage field didn’t need nets $ 3,500 moving, planning was complete, cost breakdowns clar- • Sailesh Patel, Ngongotaha 4 Square – pool fence ified and initial funding options identified. The total $4,800 projected cost of project was $596.000 plus GST, with • Green Thistle for netball $ 1,000 solar heating for pool to be included if possible. • Caversham for playground $10,000 The old court fencing was removed and Wayne Clarke Construction commenced site preparation. The sewer- At the time of printing this publication community age fields were installed, the pool hole dug and drain- contributions at $14,000 cash and 1024 hours of labour age installed. One Saturday thirty community volun- have been received. A significant amount of materials teers turned up to physically pick up the caretakers have also bee donated by the community. shed and transfer it to its new site 30 metres away! There have been great changes over the century – from The ever-reliable PTA working bees felled trees on the walking through farmland to Mangorewa Gorge for boundary and quickly completed fencing and replant- swimming to, by next season anyway, the wonder of a ing the bank. 25 metre, 6 lane, .9metre deep deepening to 1.6 metres The three Astroturf multi-purpose courts were com- new pool. pleted by October 2006 and nets secured the following Tennis activities too, have grown from the original one month when the tennis season started. small court that doubled for all hard court activities The swimming pool project is well under way but to a larger court area and now to the three Astroturf there have been several unforeseen delays which un- hard-court area. This is a great asset, not only to the fortunately means the opening of the new pool will school but to the community also. not be able to be celebrated along with the Centenary The Kaharoa community, teachers and pupils as a celebrations. whole have worked tirelessly donating their time, The pavilion with changing sheds, ablution block and services, skills, materials and labour to continue to en- a kitchen facility are expected to be near completion, if hance and improve the facilities available to the com- not completed for the Centenary celebrations. munity. This latest project is a continuation of that pride and commitment made to the school and com- Promised funds were released and a promotion munity by many over the years and is a facility that brochure seeking donations of time, materials and will be the envy of many other rural schools.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 15 KAHAROA SCHOOL List of Teachers and Staff DATES TEACHERS / PRINCIPALS 1909 - 1910 Mr Clay Miss Wyllie Miss Wylie would play ‘hounds & hares’ with the children and Miss Jean Shuttleworth could climb trees to match anybody. Mr Batchelor 1911 Miss Annie Terry Major Burgess left the area because of “no suitable 1913 Mr GT Brown accommodation”. Both Kaharoa and Te Pu schools were closed Major Burgess for 12 weeks until reopening again in December 1914 1914 (Dec) Mr Gilbert M Haines 1915 Mr Foley Mr Brown

1916 Mr McRae Pu School with Te Miss Sleep ½ 1917 Miss Cusson School closed 31 March 1918 until 26 August 1919 August 1919 Miss Vaeta F Comer - 1920 (Mrs Bill Sanders) 1921 - 1922 Miss Alice EC Clark ½ with Te Pu School 1923 - 1924 Mrs Kathleen Hanks 1925 Miss Dorothy J Halkett Mrs M Suttleworth 1926 - 1928 Mr Edgar WG Perry (OBE) 1928 - 1929 Mr Fred H Pollard 1930 - 1932 Miss AH Orr 1933 - 1934 Mr Maurice Ron Buchan 1935 - 1936 Mr Jack R Nairn • 5 yrs old in 1936 Valerie Unsworth / McLeod remembers taking turns at stoking the ﬁre making cocoa and taking milk to school. The school supplied the apples. • Dorothy Croft remembers sitting on Mr Nairn’s knee with Jack Fleming to read their stories. Couldn’t be done nowadays! 1937- 1940 Mr Maurice Madgwick 1936-43 Jackie Wright remembers Mrs Cheeseman playing the piano in the hall for the children to do the Grand March for an end of year function for the parents. 1941 - 1944 Mr Arthur George Goulter • At least two boys remember being whacked by Mr Goulter with supple jack that he had them cut from the bush in the horse paddock. Three of the best! • Alan Fleming remembers keeping warm around the wood burner in the classroom while the Collins children cooked huhu grubs on top. (1940-46) 1945 Mr Sinclair One term each Mr Colin Chambers 1941-48 Beverley Holmes (Fleming) remembers that the boys used to tie Mr Barry Sears the girls up to trees at lunchtime. Then they got the strap or a cane. 1946 - 1948 Mr (Cec) RE Rainey He had a little Austin 7 car (Alan Fleming) 1949 Mr NR Williams School closed 30 March 1949 until 5 October 1953 1953 -1961 Cyril Miles 1953-61 1961 Mr John Brinkler Relieving teacher (5 April 1961 – until 5 May school holidays) (April - May)

16 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

DATES TEACHERS / PRINCIPALS May 1961 Mr John (SJM) Taylor Last Sole Teacher –1965 • Mr Taylor lived in the school house with wife Viv and children; John, Maree, Dulcie, Paul, Louisa, Betty (born 1961). They got their milk from neighbour, Athol Reeves 3 September 1962, 2nd teacher Miss Heather McLaughlin arrived. She taught in the school shelter shed initially until a prefabricated classroom arrived. Mr Taylor’s class of Std 2-6 moved into the prefab and Miss McLaughlin taught infants in the permanent original classroom. The Education Board built a permanent classroom to replace the prefab.

(October 1963) 1963 Two teachers + Two classrooms 1965 – Mr Wally E Gotz Mr Gotz got his milk from Athol Reeves, his hoggets (meat) from May 1968 Principal Doug Robertson and his vegetables from Gordon Branson.

May 1968 Mr Ian Carr 1973-74 Winston Fleming remembers as an 11-12 year old arriving at –May 1977 Principal school ﬁrst, so was made responsible for unlocking the 2 schoolrooms and turning the mains on. In the winter he lit the ﬁres in both classrooms. 1976 The new ratio for country schools was 1:25.

1977 Term II Mr July Matthews • “The guitar playing headmaster, a delightful Maori guy. Mr Matthews Mobile Reserve Principal had a back to basics teaching style and increased the school & community appreciation of nature.” 1977 Term III Mr Peter Lette • Mr Lett was also musical and arranged a wonderful concert for the Relieving Principal school end of year function.

1978 – 1986 Mr J Richard Thompson 1980 (Feb.) Third teacher appointed (May) Principal 1981 (Oct.) Third classroom arrived Three classrooms + One teaching principal + Two teachers + One part time ofﬁce assistant / teacher aide

1986 Mr John F Sturgeon Who allowed pupils to start using the photocopier! Term II Mobile Reserve Principal 1988 Picot Report – “Tomorrow’s Schools”

1986 - 1990 Mr P Brent Jenkins 1987 (Feb) Fourth teacher arrived Principal 1987 (July) Fourth classroom arrived Four teachers + Four classrooms 1989 (July) Tomorrow’s Schools implemented

1991 Darcy Olliver 1992 Principal Five teachers + Five classrooms • 5th classroom BOT/community funded. • Eight hours principal release support • Mrs Sue Blunt appointed as Deputy Principal 1994 Six teachers + Five classrooms Two teachers shared a room and the hall was utilised where possible.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 17 KAHAROA SCHOOL

DATES TEACHERS / PRINCIPALS 1995 - 2001 Mark Thompson 2000 (Term I) Principal Six teachers + Six classrooms Principal release time increased to 60% (three days per week) 2001 Mrs Sue Schuler 2001 (Term II) Acting Principal Seven teachers + Seven classrooms 2001 (TERM III) Warwick Moyle 2004 - current Principal Eight Teachers + Eight classrooms

2007 Principal Mr Warwick Moyle 2007 Deputy Principal • Eight classrooms Sue Schuler • Two resource rooms Teachers • Full time principal • Mr Joshua Jones • Eight full time teachers • Mrs Rose Powley • Two part time teachers • Mrs Merrin James • Four teacher aides • Mrs Veronica Aislabie • Administration person & part time assistant • Mrs Joanne Clark • Librarian • Mrs Leanne Hale • Caretaker • Maria Shoebridge Mrs Stella van Gelder (Release Teacher) Teacher’s Assistants • Mrs Marlene Badger • Mrs Sally Cornwall • Mrs Heidi Allen • Judith Shoebridge Secretary: Sheryn Shoebridge Secretary Support & Librarian: Ann Smith Maintenance & Cleaning: Mr Rex Shoebridge/ Stephanie Hanna

Back row, (left to right): Joanne Clark, Rex Shoebridge, Heidi Allen. Second row: Christina Clark, Rob Powley, Veronica Aislabie, Leanne Hale, Angela Strange, Rose Powley. Back row, from left: Sally Cornwall, Sheryn Shoebridge, Sue Schuler, Warwick Moyle, Merrin James, Stella van Gelder, Maria Shoebridge.

18 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007

KAHAROA SCHOOL

2007

2005

2003

2001

1999

1997

1995 1993

7th teacher 7th teacher

1991

1989 6th teacher 1987

5th teacher 1985 100 years of primary 100 years in Kaharoa school education

School roll anticipated to be 225+ by mid year census mid year be 225+ by to anticipated School roll 1983 1981

4th teacher

1979

1977 1975

3rd teacher 3rd

1973

1971

1969

1967

1965

1963

1961 1959

es for es for

! 1957

2nd teacher

Roll quali 1955 1953

SCHOOL ROLL 1951 closed School

1949-1952 1949

1947

1945

1943

1941

1939

1937

1935

1933

1931

1929

1927 1925

Estimated average roll for year - determined via Principals’ reports and enrolment records - recent records are accurate are records - recent reportsrecords and enrolment via Principals’ - determined year for roll average Estimated

1923

1921

1919 17 months - 17 months 1917 lack of pupils School closed

period for this for located located No data data No

1915 1913 accommodation

School 12 closed for weeks when teacher when teacher weeks left because of lack 1911

1909 Photo: Kaharoa School, 1981 School, Kaharoa Photo: 1907 0

250 200 150 100 Pupils (Average number for year) for number (Average Pupils

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 19 KAHAROA SCHOOL Principals’ and Staff Recollections water from the school, across the road and into the John Taylor schoolhouse tank. The water situation did need ad- Principal May 1961 - September 1965 dressing! John recalls starting with a roll Lamb and Calf day was a feature event at the school. of 17 pupils. He remembers and Games days, fancy dress functions and the annual appreciated good community end of year picnic at Newdick’s Beach at Maketu were support from the beginning. The all well enjoyed, as was a seniors’ camp trip to Port day, John’s wife Vivienne went Waikato. into labour with their youngest The tennis court was well used in the summer by the child, a school trip was about to Tennis Club with regular weekend competitions. After leave for Rotorua and Whakare- the Hall burnt down in 1967 the Indoor Bowls Club also warewa for the day. The trip used the Senior Classroom for games during winter. went ahead, thanks to parental Mr Gotz noted “…..after leaving in 1968, we were support. never again in a district where basics such as milk, The school was not very well equipped on his arriv- meat and vegetables were available to us from local al. However equipment was sourced, the roll grew residents as had been the case at Kaharoa.” quite quickly and a second teacher, Miss Heather McLoughlin, was employed. Since there was only Brenda Spence (nee Dalbeth) one classroom when Miss McLaughlin started, she Assistant Teacher 1967 –1971 used the shelter shed for junior school lessons until a prefab classroom arrived. The senior classes, Std 2 Brenda recollects that having lived near Ngongotaha – 6, then used the prefab while the junior school was for most of her life, finding a country school to com- established in the original classroom. In time a new plete her mandatory “Country Service” in 1967 was permanent classroom was built. like a breath of fresh air. After three years teaching classes of 44 pupils, moving to the then small Kaharoa The school committee was very active and with School was just wonderful. support from parents and the community, they established a tennis court in front of the school and “Here was the classic community where everyone a swimming pool at the rear. Mr Russell Wright, shared common interests. Children came to school School Committee Chairman at that time, used his with routines not dissimilar to those I had known all invaluable experience to get subsidies from the Edu- my life, with an enthusiasm to adapt to both working cation Board to complete these projects. alone or as a group. To have more than one member of a family in my class at the same time was common There were some amazing stories to tell of pupils but and this is where I quickly learnt that no two children John Taylor’s comment is “everyone did their bit to are alike”. make their Kaharoa School experience, an enjoyable and worthwhile one.” ‘Class keepers’ ensured that by 9am desks were set up, pencils sharpened, marked books were distributed Wally Gotz and blackboards and chalk were ready to go. Standard two children were great coaches and five-year-olds Principal May 1965 - April 1968 settled in quickly. She can’t remember many (if any) Wally recalls a well developed first day blues. school with good facilities. Early morning reading round the potbelly stove in The grounds were nicely pre- the old classroom was magic. “Early in the Morn- sented, with a small grove of ing”, “Grandma comes to stay”, “The Fire Engine”, native trees behind the main “Where is Timothy?” “Going to School”, “The Hun- block. A small garage housed gry Lambs”, “Boat Day”, “The Donkey’s Egg”, “Sweet the school bus, but there was Porridge”, “Stars in the Sky”, and “Sliding and Fly- no driver. Mrs Gotz drove the ing” were studied from new entrants to Standard bus on most occasions, includ- Two. Most boys preferred to get their reading over ing the fortnightly Manual quickly as the latest game in the playground was of Training Day to Whakare- immediate importance. Arvidson spelling games warewa School. were very popular, as were Cuisenaire blocks, which Water was a problem at the schoolhouse in the dry aided mathematical development in juniors. Decimal summer. The school tanks were always well stocked currency had just been introduced. The moon land- from Mr Athol Reeve’s farm bore, so the problem was ing took place one afternoon while everyone gathered fixed by running a long plastic hose that siphoned the around the radio.

20 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

There was National Radio music lessons 1.45 - 2pm on Mondays. Recorders were practiced by those keen souls under a tree or on the tennis court where one could find an uninterrupted space away from ‘padder-tennis’ experts. Art and craft was colourful. Min- Ian Carr (left imal materials were supplied at the time, so Brenda front) and his wife made frequent trips to Whakatane Board Mills for Carol (with pram), cardboard and hessian, which along with the felt and pictured at the wool, formed the basis of school art supplies. official opening of the Kaharoa Hall, The introduction of the Steeplechase / Cross Country 1971. through Athol Reeves’ farm, where even five year olds took part, was a wonderful addition to the Sports Cur- riculum. Every spare moment leading up to the competition was spent ‘getting fit’, running as many times as possible around the school’s boundaries. Visitors to the classroom were always a welcome diver- “Over the nine years there were many highlights: the sion, these included the District Nurse, Mrs Johnson, new playground was developed; fancy dress was al- visiting teacher Mr Kennedy and science advisors, Mr ways a big occasion at the end of the school year; the Bowyer and Mr Devlin. As too were the Mums and many pet days, and other school activities. The big low Dads who popped in from time to time. was the electrical fire in the infant room on Christmas Lamb & Calf Club Days and Flower Shows, featuring Eve 1972, destroying the building, many resources, the well-known vaseline & sand saucers, vegetable newly funded library books and irreplaceable records. monsters and miniature gardens were much-loved Later a new infant room was built and the library was events. The judging team consisted of Mrs Davis and improved. The school roll rose when the Baker fam- Mrs Florey who brought their expertise to high calibre ily purchased an eight-seater bus to transport their displays. Concerts also gave children added responsi- daughters and other children to school from Hamu- bilities and a sense of belonging. rana. Kaharoa children have always had an edge when “There were many school things Ian undertook with reaching secondary school through learning care of teachers, committee, volunteers and residents that helped others, individual thought and through having space to make the school a happy working environment.” to grow. “I have just completed 27 years in primary and sec- Richard Thompson ondary education and it has been a privilege to see Principal 1978 - September 1986 some of the children of former pupils coming through “The school committee, friends and parents worked Western Heights High School with their diverse inter- tirelessly to ensure that the school was a safe and sta- ests and great achievements. To view the complete ble place for students to be well taught; the staff to be circle has been a most interesting and rewarding ex- established and adequately recognised for their ef- perience.” forts; and the school to be fully equipped, physically attractive and well maintained. Ian Carr “There was a real can-do attitude. If it were possible, Principal May 1968 - 1977 we would do it! Memories from his wife Carol

“On winning the position of Principal at Kaharoa School, we set off from Hawkes Bay intending to stay in one of the many hotels in Rotorua. To our dismay a cycling event was being held in Rotorua, and not one unit was available. After approaching the local police station and only being offered a cell, our next call was to the school chairperson Don Tombleson, who kindly offered us a bed. We set off into the country with thoughts of never ﬁnding our destination and were welcomed by Don and Flo who offered us great hospitality, for which we were most grateful. Ian was kindly informed on arriving that he had not only secured the Principal’s position but also the position of ‘bus driver’, for which he From left, Principal Richard Thompson, Brian Managh would require a licence! and Tim Whiston at a sausage sizzle, circa 1981.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 21 KAHAROA SCHOOL

“Fundraising took many forms: Contracting our serv- The roll grew quite rapidly to in excess of 112 students ices to the Education Board for fencing and landscap- at its peak, as parents from Ngongotaha and Hamu- ing – at very good rates for the school; scrap-metal rana increasingly chose to bring their children to Ka- drives throughout the district; collecting and selling haroa for the smaller rural school experience. At the donations of hay; and prevailing on the good will of same time there was an increasing number of small- the community to donate calves. holdings in the district, which brought a number of new families to the school. What was interesting was the increasing mix of tra- “There was a real can-do attitude. ditional rural families (and values) contrasting with a large number of ‘outsiders’ If it were possible, who were largely town / city we would do it!” folk. With it came new values, attitudes (and sometimes As a result the amenities at the school were second to problems not often seen in none – we had a Sharp photocopier when many other rural schools) that were some- schools still used spirit duplicators, endless supplies of times in conflict with small art material, musical instruments, and an abundance rural school ones. After much of library material which eventually necessitated us hard work by the School Com- building our own little Lockwood Library on site. mittee, the Education Board Many of these schemes and plans were hatched at eventually granted an extra the monthly school committee meetings, with Brian classroom and permanent Managh, Helen Wiles, Richard Trott and Tim Whiston teacher in 1988. forming the core of this group. Many different events can be recalled. “Kaharoa ran hugely successful Rural Safety Days and One of the most frightening was the Edgecumbe earth- a variety of sports days were enjoyed by our network quake in 1987. At close to 2.00pm on a fine afternoon, of rural schools. suddenly for no reason, the class went very quiet. Not “A feature of Kaharoa School was its very active a word was said, you could hear a pin drop. After an Outdoor Education programme. This was strongly eerie silence of about 10 seconds the first quake began. endorsed by families of the school. Local trips to the The students sat absolutely still, not a murmur from Mangorewa Gorge through Trotts, Beaufills and the them, simply watching intently, waiting for instruc- Grangers properties, or lower down through Don and tions. The classroom closest to the road swung from Flo Tomblesons who were a mine of historical infor- side to side through an arc of 1-2 metres on its piles but mation and exciting finds. amazingly did not come off its piles and collapse. The playing field had ripples like waves pass through the There were camps to Ohope, Port Waikato or Waiotapu field from one end to the other. One after-shock struck and cultural visits to the orchestra and ballet, which and although quite significant was not as severe as the provided new experiences to many of our students. first. The school suffered no physical damage but it The trips to Auckland, Wellington and Lake Waikare- was a profound experience. moana became the stuff of local lore.” Another natural event was Cyclone Bola in March 1988. Lightning, with simultaneous thunder, lit up the Brent Jenkin night sky; water came off the main playing field and Principal September 1986 - August 1990 poured under the fence like a waterfall. There were many direct hits on the roof of the school and school- Brent recalls arriving, being met by the School Com- house, burning out telephone connections and damag- mittee chairman, Paul Shaw and his wife Carol. He ing electrical equipment. There was no electricity or then ‘camped’ in the schoolhouse until his wife and phones for 2-3 days after. three-year-old daughter arrived in late October, along On 1 October 1989, the Labour Government education with their house-hold possessions. The house needed reforms known as ‘Tomorrows Schools’ came into be- a great deal of work both inside and out, having not ing. On that date Education Boards ceased to exist and been lived for some time. He remembers the start of control / management of schools was handed over to the term as being very wet and cold, an insight into the elected Boards of Trustees. Roger Blunt was the first chilly cold Kaharoa winters to come. elected Chairperson at Kaharoa. It was a momentous The school was reasonably well equipped and the occasion where School Boards of Trustees became re- School Committee and Home & School committee sponsible for the self-management of their schools. were highly active. Both were very interested in their Whilst there were many difficulties to overcome in children’s school, something that had been a strength the interim, the first Kaharoa School Board of Trustees and feature at the school for some time. embraced the concept and took to self-management It was a three-teacher school with about 45 students. very readily. Now given the opportunities to deter-

22 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL mine how schools develop, most teachers or parents were introduced into the school. would not want to return to the outdated and dictato- Warwick Moyle, the present principal, arrived just in rial control of Education Boards. time to officially open the new Administration Build- The new Board of Trustees developed the playing ing. Warwick has carried on the tradition of improv- field in what was the paddock behind the main school ing Kaharoa School with an extension of technology block. Previously it was believed this paddock did not including laptop computers for classrooms and teach- belong to the school but this development became an ers. The library is computerised and an improved extremely valuable asset that doubled the size of the network system exists throughout the school. Pupils’ playing field and easily accommodated the increasing reports and school accounts are also computerised. number of students. A parent, Mr Richard Johnson, The school has 3 phone lines, a fax line, email, a video who called in many favors from among his contacts, camera, digital cameras and a data projector. coordinated this project and the new field was duly “So much has happened in recent years it is hard to completed. keep up. However everything that’s happened has all added to the character that is Kaharoa School, and one thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the involve- Sheryn Shoebridge ment of the community. Twenty years ago there was Clerical Assistant and Teacher Aide, School a lot of community involvement and the same applies Secretary 1986 – current today. In fact reading about the school before my time it is obvious that Kaharoa School and the Kaharoa In 1986 there were three classrooms, community have always been intertwined. I am hap- two teachers, one teaching principal, py to still be part of this vibrant, friendly and progres- one part time office person and 50- sive place.” 60 children. In 2007, there are eight classrooms, two resource rooms, a full time principal, eight full time Darcy Olliver Principal August 1990 – December 1993 teachers, two part time teachers, three teacher aides, an administra- I have nothing but fond memories of my time at Ka- tion person and part time assistant, haroa School. While I could relate many everyday an- a librarian, a caretaker and as at De- ecdotes, pleasurable though cember 2006, 229 children. the circumstances may have Back in 1968 the main block consisted of a small staff been, I would like to briefly room, a resource room, toilets, a large foyer / cloak- touch on what I consider to be room, a sports shed and one classroom heated with a the highlight of my teaching pot belly stove which needed to be feed regularly. This years. block is now the staffroom and boardroom. The ‘Advent of Tomorrow’s The office with one phone line was also the staffroom, Schools’ bought the great- so at morning teatime the typewriter had to be tak- est change in New Zealand’s en off the table so the staff could have morning tea. education system in over 100 School banking was a very important part of the office years. Changes to the ways in duties. which teachers were appointed; Governance; Funding; and associated Day-to-Day Richard Thompson was Principal in 1986, followed problems became the domain of the ‘Trustees, Parents by Brent Jenkin, who implemented “Tomorrows and Staff’. Schools”, then Darcy Olliver. Darcy always wore dress shorts and long socks, summer and winter. His The people of Kaharoa and school staff accepted the standard reply to any request was “No”. But that just new responsibility with dedication and goodwill. meant Darcy needed time to think about it before Much of the early success of those years can be attrib- making a decision, and of course, he could still say no uted to the ongoing loyalty and support the commu- at times. Darcy and Sheryn shared a desk. When she nity gave to ensure their children’s school was among went home, the typewriter went away so Darcy had the best in the country. some space to work, as the demands of ‘Tomorrow’s Fortunately I shared this period with two extremely Schools’ policies needed to be met. Soon after, Sheryn capable BOT Chairs: Roger Blunt and Anne Price. It is added Secretary of BOT to her list of duties. to their credit that the transition took place with a min- Mark Thompson, the next principal, introduced a imum of conflict. Finally, it is my belief that without computer to the office, but he and Sheryn still shared a the foresight of the early Trustees and staff, that Ka- desk. Pupil numbers continued to increase and even- haroa School could have gone the way of some other tually the BOT convinced the Education Ministry that desirable country schools – forced into amalgamation. a new administration block and library were neces- That would have been a tragedy! sary. Classroom computers and a network system As for the kids – I loved them all!

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 23 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Mark Thompson The children could also be great characters. One day, a Year 7 boy came and asked if the school could have Principal 1994 – 2001 cricket team. He was told equipment could be bought “What stood out were the people: and a team put in the Saturday competition if he found People who devoted their time, en- 14 players and a coach. Three days later he came back ergy and passion to the school”. Mark with fifteen names and a coach who had played Eng- believes his professional efforts al- lish County cricket. Cricket at Kaharoa School was ways stood in the shadow of what the born. It has now grown and includes over half the community gave. children at school. Mark’s first meeting with Kaharoa people was an interview in an extremely small staffroom, with Anne Price, then Chairperson and Treasurer BOT, and other “What stood out were the people: BOT Members. Running school finances and school bus control were at the top of the agenda. The school People who devoted their time, had had an ongoing battle with the Ministry of Edu- cation about buildings. In the independent, typical energy and passion to the school”. Kaharoa way, they had built their own classroom and purchased their own small library. The library later Other great memories include: Whole school skiing became the tennis club community room. A small trips; operettas (Cats of Ponsonby and Star Blaze) amount of funds was received to improve the admin- Lamb, Calf & Kid days; camping at sea, lake, bush istration block. A larger office and staffroom were built and mountain; survival camps; swimming; lighting - a great gift for staff at the time. the Marshal Heater; firewood working bees; cutting A few years later, with more growth of the school concrete forever; art shows; pottery; new computers; roll, the Principal’s release time from teaching was in- new garage; cross country; tennis; basketball; the ball; creased. The Ministry again turned down the funding soccer; new buildings; more new buildings; resealing to upgrade the administration area. A Principal’s of- courts; great teachers and lots of fun. fice was badly needed so a political campaign writing However, what really stands out is the independent to the Prime Minister, Ministers of the Crown, and the spirit of the community. Few places provide the out- local Member of Parliament was started. Within two standing quality-learning package that Kaharoa offers. weeks Ministry officials visited to discuss the school’s needs. A unique solution was needed in siting the new Principal’s office. Sandra Drake, then Chairper- Warwick Moyle son, came up with the idea to convert the large senior Current Principal from July 2001 boy’s toilet into the Principal’s office. It was not such a silly idea and that is what was done. Later when Warwick commenced school in July 2001, with his the funding for buildings became formula driven and daughters Rebecca (Year 7) and Eleanor (Year 5). His not politically contestable, Kaharoa School was able first impressions were of a very active, astute and to advance. The much celebrated building of a new professional board, a school that was at the heart of administration block with staffroom and library was a wonderful rural environment and that the previous completed the year before Mark left. Principals had left the school in good heart. He also One of the reasons why Kaharoa children did so well recalls dynamic, experienced and committed staff and at school was the great start they received in the junior children, vibrant, friendly, polite and happy, who ea- school. Teachers all know that high expectations be- gerly came to school well prepared for learning, with stow high results. One good example was when Mrs a willingness to help when asked. Sue Schuler told her new entrant class, that as they Soon after starting, Warwick found himself digging were now school children, they could all swim a length holes and lugging bark for the last of the garden land- of the school pool, since school children could always scaping that was to finish off the community and swim. To the amazement and delight of the commu- school Kaharoa Domain initiative. The strong paren- nity a large group of five year olds swam a length of tal and community support quickly became appar- the pool without stopping by the end of that year. ent. Over the last five and a half years this parent and One BOT meeting, Rusty McGowan attended to dis- community support for their children’s education and cuss matters concerning his son. After saying his bit, the school has been shown at triathlons, swimming Rusty in his unique manner went on to describe how sports, athletic sports, Lamb, Calf & Chicken Days, the school needed to buy the land next door to the Art Weeks, School Prize Giving, whole school produc- school. It needed to go into community ownership be- tions, community hangi, flower days, grandparent fore it was bought privately. Rusty’s foresight plus the days, PREP market days and more recently the many work of still many more determined people, came to working bees for Stage Two of the Domain and Sports fruition in the Kaharoa Domain. Complex development.

24 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Warwick had a number of official du- (one being won in a competition run by ties to perform in his first year. the Cancer Society), building of new gar- Firstly the opening of the adminis- dens and the addition of extra seating and tration block that had been funded notice boards. The last being school (chil- through Ministry of Education Special dren) councillor initiatives. The most re- Projects Grant Funding. This wonder- cent development has been the Astroturf ful facility involved the redevelopment Courts, new swimming pool and a multi- of two existing classrooms into an up- use changing shed development, which is to -date administration block and as a due for completion in 2007. consequence of this development the In recognition of the special culture and Ministry spent the next two to three character of Kaharoa School, the staff and years looking for and trying to account community worked towards, and became, for the missing classrooms. the 6th school in New Zealand to be ac- The administration block opening was credited as a Cornerstone Values School followed by the blessing by Mita Mohi in 2004. The Building Character through and opening of the Kaharoa Domain. Cornerstone Values Approach was seen as The domain initiative was driven by a way to reinforce and retain all that was the energies of Rusty McGowan, John good about Kaharoa School. It is the vision Paterson and Mark Thompson (then that through the collective understanding Principal) with lots of community sup- by children, staff, BOT, parents and the port and funding from the Rotorua wider community, of the eight Corner- District Council and the Ministry of stone Values, the School will reinforce the Education to purchase the neighbouring property. good work carried out by parents as the children’s first teachers. The third and less pleasurable duty was to implement a Ministry of Education initiated enrolment scheme. Kaharoa School has the vision of ‘A Quality Learning This scheme and the related enrolment zone, which is Environment’ at the forefront of all strategic planning still in place, was deemed necessary due to the rap- with the aim of ensuring all aspects of the schools de- idly expanding roll and the neighbouring school hav- velopment supports strong learning outcomes. Since ing space for enrolments. The Ministry of Education 2001 there have been many individual and group aca- policy still applies so that no further classrooms will demic, sporting and cultural highlights, too many to be available unless the neighbouring school is full, mention. or if Kaharoa continues to grow in-zone. This policy However three areas that possibly best reflect why the caused much consternation for parents who lived in school has enjoyed so much success are: Hamurana and wider districts who felt their ability to 1. The annual Kahawrite magazine where every child choose their child’s school had been taken away from in the school contributes a piece of writing. them. Despite the scheme, the school’s roll has continued to grow and peaked at the end of 2006 at 231. 2. The appointment of a sports coordinator by the In 2003, Kaharoa was selected as an Enviroschool. This Board of Trustees has meant a huge involvement initiative was another positive way to enhance the in a variety of sports by our children, with lots of school environment and build awareness of the wider active support from parents. environment while integrating many curriculum ar- 3. The biennial school production, which possibly best eas. Since then, the school has looked to recycle the reflects all that is good about Kaharoa School. All majority of its rubbish and has done away with rub- children in the school take a role in a production pro- bish bins in the playground. duced by all the staff with parents supporting in so Through the ‘Artist in School’ initiative for our Art many ways behind the scenes. This event is capped Weeks, the environment has been enhanced with per- off by a packed audience of parents and community manent works of art. who enjoy a polished performance of music, dance The Parent Teacher’s Association have contributed and drama with all children from five years to thir- many hours of work, not only raising funds for class- teen years working towards a common goal. room resources but also taking on projects to enhance As I reflect on the up-coming centenary I can’t help the environment, the most notably recently being the but feel privileged to have been given the opportuni- sandpit and playground extension in 2006. ty over my short tenure of 5 ½ years to look after the Other notable developments in Warwick’s time to Principal’s role following on from the many successful date have been the addition of an extra classroom and Principals before me. No doubt when I move on, the reconfiguration of the junior classrooms into a junior caretaking of this role will continue and the success of block, with the inclusion of a large resource room, the school will continue to be determined by the qual- computerisation of the library, installation of sound ity of the involvement from all stakeholders, particu- fields in every room, erection of shade cloth shelters larly the parents and wider community.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 25 KAHAROA SCHOOL Home and School Committee 1924 to Board of Trustees 2007

On 14 April 1924 the first Annual and sixpence) each for sharing the Duke and Duchess of York (1927), General Meeting of the Kaharoa sanitary duties for that year. Governor General, Sir Arthur Por- Householders’ meeting was held A sewing mistress was appointed rit (1968) or Queen Elizabeth II and at that meeting the inaugu- periodically from within the com- (1970, 1974, and 1977). ral Kaharoa School Committee munity from 1925 onwards. A sew- Rugby was as important in 1965 as was elected. The national anthem ing machine was not purchased it is to many in 2007. The Education concluded many meetings in this until 1965 while the boy’s wood- Board approved a half-day holiday period. work bench, vice and three sets of on 14th September 1965 for Spring- bok versus Bay of Plenty rugby game in Rotorua. Although with so many oral histories remembering days off school to help with farm duties, one could wonder at the days the school was closed without recording the reason for it. In August 1925, the school secretary wrote to the Board for advice on appointing a permanent teacher, preferably a male, given the rough roads and living conditions of the district. Largely men were appointed subsequently and the shared teacher with Te Pu School ceased from this time. Refer to teachers and principals record. The Householders’ AGM of 1933 moved Mr Reg Hampton and seconded Mr S Farrell: “That this meeting of Householders strongly It would appear the School Com- tools were purchased in 1955. protest against the action of the mittee commenced with little or no Government in rising the age for The School Committee approved funds from the Education Board. entrance to schools from five years the use of the schoolroom as a poll- In May it is recorded that the secre- to six years. If the government are ing booth for elections from 1925. tary wrote to the Education Board quite decided that the age for en- This practice has continued requesting a special grant to cover trance is six, then the age for free the cost of the ‘tool house’ (located In these years the School Committee places, scholarships and bursaries under the water tank), a chimney, meetings were held approximately are raised accordingly”. Carried. a lamp and a plug for the wash two or three times per year and the business was concluded quickly, hand basin. Armistice Day was observed at for the most part approving the Subsequently funding requests 11am on 11th month in 1945. The accounts and maintaining the sup- tended to be for larger items, such flag was raised on the flagpole on ply and payment of firewood or as repainting the school, further re- the corner of the school building. coal to heat the school. They moved quests for the chimney and fencing One minute’s silence was observed. to one-to-two monthly meetings out the ever-invasive rabbits from from 1933. the schoolyard. There is nothing in the School The School Committee was also Decisions on payments for opera- Committee records of 1948 that responsible for granting the school tional costs such as cleaning the suggests the school was about to periodic half or full day holidays, school were made independently, close. It is noted in the minutes sometimes at the direction of the for example; in 1925, sweeping the of 1948 that several children were Education Board. This was pre- school daily paid five shillings per on correspondence. the committee dominately related to important month and in 1933 two unnamed also discussed reimbursement of national events such as a visit by the boys received 12/6 (12 shillings costs incurred by these parties but

26 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL but didn’t record the decision. Mr cerned about the state of the three service in November 1956 and con- Lawrence Beaufill who graduated and half acre paddock where the tinued to do so. from the school in December 1948 children’s horses were grazed dur- The head teacher attended School only remembers Mr Rainey as being the day. Committee Meetings from 1958. ing a good teacher. In May 1954 crisis was only just The treasurer of 1960 explained the When the school reopened in 1953, averted, when four pupils who shortage of funds and inadequacy again, nothing is recorded as to the were about to be withdrawn, (leav- of running expenses to new com- reasons for the closure. Elections ing a roll of only six) remained mittee members. The school roll to the School Committee, via the pupils of the school. Mr Miles con- had increased to 27 but funding had Householders’ Meeting were held tinued to be reimbursed for his bus not increased in kind. More letters in 1953 and biennially thereafter. driving duties (using his own car) to the Board had to be written. The secretary was instructed to with parents paying a levy equal write to the Education Board re- to the subsidy of £1/10 from the Do you remember? questing: school accounts. By the middle of 1955, Mr Miles wished to cease his Cocoa, which the teachers made • a list of subsidized items for the from donated farm milk. 1960’s school; ‘Cartage of Children’ contract and the letters to the Board regarding • the return of the funds handed the anomaly of the school bus serv- 1962 saw a new teacher, Mr John in when the school closed in ice in the area resumed. Letters of Taylor with a new list of needs to 1948; concern and frustration from par- progress development, with the • the Education Board policy ents of (potential) pupils were also schoolroom floor, chimney and on ‘conveyance of children to forwarded to the Board. lawn maintenance still on the list. school in the Kaharoa district’; The schoolroom was overcrowded Do you remember? • and culverts for the school en- and more pupils were expected trance. Frequent “stop off” visits by Cyril once Penny Road was open. The Miles when we were having school’s roll no longer fluctuated Simultaneously in 1953, a ladies committee meetings and he was but was steady around 29- 35 pu- committee was established to sup- on his way home from the pils over the 1960s and early 1970s. port the School Committee. There Ngongotaha pub. The South Auckland Education is no evidence of committee records He was very free with his advice Board became a little bit more sup- for the ladies but a great deal of at those times! portive. organizing and catering was delegated to ladies of the district, Once the magic figure of 31 pupils most commonly the School Com- The situation was still the same was achieved, approval for a sec- mittee members’ wives. Financial in 1960 when the then School Com- ond teacher was granted. Ency- accounts survive from 1965. mittee decided to re-apply for a clopedias and an atlas (£32-10-0d), school bus, while also inviting the a film projector (£52-14-4d) and a Remember the meeting in the County Engineer to meet with the secondhand spirit duplicator (£46- 1950s when it was decided... School Committee to discuss pos- 12-6d) were received by the school. “No PTA should be initiated for a sible improvements to Kaharoa The Hall Society donated £10 to- few years – if ever!” Road. School transport remained wards the duplicator for shared the area of main concern to parents. use of this resource. In each case the School Committee had to find half Re-establishing the school and its When the first bus, a Red Bedford the funds from its own resources, resources took a lot of commit- seating 12 children, was delivered with the balance provided by the ment and perseverance. Many let- in 1960, there were initially frus- Education Board. All purchases ters had to be written to the South trating problems getting it started with any kind of subsidy from the Auckland Education Board: ex- in the morning. Children’s access Board required a full detailed ap- pressing their disgust at the condi- to the school bus service was via plication; however approval was a tion of the school facilities, the lack application and approval from the slow process. of follow up on building inspec- South Auckland Education Board, tor’s reports and forwarding the who managed extensions and October 1960: Two escaped names of children to seek a school changes from Hamilton. prisoners (Hautu Prison) were bus service. The School Commit- Meanwhile the Committee felt recaptured in the Hamurana tee was very annoyed at the anom- impelled to take out insurance for area, after a coordinated police aly of a road services bus drawing parents who were transporting chase over two days. They had pupils from the immediate area to children to Ngongotaha School for been ‘holing up’ for two days in attend Ngongotaha School. Some their dental treatment. the Kaharoa area before moving children rode their horses to school down to the lakeside and being The School Committee subscribed and the Committee was also con- recaptured. to the National Country Library

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 27 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Bottle and scrap metal collections tographic record proactively, has Gotz reported to the committee featured regularly on the commu- provided this publication with val- “This was a highly satisfactory ex- nity calendar and successfully sup- uable original photos. Subsequent perience for all concerned.” plemented funds for several dec- principals continued the practice The Education Board created the ades. After the Hall burnt down in for many years. Today, the school ‘Advisor to Rural Schools’ posi- 1967, the Indoor Bowls Club was maintains photograph albums and tions in 1967, and when Rural given permission to use the Senior digital photos of activities and School Advisor, Mr Kennedy, vis- Classroom for games during win- events. ited at the end of the year he rec- ter, for which they made donations Mr K C M Cockerill, the South ommended a water bore for the to the school account. Auckland Education Board Sec- school plus two extra lights per The Agricultural Instructor, Physi- retary Manager, opened the first classroom, as regulations required cal Education specialist, District school swimming pool and courts, four lights in rooms that size. The Health Nurse (who conducted along with the new classroom, 23rd water situation remained unre- hearing testing and then audio- March 1965. The School Commit- solved until 1979 when it was con- visual testing), and speech thera- tee, staff and community welcomed nected to the new Kaharoa water pists all made annual visits to the this recognition and publicity in scheme. Slowly this role developed school from the 1950 & 60s, with the local paper. The driveway into into that of School Inspector. psychologists available to support the school had been completed the children, teachers and families from the 1980’s. In the 1960’s and 1970’s Post Office Savings Bank accounts • “By the time 9.00am came desks were set up, pencils sharpened, for children were introduced in the marked books were distributed and blackboards and chalk were 1960’s. ready to go thanks to “class helpers”. In 1960 a new Bedford bus was • New entrants – Std 2 did their reading and in-door games around provided but was not allowed to be the potbelly stove in the old classroom. used for school trips, such as into • Children tuned into National Radio music lessons 1:45 – 2pm on town for shows or Manual (sewing Mondays. and woodwork only at this time). • Miss Dalbeth went to the Whakatane Board Mills for cardboard, The proposed commencement of hessian, felt and wool, as very few art supplies were available Manual at Wakarewarewa in 1963 otherwise. appears to have been postponed • Arvidson spelling games were popular, as were Cuisenaire blocks, until 1965 because of this. which aided mathematical development in juniors. For the next two years, formal applications and approval by the year before and with the usual tidy- Meanwhile teachers had ’Refresher Board (still based in Hamilton) up efforts of the ever-necessary Days’ or ‘In-service Training Days was required for all use other working bees, the whole school once a year in town on topics such than transport to and from school. was well presented. At the an- as reading, mathematics, language Gradually this was relaxed, within nual Householders’ Meeting later and science. The school was the specific department guidelines. that year, the chairman Mr Russell centre for periodic health visits Once this school bus service was Wright who had driven the pool, such as vaccination of all school established, the School Commit- courts and classroom project asked and pre-school children against tee then spent the remainder of the for ideas for future school projects. polio and rubella. 1960’s negotiating as to how the Those present were certainly able During the 1960s musical instru- primary and secondary school bus to oblige. Mr Wright was very ac- ments, grounds maintenance runs could be made more workable tive and served as chairman for a equipment, office equipment such for all concerned. In 1968 the board total of five years until 1967. as a typewriter, sports balls, pad- would not allow children to travel School camps to Port Waikato, for der tennis nets and a film projector on the Kaharoa School bus unless Standard IV to Form II children, were funded and/or fund-raised they were pupils of the school! were instigated in 1966, when Mr for, along with the all the ongo- At this stage, recognizing the Wally Gotz was head teacher. The ing maintenance required for the school was to undergo significant first one was combined with Tau- buildings and grounds. changes, Mr John Taylor, the last ranga Intermediate School. The The speed of traffic past the school sole teacher, proposed to start a levy per child was £5, with subsidy is first noted as a concern in 1967 photographic record in the Princi- from the committee and further and the Chairman Mr Tombleson pal’s Logbook and requested old donations from those able to con- was authorised to approach the school photos. While few previous tribute. Children were billeted in traffic department. The County photos were forwarded, Mr Tay- Tauranga before and after the camp Council made the recommended lor’s foresight, in attaching a pho- because of the long travel time. Mr road improvements and Traffic Of-

28 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

ficer visits to the school for road However this saved the other safety talks followed. Those riding buildings. Fortunately Mr Carr had Do you remember? bicycles to school had new racks a comprehensive list of all school Long evenings for School Committee made following complaints about resources. The Education Board meetings, where many schemes the old one bending tyres. slowly granted funds for replace- were hatched. While the business ment of equipment and books. was usually concluded earlier, The 1970’s The School Committee addressed committee members in the 1980’s In 1970 the head teacher Mr Ian cleaning up the site and making do often didn’t leave to go home until Carr recommended to the School until the pre-fabricated classroom 11pm or later. As the camaraderie Committee in one monthly report was relocated to the school from set in over the mandatory coffee, that they spend at least one day per Turangi. Donations of mats to cov- sausage rolls and occasional nip term cleaning the school (wash- er the floor in the unheated prefab (or more) of conviviality, time just ing windows, walls and grounds were requested and made. Follow- slipped by……. maintenance) as too much teaching inspections by representatives ing time was being taken up with of the Education Board in April, it sonal contributions made by Mr these tasks. In the same report he was agreed that the new classroom Tombelson, which he estimated pointed out the lack of fire extin- would be built on the old site and to be hundreds of dollars worth of guishers of any type in the school. additions to the senior room made, mowing and firewood alone, along No discussion on either matter is including a staffroom, library and with his School Committee time. recorded. Mr Carr persisted with storeroom. Several monetary donations were various requests including several made that evening. School financ- that the School Committee mem- Tim Whiston remembers es were in a much healthier state bers tour the school at the end of Rolling around in fits of laughter, by the next Householders’ meeting every term with a view to organ- with Val Ellis and Brian Managh, in April 1975. Lamb and Calf Club izing the ever-necessary working as Guyon Kissling stoked a bonfire days were organised annually and bee tasks to be addressed by par- with his front-end loader, by used for additional fundraising. ents. At the biennial Householders’ charging into the fire with large In 1979, the ‘bring and buy’ stalls meeting in April 1971, the chair- branches. The bonfire was from the and hot dog sales netted a profit of man recorded his thanks to those row of macrocarpas that used to $135. A scrap metal drive raised $17 who had attended working bees line the northern boundary fence per ton. and especially the ladies for their by the tennis court. The school bus was a recurring support in cleaning and polish- challenge. The Education Board ing the schoolroom floors over the Mr Tombleson resigned from the in Hamilton still authorised all past two years. Local children were School Committee in 1973, after changes but these were not al- employed for both mowing and contributing 13 years as Secretary ways synchronized for community cleaning duties three - five hours and Chairman. In his final Chair- needs. As a result for several years per month. Meanwhile the lawn man’s report he pointed out the high school children were deliv- mower, swimming pool pumps dire state of the school finances ered from town to Kaharoa School and filters required constant main- and recommended the incoming and would still have to make their tenance. Many, many mowers School Committee consider a levy own way home – up to distances were worn out on Kaharoa School of $2 per term. of five miles. Subsequently parents grounds over the years. Electrical with high school children paid an heaters were introduced into the Funds were desperately needed es- extension fee to get them dropped classrooms but the school potbelly pecially following the loss of the in- nearer to home. Also there were stoves remained for primary heat- fant room by fire. Funds were also many anomalies in other school ing. Security of cash and tools had needed for the pool maintenance. bus services around rural Rotorua, to be increased as a result of sev- The pool had not been usable the which were unfair in comparison eral thefts. Participation in Rotorua previous summer needing pow- to Kaharoa. In the meantime Ha- based sports days and rural inter- er and water pipe replacements. murana residents had organised a school sport days was increasing. Funds for all the routine maintenance associated with school private fee-paying service for their On Christmas Eve 1972, the origi- buildings and grounds were also nal kauri schoolroom burnt to the required. The meeting recommend- Do you remember? ground. Faulty electrical wiring ed to the incoming committee that The famous Waikaremoana trip, was held responsible as the cause. a levy of $5 per year paid in Term about which a small book could be Approximately $3,000 worth of I with the schoolbook account or written. books and equipment was lost. $2 per term should be considered. • Val Baker and the Mongrel Mob There was a drought at the time The levy was ratified at the next and the only water available to • Tea towels off the cliff edge at School Committee meeting. Mr the top hut…... the firemen was in the school pool. Carr spoke on the significant per-

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 29 KAHAROA SCHOOL children through the purchase of a to playing frames, letter writing, On a more favourable note, the bus by Val and Martin Baker. firewood, fences and sewing new Hall Society advised the school The Education Board agreed to an towels for the hand basins. There that their constitution stated school investigation into the issues sur- was approximately one working use was to be encouraged and free rounding the bus service for chil- bee held each term. of charge, particularly for indoor dren in the Kaharoa and Hamu- On 24 June 1977 a very successful, sports during winter. rana catchments. The committee first live deer auction in the world A new bus schedule was put in immediately arranged to person- was held at Branson’s Deer Farm place in 1981 but the speeds the bus ally survey all Hamurana residents on Kaharoa Road. Initially there had to travel to meet the schedule to establish numbers and ages of was concern about the “probable were of great concern. Once again children and parental preference poor attendance” but was proved complaints were put in writing and for schooling. to be wrong forwarded to the Education Board. Public meetings with the Educa- The Kaharoa School Committee In 1987, the Hamilton Education tion Board showed opinion was successfully catered for this event Board opened a branch in Ro- divided among Hamurana resi- providing a fine menu of sand- torua which made administration dents, with the result that the bus wiches, bread rolls, tea and cof- of school transport a little closer. route remained as it was. This was fee, which added nicely to school But the bus troubles, particularly still unsuitable for the Te Pu area, funds. around boundaries, continued. therefore efforts were redirected to The major undertaking of In 1981 & 1982, the School Com- this problem. In May 1979, Rees- 1978/1979 included felling and mittee decided that: by’s replaced the smaller Transit clearing the tall Lawsonia trees at • The school colours would be school bus, on the Kaharoa – Te Pu the Hall end of the school to let Blue and Gold. run, with a larger Dodge vehicle. more light into the senior class- • The motto would be ‘Whaia Te Water was a continuing challenge room, re-fencing the road frontage Matauranga’ or ‘Pursue Knowl- in these years. When the necessary following sloping of the bank by edge’ repairs had been completed to the the Council and replanting both pool equipment, there was insuf- sites in native trees. • Rob Powley, then at Kaitao Intermediate, would be ap- ficient water to clean and then fill The 1970’s concluded with: the pool in 1974 and local resident proached to design a school, Mr Ian McGregor carted water, as • A very successful school-tramp- crest to go with the motto. the Board would not supply any. ing trip to Lake Waikaremoana. The School Motto was submit- When the pool was filled, leakage • The school and schoolhouse ted by Kuru Waaka, of Te Arawa in the pool floor was identified connected the district water tribe, Tuhourangi hapu, (Whakare- as the next problem to address. supply ending many water warewa based) who was Director General maintenance, including problems of Maori Arts and Crafts, (now Te replacement of rails and repaint- • Planning for a 75th Jubilee cel- Puia), at the time. He is the late fa- ing the pool, followed in subse- ebration and consideration for ther of Mahora Whiston. quent years. The pool was able to a PTA group to be formed to be open and used for the summer facilitate this. of 1974/1975 but not the following summer due to insufficient water The 1980’s which had to be purchased from The first year of this decade was the county at a cost of $30 for 3000 very busy for the Principal Rich- gallons when school started in Feb- ard Thompson, School Committee ruary 1976. Solar heating options Chairman Brian Managh and his were investigated to heat the pool. team. The school was eligible for a Adults, rather than high school third teacher. Unfortunately there children, were engaged as cleaners was an appeal by an unsuccessful from the latter 1970’s. A caretaker, applicant. Although the Hamilton Mr Jim Rudd, was appointed in Education Board dealt with staff 1979 although, as he pointed out, appointments the delay caused by opossum trapping was far more the appeal resulted in the middle lucrative. He had resigned by the school children having four teach- The school crest shows a native end of the year and was replaced. ers that year. A stable permanent Kokako sitting on a branch inside a circle which represents unity. The School Committee members per- appointment was not made until Kokako is representative of a group sonally contributed to many extra February 1981. But it was October which still exist in the local native tasks over the years, outside work- 1981 before the long awaited third bush and reminds us of the depth ing bees, including an extension classroom was delivered.

30 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

In 1983, oversight for the school changed from the South Auckland Education Board to the Hamilton Education Board. With the steadily increasing roll, facilities were being taxed to their limits. In 1984 the School Commit- tee identified the inadequacy of the staffroom, sickbay and interview room. The facilities had been built to meet the 1971 code. Following both correspondence and building inspections several requirements were identified and recommendations made. A sickbay was one requirement as was a paraplegic toilet to meet the codes of the day. There was a recommen- dation that there should be more than one permanent classroom. However the Hamilton Education Board priority for funding was be- of history which is an important a happy and well attended event, ing directed towards, every school part of our school’s history. held 5 – 7 March 1982, which raised having a bookroom. In mid 1985 Rob Powley worked with re- $1600. This was put towards a the school roll was 73, which was nowned autistic artist Steven Clark school photocopier ($2500), which the figure used to calculate class- (now of Waiheke Island). Steven generated revenue from outside room and teacher requirements. designed and painted the back- work to cover its operating costs More letters were written to the ground mural and Rob created the for several years. Approximately Board, as well as engaging the sup- 3-D Kokako as its centerpiece. 180 past pupils, teachers, com- port of the local representative on mittee and friends attended. The This circular artistry, now on all the Hamilton Education Board, Mr official guests included Rotorua Bill Cleghorn. The Treasurer’s re- formal Kaharoa School documen- Mayor, Mr J Keaney, Rep for Dept tation, is displayed at the front en- port of 1984/85 notes the inflation of Education, Mr J Stephens, SAEB and increasing roll as keeping a trance to the administration block Board member Mr W Cleghorn, of the school. constant pressure on demands for and Past GM of SAEB Mr K Cock- funds. When a new library was proposed, erill who was closely involved in the Education Board counter-pro- the reopening of the school in 1953. Did you know? posed that they would contribute Mrs Malins, a foundation pupil The Managh family donated the equivalent cost to School Com- and Michelle Wood, the newest the wooden sign at the school mittees who were prepared to help pupil, cut the cake. frontage saying “Kaharoa School” themselves and build a library A new filter was required for the (1987) to celebrate the conclusion room. Plans to utilize a re-locatable pool 1983 and a limited solar sys- of many years of association with Lockwood building and the pro- tem was installed in 1986 for $5217 the school. Brian on the School posed site were supported by the of which $4658 was paid from Committee; Anne as Teacher’s Board’s architect. Home & School Committee fund Aide; and three schoolgirls: The building cost was $4,791 of raising. Much investigation into Angela, Sonia and Teresa. which the Board subsidized the a pool cover or pool roof dragged majority and the committee paid on for several years. It was finally $591 from its investment account. abandoned for several reasons in- Furnishing and filling the library cluding a lack of funds available. with books still required donations The calf-fattening scheme (to 2- and fundraising. $300 was donated year old sales) to raise funds com- the following month. The Principal menced in 1984 with 14 sponsors. organized “a gang of women” to The scheme was not pursued in complete the varnishing and paint- 1985 and the existing cattle sold in ing of the building. 1986. Hay drives were also a fund- The 75th Jubilee celebrations were raiser for a short period.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 31 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Administration and Resourcing Mrs Sheryn Shoebridge commenced Clerical Assistant and ‘Tomorrow’s Schools’ - Board of Trustees (BOT) Teacher Aide duties in February On 25 May 1989 at 8pm, the inaugural meeting of Kaharoa School 1985 and has been with the school Board of Trustees (KBOT) was held. since that time. She is currently the school and Board of Trustees secre- Elections of ofﬁcers was under the chairmanship of the school tary (since 1992). principal, Brent Jenkins Chairman Roger Blunt When Mr Jenkin was appointed Secretary Anne Price principal in Term III 1986, he attended a computer course and stat- Treasurer Heather Jenkins ed his intention to get computers Committee David McFetridge, John Coleman introduced into Kaharoa School. Stewart Udy (teacher’s representative), In July 1987, the new Commodore Subcommittees 64 computer was delivered to the • Finance and Budgeting school and a month later a further • Charter second-hand Poly 11 computer was • Education & Personnel donated by Waiariki College. • Maintenance & New Projects A fourth teacher was approved and • Local curriculum the position advertised in October ten over 1989/90 and subsequently 1986. Prompts to the Board fol- policies to cover all areas were de- elections. An inventory of all school lowed, to address a fourth teach- veloped, as needs were recognized. property, including library books ing space and at the same time, re- So many policies had to be devel- was completed and the school pursue the sickbay and staff room oped in such a short space of time committee recorded that they felt needs. The teacher arrived in Feb- that for a period the word ‘policy’ the new Board of Trustees would ruary at the start of the school year was almost deemed a dirty word. require the services of the Home & and the classroom was delivered on New National Health & Safety School Committee. Accounts and 7th July 1987, ex Kaingaroa Village. Regulations came into force on 1st records were transferred to the in- For this period Miss Nicki Young April 1993 and the need to review coming Board of Trustees. taught maths, reading music, art all policies and practices restarted. The Hamilton Education Board and crafts in all rooms and used an In July 1989 when the BOT com- (HEB) controlled the School Gen- empty desk in room one as a base. menced their responsibility for the eral Accounts at that time. Bulk The school fee was increased to $10 school per term, with concessions for fam- funding was introduced with three • the roll was 83 and by year-end ily groups of $5 per term for the payments per annum. Issues with was 90. third and more children. HEB emerged immediately regarding the schoolhouse. The BOT was • the school letterhead was devel- The 1980s concluded with the ad- responsible for collecting the rental oped. vent of Tomorrow’s Schools (Picot and all the upkeep while the HEB • a teacher-only day was held report). The School Committee, received all the funds. 10th August on the topic – “New which had operated almost contin- System of Pupil Records” which uously for 65 years, facilitated the The initial School Charter was writ- had to be in place by 1990. • the Teaching Principal release granted was ﬁve hours per week. • school fees were $10 per child per term, or $15 per term per family if more than 3 children. • a swimming pool key for the summer cost $15 per family. The following year a second computer was purchased for the school children’s use although it took a little while to address insurance requirements. A swimming pool key for the summer cost $15 per family. The following year a second com-

32 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL puter was purchased for the school children’s use although it took a little while to address insurance requirements. The Rural Emergency Number System was introduced to the District and the allocated school address became 296 Kaharoa Road – 2.96Km from the Direct Tauranga Road corner. The roll increased rapidly each year. 1990 commenced with a roll of 80 and ended with a roll of 92. This strong growth, especially in the junior school was in line with ‘Echo Baby Boom’ nationally and did require some rearrangement of classes to distribute children across all classes. Mrs Merrin James was regulations, the MOE did not have The four-term year was introduced appointed to the middle school to provide another classroom un- in all Rotorua schools in 1994. The and still holds this position in 2007. til the number reached 121 pupils. second issue which created long She has seen countless changes in Mrs Sue Blunt was appointed as discussions was the implications the teaching role and responsibili- Deputy Principal in 1992 and still of the recently passed Privacy Act ties over her career. School sports holds this position in 2007. by central Government on schools saw all students playing hockey, It was increasingly recognized by and teachers. with junior boys playing kiwi rug- the Kaharoa BOT that while To- Mark Thompson was appointed by and the girls, netball. morrow’s Schools had resulted in for 1994 and he initiated a biennial Life Education Trust commenced improvements to school facilities, whole school ski trip which contin- in the Rotorua District but as there MOE funding allocations were not ued until 2002 when the roll grew were no fittings for the special car- ensuring the optimal education of too large to undertake it. children in this community. Inno- avan on site at Kaharoa, the senior The roll continued to grow be- vation to secure funds from other children travelled to Ngongotaha yond physical resources so the sources was required to equip the to attend this pro-healthy living, BOT initiated movement to exam- school with modern sophisticated self esteem and anti alcohol / drug ine a ‘Closed Roll” policy in 1994. learning aids and technology. The programme) via Harold the Giraffe. In fact the Ministry of Education philosophy of maintaining the A power point ($350) was installed would not consider supplying ex- low pupil: teacher ratio of 1: 25 for this and for the School Dental tra classrooms to schools that had and room ratio of 30 pupils per Nurse Caravan to provide services not taken steps to limit roll growth. room remained, and was indeed the following year. The school par- This original roll restriction was applauded in the annual ERO re- ticipated in the national Hepatitis justified on the grounds of over- ports. In 1993, 6 of 8 Form II gradu- B screening test program, which crowding resulting from an influx ates from Kaharoa School were was followed by vaccinations 3 of out of zone pupils, from Hamu- placed in High School Accelerant days later. rana, Ngongotaha and even some Programs. In July Mr Jenkin resigned as prin- from Rotorua itself. In addition, cipal. Mr Darcy Olliver, a teacher In 1993 lengthy discussions com- the MOE could not immediately on staff, was appointed as tempo- menced on two issues which would supply additional facilities and rary Headmaster for Term III, to have a major impact on education was indicating a 3-year wait for an allow the new BOT time to write a in the years to come. The first is- additional classroom. sue was a proposed change from a Job Description and undertake ap- Therefore the entitlement to a sixth three-term to four-term school year. propriate advertising. In October teacher required re-shuffling of Mr Olliver was offered the position permanently and accepted. The Ed- In 2000, while residents were enjoying the annual auction and field day ucation Review Office (ERO) was run by the PTA, the topic of discussion was the recent spate of burglaries. set up and the first annual audit in The joys of living a rural lifestyle were going hand in hand with the 1992 was passed successfully. dangers of living in a more isolated area. The mailbox thieves were 1n 1992, the roll had passed the 100 apprehended several days later. Local residents called on each other to mark and school was re-graded be vigilant about watching out for strangers and/or suspicious behaviour. from four to five permanent teach- Local Te Pu resident and Te Ngae police Sergeant Anna Jackson initiated a ers. However, in accordance with rural support neighbourhood network that still operates today.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 33 KAHAROA SCHOOL classrooms. The school house and from outside the enrolment zone Kaharoa Hall was used as space to area. Advertising to offer a limited allow teaching to continue. Merrin number of enrolment placements James and Mary Carroll-Jones had to out of zone pupils (New entrants to share a classroom in 1994. to J2) was placed in the Daily Post In 1995, the rural schools teacher: Newspaper in 1977. Thirteen new pupil ratio was bought into line pupils were accepted as per the with town schools. The 126 pu- enrolment scheme rules. Concur- pil’s entitlement reduced from 6.3 rently there were strong efforts to teachers to 5.5 teachers. maintain a good-sized Form I & II class, as the lure of town interme- Now the enrolment policy worked diate schools came and went spo- against the school. To retain the radically. The constant juggling sixth teacher the roll needed to be of pupil numbers with the MOE 141 or greater. A review of the en- to determine each year’s teacher rolment policy was required with a resource made for uncertainty programme to attract or retain pu- among all the teaching staff. pils. The school enrolment scheme remained in place with the limita- The School - Telecom “Learning The 2002 winning Rotomaths team. tion of only accepting siblings of Line” deal at $60 per month was existing pupils from outside the taken up in 1995. This was an easy school zone area. way to donate to the school funds reports were considered a contrib- and continues in 2007, even by uting factor. It was anticipated that Slow steady growth of numbers those whose children have long a 7th classroom would be required from within zone continued, how- since moved on beyond primary by 2001. Growth was still from the ever in 1996 nearly half the roll school. traditional areas of Hamurana and of 121 was comprised of pupils A 1999 grant from Rotorua En- Kaharoa, with signiﬁcant housing ergy Charitable Trust (RECT) ena- development within both areas. bled an information technology A major disappointment was the upgrade. This provided a linked need to assure the MOE that the computer network throughout all roll number could be managed. As classrooms, rapid Internet access a consequence the Hamurana area and a range of new software edu- could not be included within the cational programmes. school’s zone. However the school In 2000 Kaharoa School went managed to cater for all the Hamu- against the national trend of falling rana children through the ballot primary school rolls. Positive ERO system.

34 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

The Last Decade In 1998 the pupils were put into 4 houses based on the native birds in the area Tui; Kokako; Kereru; Kahu. Even numbers of boys and girls are still placed in each house. In each a senior boy and girl are selected as House Captains to play a leadership role in the school activities, particularly sports events. School trips in 1999 ranged from sleeping overnight in the library to abseiling down a cliff with many camps and educational day trips. Swimming, tramping, river crossing, canoeing, biennial ski trips, nature trails etc A Marae visit incorporating the Rainbow Reading Programme. Whakarewarewa Arts and Crafts Values Character Education Pro- and as a consequence it must be Institute gave an excellent and gramme promotes the values of: correct. meaningful focus to Maori Lan- guage, Art & Culture in Term 4 of • Respect At the end of 2005, dismay filled 2001. Prime Minister Jenny Ship- • Honesty And Truthfulness the community as news spread of ley visited the school in July and • Responsibility a proposed Youth Prison facility in local MP Steve Chadwick in Au- the community, 1439 metres from • Consideration And Concern gust of 2001. the school boundary. The com- • Obedience Over the years there have been munity diverted both funds and visits to the school by both local • Duty energy from the sports complex to MP’s and Ministers of Education. • Compassion oppose this institution. Usually coinciding with, or near • Kindness High moral and community stand- to, election years! ards have attracted many residents In 2003 Kaharoa School was select- to select Kaharoa as the place they As well as the curriculum, the ed as an Enviroschool as a result of want their children to grow up in school, over the years, has of- its re-cycling program. fered a variety of extra curricular and these values are inherent in the Kaharoa School’s first involvement and cross-curricular activities and school and community of today. in the 25th Kapa Haka festival oc- events for the children. These As this publication goes to print curred in 2003. events such as the Lockwood Aria Kaharoa has been assured that the contest, Saturday sport, Lamb, Calf Saturday sports offered were soft- prison site will not be in Kaharoa & Chicken Day and whole school ball, cricket, soccer, netball, water but many in the community. skiing trips to name a few, were polo and miniball with other school In 2005 planning for the centenary superbly supported by parents. based sports including tennis and celebrations commenced. School A new school report format was gymnastics. Approximately 60% reports were computerized for the applied in 2003 to better reflect the of the children participate in one first time and the teacher Classroom strategic and curriculum goals of or more sports in the new millen- Release Policy was developed. nium. User Pays classes in drama, the school. In 2007 the Government has an- recorder, keyboard and guitar have Kaharoa School became the 7th nounced a $30million funding been offered throughout the years. school in New Zealand to be ac- for Schools Property Guide Pro- cepted as a Cornerstone Values The Rainbow Reading Programme gramme and local MP Steve Chad- Registered School (2002). The Min- and the Parents and Peer Reading wick has reported that Kaharoa istry of Education has increasingly Pause, Prompt, Praise Programmes School will benefit by $625,057. placed more focus and emphasis were also successfully introduced. This will be a great boost to the on the importance of attitude and These and other programmes aim school’s building programme and values. Kaharoa School took a to teach that all writing has a pur- something to really celebrate in lead in this area. The Cornerstone pose, which is to inform the reader, this Centenary year.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 35 KAHAROA SCHOOL

A Picture of Opportunities offered at Kaharoa School Over the Past Decade

The primary business of any school is to deliver the • Burma trail curriculum. Over the years strategies for teaching and • Rocky shore study technologies used have changed, but the goal of de- • Waihi mine visit veloping well rounded, balanced and literate students School and Inter school competition: remains. • Triathlon Curriculum subjects are: • Swimming • English (Reading, Writing and Spelling) • Cross country • Mathematics (Number and Algebra, Geometry, • Athletics gymnastics Measurement, Statistics) • Rotomaths • Science and Technology (Physical World, Material • Newsteams World, Living World, Planet Earth and Beyond, Our Environment, PReP) • NZ Herald Make a Newspaper competition • Social Studies • Daily Post short story competition • Physical Education and Health • Mad Poets competition • The Arts (Visual art, Drama, Dance, Music) • Speech competition • Te Reo Maori • Essay competition • Lockwood Aria With the roll growth, more teachers were employed • Australasian competition bringing with them a variety of strengths and interests. It is this diversity, together with teacher passion, Whole School: that has led to the huge range of sporting, cultural and • Biennial art week academic opportunities offered to students at Kaharoa • Biennial major productions School over the past decade. • Biennial whole school dance These include sporting opportunities: • Lip sync and talent shows • Soccer • Choir • Netball • Kapahaka • Waterpolo • Visiting entertainers • Cricket • Life education • Basketball / miniball • Road shows (eg: science and technology) • Tennis • Police programmes (Keeping Ourselves Safe) • Jump Rope (skipping) • Flower day • Jump Jam ( exercise to music) • Enviroschools programme • T ball • Cornerstone Values • Softball • Kahawrite Camps offering: • Picnic • Beach education • Book Fair • Tramps • Bible • Kayaking • PReP market days • Abseiling • Annual Auction • Canoeing Paid Tuition: • Waka races • Speech and Drama • Team building challenges • Guitar • Skiing • Recorder • Tenting • Keyboard • Cat ﬁshing • Hip hop dance • Shooting • Tennis • Archery The thing that makes Kaharoa special is that all chil- • Flying fox dren experience almost every activity listed. It is the • Tarzan swing dedication of the teachers and the support of parents • Dispute pole challenge and the community, that make this rich holistic pro- • Orienteering gramme possible. • Kelly Tarlton and zoo visit

36 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL Kahawrite Kahawrite is the school magazine. It was ﬁrst published in 2000 to provide a vehicle to display children’s written work and to give them a record of their time at Kaharoa School. The magazine showcases the many ideas and talents of the students as they progress up through the levels, learn new skills and share their ideas in imaginative ways. As well as poems, stories and letters, class and staff photos have been included. The design for the cover is run as a school wide competition. The best entry in each age group is selected and published on the back cover. The best overall entry be- comes the front cover. We hope that as the students look back on their years at Kaharoa, Kahawrite will be a pleasure to read and a reminder of good times shared.

School House Captains Since 2002 as well as leading the school and running fun events such as tabloids, dress up days, marble weeks and sports events the School Councillors have fundraised so that they could contribute something to the school before they left for High School. The School Councillors are elected by their peers and are ratiﬁed by teaching staff. Two councillors are chosen from each house, Kereru, Kokako, Tui and Kahu. Methods of raising money have included frankfurter days, sausage roll days, children’s fun activities at the school auction, barbeques, dress up days, assisting with the drinks station during the Rotorua Marathon, running the passage control during motor rallies, and bike days. The councillors contributions to the school (with some adult assistance) have been considerable and they can be proud of their efforts. Contributions have included 2002 – Large Chess Pieces/ House Flags 2003 – Library books and videos 2004 – Two community notice boards 2005 – Permanent courtyard around the Paulonia tree 2006 – A mobile house abacus.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 37 KAHAROA SCHOOL Art, Music and Drama

Kaharoa School has traditionally enjoyed an ‘Arts’ Enriched Programme. Art Art has always been a huge part of Kaharoa School life. With the roll expanding and new art ideas and materials becoming available, art has continued to be not only a requirement but also a necessary part of the Kaharoa school curriculum. Full school art weeks began in 1999 under the direction and initiative of Rob and Rose Powley with the ‘The Arts’ have also been incorpo- first full school Art Exhibition held rated during these exhibitions with two weeks later. Every child in the a performance of various musical school had at least two pieces of items. These have been chosen as artwork to show. The display was The Tree of Knowledge. From left: Martin part of a Talent show held just pri- Tissink, Ewan Starkey, Peter Cramond varied and exciting with the chil- or to the exhibition. dren leading their parents around (seated) and Rob Powley. It was decided by the staff that the the hall to show their art pieces. Peter Cramond created the tree of Art Week and Exhibition be held bi- With a roll of approximately 200 knowledge sculpture. ennially. Therefore, The Art Week, children this meant that 400 pieces Kapa Haka and School Dance is were exhibited! In 2004 Janet Keen worked with the senior children to produce ceramic held every even year with Suzanne Such an event could only work if tiles that were placed in a newly Prentice, Lockwood Aria Singing all staff worked together and had created garden next to Room 4. In Choir and whole school Produc- the help of volunteer parents dur- 2006 Martin Tissink produced two tion held on the odd year. ing the art week. In 2000 the first steel sculptures of a child reading ’theme’ exhibition—’Kaharoa Wa- and a child playing a guitar and ter World’, this was followed in these now stand at the end of the 2002 by ‘The Forest’, in 2004 by carpark. ‘Space the Final Frontier’, and most recently ‘Animal World’ in 2006. In 2004, our caretaker Rex Shoebri- dge added a large rocket, complete Since 2002 the school has received with smoke, to complement the Rotorua District Council Creative black hole entrance way and in 2006 Communities funding allowing us an Ark. Ms D Edmonds(Treeline to invite artists to either work with Nurseries) and Mr & Mrs Gilmour the children or alongside the chil- (Dunroamin Nurseries ) have sup- dren to produce works of art that plied native shrubs/plants for are then added to the school en- some of the exhibitions as display vironment. In 2002 Ewan Starkey foliage adding the final touch to worked with 10 senior children creating outstanding exhibitions. to produce an aluminium lady- bird display in the library while The three other components of

38 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Music Productions Many past and present students Past principal Mark Thompson The same venue was used for have made the most of their mu- introduced biennial school pro- 2005’s “Come Dance All Around sical talents during their years ductions where every child was the World”, another highly suc- at Kaharoa School. Many par- involved either on stage or in a cessful collaboration between staff, ents and teachers have given the supporting role backstage. These children and parents’ help. These children a great start to learning productions covered a wide range productions have all been pre- about various musical instru- of topics from outerspace to “Robin served for prosperity onto either ments including recorder, key- Hood” to “Cats in Ponsonby”. video or DVD. board and guitar. In-class sing- In 2001 the booked out production These productions, supported by ing, assemblies, competitions like played to two packed halls, un- RDC Creative Community Grants, the Lockwood Aria, whole school der the direction of newly arrived strongly reﬂect the culture and suc- productions and Kapa Haka have principal Warwick Moyle. A larger cess of the school where the com- all been part of the school pro- venue was sought for the 2003 pro- bined talents, energy and commit- gramme. duction to cope with the increas- ment of staff, parents and children ing school roll. Where else but Ro- all work toward producing a show torua’s Convention Centre? of the highest quality.

Photos from productions (clockwise from top left): Aussie Show,Lipsync, Irish, Starblaze, Cats, Spanish

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 39 40 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 41 KAHAROA SCHOOL The School Bus!

As is acknowledged in the 75th publication, the teachers provided the first efforts of school transport. Mr Madgwick (1937 –1940) soon replaced his Ford 10 with a 1937 Chev, which had a license for 11 children. In 1958, the school logbook still records Cyril Miles, as picking up children for school using his own car then using the school water supply, supplied free by a neighbour, to wash it - which did cause a little strife! In 1960, the lack of a bus service resulted in dropping attendance, a decreasing school role which threatened the school’s existence. On 12th September 1960, the Edu- cation Board Assistant Transport Athol Reeves’ school bus, 1948. Officer visited the school, to consider the need for a bus service in with the high school bus run by quired a visit from the Education the district. NZR are first recorded. Transport officer for approval to be obtained. By the following January, a 12- The bus service went into commer- seater Red Bedford School Bus had cial ownership at the beginning Many meetings between the been delivered by the Department of 1972. Mr E Reesby, Passenger School Committee and the Educa- of Education. This was replaced Service Contractor, Rotorua was tion Board regarding extensions in 1963 but the red Bedford buses contracted to provide a school bus and alterations to the bus runs were a feature on the road until service for Kaharoa. have been held over the years as 1973. Usually the teacher or his the roll grew and families moved By the following year negotiations wife did the majority of the driv- in and out of the area. The biggest were underway to maintain the ing. problem faced when negotiating extension for the high school stu- bus timetables in Kaharoa was the In 1962 the Kaharoa Road service dents, which cost each of the ten fact that there all roads feeding the was suspended, as there were only or so families $6 per term. With 17 school are no exit roads meaning 3 pupils. The addition of a service high school students expected for many miles of backtracking, mak- for the six children on Roy Road 1974 and Dudley Road added to ing schedules hard to meet and was implemented. In 1966 the bus the Te Pu bus route a bigger bus costly ‘empty’ running. route returned to Kaharoa Road was required. Every change re- and now included meeting the This was laborious for all con- Hamurana/Ngongotaha Bus at Te Waeranga Road for High School student connection.

1968 Ivan Reeves was pumping up his bike tyres and referred to the teacher (Miss Dalbeth) as “old gerty”. He rescued the situation by explaining that all the children called the school bus “Old Gerty ! “

Meanwhile the Kaharoa / Te Pu bus runs continued to be reviewed and changed as children grew up and families moved in/out of the district. In 1971 the connections The bus shelter.

42 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL cerned as delays in decisions were closer to the school and not borne by the families and students. entitled to a bus service were Numerous meetings over the late only to be carried if there was 1970’s ﬁnally resulted in resolution room for them and the bus did but several school and community not deviate from its approved meetings are recorded to explain route. In the interests of bet- the bus routes, loadings, timeta- ter safety and to accommo- bles and extensions. Hamurana date the bigger buses now re- then became the next area needing quired, a bus turning bay was resolution. created in front of the school The 40-seat licensed bus was to the same year as the road was capacity in 1987. Routes included becoming busier! Kaharoa and Kapukapu Roads; Teachers and or their wives Dudley and Roy Roads; “the Te primarily drove the school Pu run”; Te Waeranga Road Cnr to bus until about the mid ‘80s, meet with Hamurana / Ngongo- after a succession of which taha Bus to transfer both primary local residents became the and secondary pupils to continue driver. to school / home. In March 1990 Mr Tom & The Department of Education Mrs Taff Butler of Atiamuri made all bus services FOC (Free of purchased the contract from Rees- Murray and Jennifer McGowan hop- Charge) in 1988, however children by’s and Mrs Taff Butler took over ping off the new school bus, around 1987. Memoirs of the Hamurana school bus service: bus driving. They rearranged bus from Val Baker and Tim & Mahora Whiston routes and timetables to pick up children in time for school, without spending unnecessary time travel- In the early 1970’s Val & Martin ed, and the mothers took turns, ling around community picking Baker shifted to Hamurana and week about driving. Each family up other children. A new service decided they wanted their chil- paid a fee per term. As children for Kaharoa Road was established dren to attend Kaharoa School. moved onto Intermediate and when it was decided the road was There were several like-minded High School there were others too dangerous to allow children families in that area and since the who had moved into the district (within the 2km radius) to walk to public bus was too full to carry ready to take their place on the school. “out of zone” children to Kaha- bus. It really was great fun trans- roa School they initially started porting these kids. The conversa- Extensions to the Te Pu service and car-pooling their children to tions on these trips would make for Kapukapu Road were achieved school. some parents’ hair stand on end! as well as addressing the concerns Following a meeting of the But we won’t go there! of bus shelters and turnarounds. families, the Bakers purchased The high school bus collected all a white Morris 8-seater van, Neighbourhood watch in students from Te Pu while the Ka- which had already been con- action in the late 1970’s haroa service collected all those from that area. Students trans- verted into a school bus by an- One memorable occasion which ferred to the appropriate bus at the other school. Any vehicle larger sticks out in Mahora Whiston’s Te Waerenga / Tauranga Direct than that would have required mind when driving the bus, was Roads junction. the drivers to have an ‘O’ license when two of the pupils were in- to drive, hence the size restric- strumental in rescuing Mr & Mrs Within 2 years all bus runs were tion also enabling parents to Ryan, the proprietors’ of the Ha- again at their full limit! take their weekly roster to drive murana store, which had been The Ombudsman had to settle a it. This private service operated burgled just minutes before the from 1973 – 1981, after which the bus had dropped them off. With Hamurana children were car- great presence of mind these pu- What do you remember? ried on the High School Bus and pils rang the police and unbound Walking; riding your horse or changed buses at Te Waeranga the Ryans. Mahora noticed some bicycle; getting a ride on Mr Road corner. suspicious characters waiting in Florey’s Cream Truck, in Mr Reeve’s Initially children from the Baker, a car nearby and by alerting the Hudson, one of the teacher’s cars, Disbrowe, Rutter, Kaska and police the offenders were appre- your parent’s car or catching one of Whiston families were transport- hended a short while later. the many school buses.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 43 KAHAROA SCHOOL School Reports through the years dispute of who had rights to uti- bus run, with parent cars, commut- school. The majority of the road lize the school bus service, in 1994, er traffic, and many large trucks. In lacked shoulders for the bus and following a parent complaint. The the traffic had doubled since 1990. big trucks to pass safely with- rules at that time stated that: The upgrade (which took out very out putting their wheels in to soft • Pupils were expected to take few of the blind corners) of the earth, up against a bank or along- the shortest route to school original Tauranga Direct/Pyes Pa side a barrier where the land drops Road between Rotorua and Tau- away. • Pupils <10years have a right to ranga (State Highway 36) was A re-assessment raised concerns of the school bus if they live > 3.2 completed in 2004 and again traffic kms from school the need for children to cross the volumes increased. road to access the bus in some ar- • Pupils >10 years have a right to In 2000, Deputy Principal Sue eas, particularly those on the main the school bus if they live > 4.9 Schuler entered into negotiations Highway 36. No new solution that kms from school with Robert Patrick of Multi Serve would improve the route while • Pupils can be expected to travel (the organisation who administered ensuring both safety and efficien- 1.6 kms to the point of pick-up. the school bus runs and contracts) cy could be found. In the end all In fact the majority of pupils did to have bus runs to service Kaharoa families were written to, strongly not have any right to use the school School that catered for more pupils recommending parental supervi- bus at all! and were more reasonably timed sion of children crossing the busy i.e. not to early or late. By mid year, Hamurana and Tauranga Direct In September 1998 the debate be- a larger bus to accommodate just Roads. gan about where and how Tau- over 100 pupils, with intermediate ranga Direct Road through the The bus service has always been a age pupils standing when the bus slightly emotive issue that has re- Mangorewa Gorge should be up- was full, had been negotiated. This graded. Local identity Harry Bim- surfaced regularly for school staff did necessitate a change to the bus and BOT’s to address however this ler encouraged RDC to make use route in that Jackson Road pupils of his local knowledge of the land- is just a demonstration of the value had the first morning run and last residents place on their children’s scape, acquired through hunting afternoon run. extensively in the area, to create a education and safety, and on the new road through easier terrain. The traffic particularly on Kaha- whole pupils have been blissfully This did not eventuate. roa road had increased further by unaware of the forever problem- 2001. More lifestyle blocks and a atic nature of a school bus service The concerns about the already burgeoning school rolls combined for Kaharoa, with some children increased traffic volumes on Tau- with logging operations raised se- recalling in the 1980s and 1990s ranga Direct Road were voiced at rious concerns about the safety of even being dropped to their door if a public meting. The traffic was particularly children on the school the bus was ahead of schedule and heaviest during the morning school bus and those who had to walk to it was raining hard!

44 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 School Reports through the years 1968 1948

1998 2006

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 45 KAHAROA SCHOOL Kaharoa Home & School Association / Parent Teacher Association In a small community with a small school everyone knew everyone else and most were involved in all school and community activities. The school had struggled with roll numbers over its earlier years but by 1980 the roll was around 50 pupils and showing signs of a more rapid increase. By this time,he community was more diverse and the school offered a broader curriculum. The development of resources to ensure the best education for the community’s children were ongoing challenges for the School Committee. In April 1981, at the biennial Householders’ Meeting a proposal to form a school support committee was discussed. A public meet- The original PTA ing on 21 July attracted 22 people Back row, left to right: Neil Goodwin (Chairman), Wendy McGowan (Treasurer), and the Kaharoa Home and School Carol Haenan,Brian Price. Association was formed. School Front row: Viv Fisk, Trish McGowan (Secretary), Colleen Bimler, Sue Vowell. Committee and staff representatives were assured of a warm welcome at all meetings. avenues for each group’s efforts long and still said the same thing The key objectives were: and activities. Bi-monthly commu- as it did in 1982 and 1999. So while nication meetings were agreed to. the documented requirements of 1. To act as a liaison group be- the day have changed – the focus tween the people of the district, Over the following years, the has not! the school and its committees. Home & School committee organised community functions and Working Bees & Fundraising 2. To assist with school activities, fundraising events to provide the where possible, socially and Working bees have been held to school with extra resources and financially repaint lines on the courts, clean equipment. spouting and louvres and maintain When “Tomorrow’s Schools” ar- As Neil Goodwin, put it in his gardens. Cake stalls, raffles, casino rived in mid 1989, the new Kaha- second Chairman’s report (1983) evenings, progressive dinner par- roa School Board of Trustees (BOT) ties (with everyone dressed up in “….. the necessity of fund raising immediately wrote to the Home something starting with the letter despite the term ‘free education’ & School Association, requesting, ‘P’), discos and catering for hall “this important committee contin- functions and/or local meetings One of the first main tasks was ue its good work”. are examples of this group’s efforts. to assist with the 75th Centenary The AGM in 1992 voted to change The Bawdy Banquet (1980s), with Celebrations, scheduled for March their name from Home & School a continuous supper of courses 1982. As recorded by Principal Ri- Committee to Parent Teacher Asso- served between brackets of enter- chard Thompson in the school log- ciation (PTA). The Parent Teacher tainment, is definitely remembered book, the new association’s gener- Association (PTA) Charter ratified by several (ex)residents. Sponge, osity included the provision of an in 1999 is a full page long, but the Scone and pavlova competitions “excellent lunch in a marquee by Rationale at the top states: featured for several years in the late 1980s. the Kaharoa Hall.” “The Kaharoa PTA is to play a In May 1982, the School Commit- supportive role in School & Com- In the 1980s and 1990s parents par- tee and the Home & School Asso- munity activities for the benefit of ticipated in rosters to provide food ciation met to resolve areas of re- Kaharoa School children.” for sale at school and at functions such as Lamb & Calf Day. Over sponsibility and determine the best By 2005, the charter was five pages

46 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL the years, this has included Bonza PTA volunteers assist with usher- pies, donuts and apples. In 1992, ing and supper on Parent - Teacher Did you know? free Milo at morning tea during interview evenings, plus they pro- School working bees were / are a the winter term was introduced vide a meal for teachers on one of family affair and an excuse for a and is still offered in 2007. In 1993, those two nights. They also assist picnic or party afterwards. the PTA purchased a large gas with the annual book fair. BBQ that has been a valuable asset The PTA has helped with costumes, Last Knight Kaharoa Feature Cas- for many a sausage sizzle. In 2007 makeup and sets for many end- tle Show’ (2003) and ‘Come Dance there are three BBQs, used for fun- of-year concerts. In 2001 ‘Booked All Around the World’ (2005) were draisers, school and sports events Out’ was held at the Kaharoa Hall played to full houses at the Rotorua and by the tennis club. Various with a marquee erected to house Convention Centre, which seats an combinations of drinks, ice blocks the whole school cast and leave the audience of 701. and the occasional small choco- hall space for the audience. Then PTA funds have gone towards late bar are provided for children it was recognised that the strong school and library books, musi- at cross-country, triathlon, sports community interest and support cal instruments, grassing play- days, discos and the end of year in Kaharoa School’s ﬁne producing ﬁelds, sports and playground picnic. tions required a larger venue. ‘The equipment, and any other needs

Auction Day

The PTA Kaharoa School Auction was started as a blocks ranging in size from 2-100 acres. The slo- farm auction with farm gear such as fencing mate- gan was “Move over Mystery Creek”. Thirty stalls rials, old tractors and the odd crate of chickens. It in total included displays from Environment Bay now includes a carnival atmosphere attracting city of Plenty, a car dealership, local potters and busi- dwellers to come and wear gumboots for a day of nesses connected with farming. These were com- hotdogs, cake stalls and games, along with the re- plemented by a Café in the Hay, garden plants and distribution of farming, household and children’s features and the mandatory white elephant and bits and pieces. cake / sweet stalls. Competitions have included People come from all over Rotorua and out of gumboot throwing, cowpat and pig weighing. town for this auction which now include all the About 300 people from around the Bay of Plenty features of a Gala Day: candy floss, sausage siz- attended. zle, chocolate wheels, rides in police cars / fire A particularly memorable auction was held on engines (sirens wailing of course) or on vintage Mother’s Day in 2003. The “Pamper your Mother” motorbikes. Refreshments for all ages and tastes tent was fully booked and much appreciated by are fully catered for. all ladies lucky enough to get a place. Proceeds for In 1999 the auction raised $4000 for the school. that day exceeded $12,000. Three cars and several Items sold included yachts, foot rot troughs, pup- packets of timber drew the most serious bidding. pies, cars, fencing materials, farm and household This annual event is a significant undertaking. goods. This went towards gymnasium equipment, Conditions of sale, contributor and donation books and a new computer software system for the terms and conditions are necessary to meet legal school. All suitable unsold goods were freighted and management obligations, as well as delivering up and forwarded to the Kosovo refugees – cour- the facilities and services on the day. Then there is tesy of Mainfreight NZ – a national initiative. the tidy up, both fiscal and physical. In 2000, the addition of a section targeted for Life- Bob Adler, the local mailman, delivers all fliers stylers recognised the change in the District’s free to RD boxes, as he does for all fliers promot- farming community that now includes lifestyle ing school related activities. Thanks Bob.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 47 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Recent efforts have been targeted to complete the new swimming pool and courts [School & Commu- nity Sports Complex] in time for the Centenary celebrations. Time donated by PTA and community volunteers towards this complex is currently estimated by the Princi- pal to have exceeded 1000 hours.

2003 Chairman’s Report by Peter Clark “… Once again a small group The sandpit, funded by the PTA, in 2006. of dedicated parents gave up that improve the school facilities Kaharoa School PTA activities of their free time and resources and resources. They also contrib- the new millennium include: to fundraise for the benefit of uted to capital development at the Kaharoa School, with support • Working Bees to put up a school, such as furnishing class- from school staff, local parents boundary fence; rebuild sand- rooms, upgrading hardball courts and community. …. $36,000 pits; shift soil, bark, sand; and playgrounds. It took the PTA worth of funds raised, donations only two years to achieve its goal • move the caretaker’s shed; and grants towards resources and of a computer in every classroom maintain the gardens; collect equipment for the school…” 1995 and deliver firewood for the school pool The PTA held its inaugural Farm From the 1990s, there has been a Auction or Gala Day in 1990. • Over the last five to six years significant increase in programmes the PTA has also targetted pub and activities offered. Government In 1993, PTA monies were directed charity funding as a way to gain funding has not increased suffi- into the BOT accounts and the po- funds for identified needs. ciently to enable schools to meet sition of Treasurer replaced by Fi- all requirements and expectations nancial Officer to coordinate fiscal • In 2002 and 2003 both the Lion Foundation and Southern Trust within bulk funding, especially for communications. However in De- high decile schools. Consequently, cember 1998 the PTA decided once donated funds towards books, math and sports equipment. schools have to rely more heavily again manage their own accounts. on the PTA funds raised by a small It was noted in the BOT minutes • In 2006 the Caversham Founda- hard working group of dedicated of 2003 that Kaharoa School has tion Grant for $10,000 for the parents and staff. As with all com- benefited from PTA funding as- playground development was mittees, groups and tasks, ‘the sistance in the following areas: 30 received and the playground more hands to help – the lighter mathematics books for Room 7; completed. the load for everyone’ library books; wet weather games; • Ongoing fundraising for re- Rainbow reading; reader software; sources such as: musical and First Aid kits; photocopier; sports maths equipment; junior read- gear; Library computerisation; ing books, shelves and cup- Kapahaka costumes; and maths boards, a keyboard and diction- equipment. aries.

2007: Kaharoa School PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION This association acts as the link between parents and school, and attends to many social events as well as fundraising activities. These activities are an important and integral part of the school community. An excerpt from the 2004 Kaharoa Parents are strongly encouraged to become involved in this group to share School ERO report reads: the load and add to the community spirit of the school. Dave Baker Chairperson “The school culture is friendly and inclusive, and the school is well Kris Penman Secretary supported by its local community. Janine Reeves Treasurer An active PTA works diligently The PTA meets monthly. Meeting dates are advised in the weekly school to fund additional resources that newsletter and new members are always welcome. enhance learning programmes.”

48 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Lamb, Calf and Kid Day / Chicken Day This day and competition has been variously named This was to be competed for annually and a miniature over the past 50+ years. It is referred to as Pet Day; presented to the winner.” Calf & Lamb Day; Agricultural Club Day; Calf Club (3rd November 1959 School Committee minutes) Day; Lamb & Calf day; Lamb, Calf and Kid Day. For several years the pet show and flower show were The earliest record is 19 November 1953, Thursday af- held in conjunction with the end of year Christmas ternoon at 1:30pm. Pet Day does appear to be an ini- party. The flower show continued to be combined tiative of the newly re-formed School Committee. The with both the farewell to Form II children, including following year, under Mr Holt’s Chairmanship, it was certificates of achievement, and the Christmas party. proposed that a “Calf and Pet Lamb Competition be From 1962, the Calf and Lamb competition was held held this year, with a special prize to be awarded to as a separate school event in November. Either child’s the Best Pet.” age races or a friendly game between parents and children was included before closing with afternoon tea picnics. The School Committee always selected judges who also had the responsibility of being Father Christ- mas until the move into November.

Calf Day, 1940-1941.

Mr Holt donated a halter for the Best Calf and Mr Lamb Day, 1963. Bartlett, secretary, a cup for the Best All-round Pet. In 1956, a combined pet, home garden and Christmas Entries, in 1963, included six calves; four lambs (plus party was held. The teacher, Mr Miles was asked to get two pre-school entrants), one kitten and one chicken. presents for the school children, including calf, pet and Judging categories are recorded for 1964 as: home garden prizes, within the range of £12. Mr Keith • Calf Handling was both judge and Father Christmas. Two miniature cups, with engraving were to be purchased. Mr & Mrs • Calf Condition Keith, of Keith Road, donated the Keith Cup for the • Lamb Handling Best Pet Lamb of any breed from 1957, which has been • Lamb Condition awarded annually ever since. The hope that someone • Keith Cup for best Lamb – judged on both handling would provide a suitable calf trophy was recorded. At and condition a later meeting: • Herston Cup for best calf – judged on both han- “Mr Holt expressed his intention of donating a calf cup dling and condition to be called the Herston Challenge Cup, after his farm. • Pet Cup

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 49 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Mrs Ruby Florey and Mrs Elsie Davis combined to donate the Florey-Davis Cup for handling and obedience of the Best Lamb or Calf. From 1968 Pet Day was called Agricultural Day. The Science Advisor was ‘very pleased’ on attending that day as a guest. Mr Gotz (teacher 1965-1968) remembers these days as a major event on the school calendar. The Agricultural Day programme was as follows: Displays of art, craft, sewing, woodwork and Christ- mas work • 1:30pm Judging of the animals • 2:15pm Treasure Hunt for the junior room • 2:30pm Senior room vs parents in Danish Rounders Calf Day, 1984 • 3:00pm Afternoon tea for parents and soft the Committee of 1981 started to question its role in drinks for children. these events, participation continued. There was a wonderful attendance from the District, The Home and School Committee was active at Lamb with a number of invited guests also attending. Agri- and Calf Day from its inception, with stalls and a cultural day combined variously with flower shows, sausage sizzle, while the senior school raised funds tabloid sports, gymnastic displays, raffles, treasure through a series of activities and raffles. Indoor dis- hunts, parent relays and senior children vs parents’ plays of floral work, cooking, craft, art and language games. Ice cream, ice blocks and occasionally small were judged and opened for inspection. chocolates were included in following years. Mr Paul Shaw and Mr Don McGowan conducted pre- lamb and calf competition training sessions for children in 1983 and 1984. Mr Shaw covered calf rearing and Mr McGowan lamb rearing. Booklets were prepared in advance and issued to assist children with their projects. Lamb and Calf Day were moved forward into October from 1983. Two categories - senior and junior - were created in 1984, as there were a larger number of entries: 36 lambs and 14 calves. Goats were added as a separate category in 1985, making it Lamb, Calf and Kid Day, although reference is still made to the Agricultural Club. The Angora Goat Trophy for Best Care & Attention was donated by Ian and Janet Woolsey, who farmed goats for their wool in Kaharoa. When the market for this disappeared so did Ice blocks on Calf Day, late 1960s. their farming and the source of goats for Lamb, Calf In 1979, Lamb and Calf Day was one of the most suc- and Kid Day. This trophy ran from 1985 – 1999. cessful with entries in all sections: 26 lambs and six In 1993 there were 25 lambs, 11 calves and eight kids calves. There were displays of flowers, cooking, art entered in Lamb, Calf and Kid Day, which was com- and written expression. The children sold hot dogs bined with the Flower show again, as it was in the for lunch and organised various stalls, raising $135 to- very early years. wards the tramp to Waikaremoana and the new film projector. Ten days later is the first record of attendance at Dis- trict Lamb and Calf Day at Broadlands School, with two third places achieved by Rachel Trott. It is possible that these days did occur much earlier, as various district athletics and sports days are alluded to somewhat erratically over the earlier years. Seven schools share in hosting Group day. Kaharoa School last held it in 2002. Participation in Group Days was approved via the School Committee. Although

50 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Chickens were an idea put forward by Heidi Allen, a parent who owned the pet shop in Ngongotaha at the time. The idea caught on and has continued to the present day. The ﬁrst year was an experiment so there were no trophies. The McHale Family for Junior donated trophies, Intermediate & Senior chickens. In 2001 entries included 34 lambs, 13 calves and 22 chickens. The PTA Lamb, Calf and Chicken Day parent voluntary duties for 2004 included: • Assisting Judges and stewards • Set-up and Registration • Morning tea • Ordering and Collating Certiﬁcates, Ribbons and This annual event, regardless of the title gives all chil- Trophies for each section dren the chance to take responsibility for the care and training of their pet. Not only do the children broaden • Lamb, Calf, Chicken their knowledge and skill base, but they often have • Leading, Calling, Care and Attention treasured memories of a beloved pet and the experi- • Senior, Intermediate and Junior ence. • Posting Results and Coordinating Prizegiving Wining in a section means being able to compete in Group Day against entries from the other rural schools. • Sausage sizzle and tidy up This is turn provides more interaction and friendly The large input of all previous, current and future vol- competition with children from like communities. unteers to ensure this fabulous school and community It must be said though, that probably parents work just occasion needs to be recognised and acknowledged as hard as children to ensure that lambs, calves, kids here. and chickens can be led, called and are properly con- The overall percentage of children participating is ditioned and groomed on the big days out. Following dropping steadily as the school size increases. In 2006 this annual climax, lambs, calves, kids or chickens are entries included 58 lambs, 19 calves, and many chick- usually retired, to much more traditional roles some- ens. This represents 60% of the school children. where on the farm or a neighbour’s farm.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 51 KAHAROA SCHOOL Trophies and Prize Giving

The prize giving ceremony is held once a year in honour of the graduating Year 8 (Form 2) students. Each graduating student is presented with a Graduation certiﬁcate. A number of excellence certiﬁcates are given to students who have attained this level and an overall ‘winner’ receives a cup which is engraved with his/her name and kept for the year by the recipient.

Kaharoa Citizenship and Leadsership Cup Kaharoa Maths Cup Donated following the 75th Jubilee Donated by Mr & Mrs Hedges, of Waitakaruru. Mr & AW 1982 Sonia Managh Mrs Hedges provided the original Kaharoa School classroom 1983 Ian McFetridge (1907 – 1909) 1984 Alan McFetridge 1982 Kuru Whiston 1985 Christopher Thompson 1983 Jacqueline Wilbur Smith 1986 Beth Evans 1984 Rachel Trott 1987 Desiree McGowan 1985 Jenny Evans 1988 - 1986 Katrina Evans 1989 Vanessa Foley 1987 Bob Coleman 1990 - 1988 John Lepper 1991 Brigitte Evans 1991 Angela McMillan 1992 Anna Atap 1992 Rebecca Ter Borg 1993 Meredith Price 1993 Kelvin Rook 1994 - 1994 - 1995 - 1995 Sam Paterson 1996 Tamara Freeborn 1996 Kent Pomare 1997 Katherine Price 1997 Kerryn Blunt 1998 Danielle Badger 1998 Ben Pomare 1999 Marcelle Saunders 1999 Cory Anderson 2000 Tessa Ashman 2000 James Howarth Two cups from 2001 2001 Danny Young Second cup donated by Stella van Gelder and 2002 Richard Horgan Maurice Horgan - the original cup was retained for boys, 2003 Mathew Howarth the new cup for girls 2004 Eleanor Moyle Boys Girls 2005 Michael Horgan / Callum Hanna 2001 Shane Wakeﬁeld Tamson Armstrong 2006 Alice Guy 2002 Richard Horgan Erin Sandford 2003 Mathew Haworth Amanda Meikle / Elle Reid Gordon Branson Memorial Trophy in the Arts 2004 Not awarded this year Melody Armstrong Donated by Mrs Jean Branson, in memory of her husband, 2005 Not awarded this year Hannah Longbottom/ for excellence in visual and performing arts. Astrid de Jong / 1997 Melissa Ruru Natalie Turner 1998 David Wang 2006 Leighton Warren Alayna Powley 1999 Jessica Somerville 2000 Jenny Batkin 2001 Olivia Drake Kaharoa School Science & Technology 2002 Vicki Wallace Donated by Kaharoa School or Evans Family 2003 Elle Reid 2004 Melody Armstrong 1997 Reuben Evans 2005 Hannah Lyons / Zoe Stephenson 1998 Robert Paterson 2006 Alayna Powley 1999 Karl Runciman 2000 Nicola Wakeﬁeld 2001 Danny Young 2002 Richard Horgan 2003 Mathew Haworth 2004 Finn Molloy / Eleanor Moyle 2005 Michael Horgan 2006 Shelley Wallace

52 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Kaharoa School English Trophy Pet, Lamb, Calf and Chicken Day Awards Donated by Georgie & Val Ellis & family 1978 Tim Tombleson Lamb, Calf and Chicken Day trophies, presented on the 1979 Janie Roberts day, are now divided into categories and age groups. As 1980 Angela Managh the roll has grown these ahve changed over the years. 1981 Stephen Kissling 1982 Julie Beaufill Pask Trophy: Supreme Champion 1983 Hayley Finn For Highest Aggregate Junior / Intermediate / Senior 1984 Kirsty Wiles Donated by Betty and Dave Pask. 1985 Barry Wood 1986 - 2002 Caitryn Pask 1987 Sally Thompson 2003 Louise Coleman 1988 Jeanette Lepper / Kylie Dean 2004 Louise Coleman 1991 Angela McMillan 2005 Hannah Longbottom 1992 Rebecca Ter Borg 2006 Scott Thomson 1993 Rowan Hansen 1996 Sky Smale 1997 Kerryn Blunt Kaharoa School Pet Trophy 1998 David Longbottom Provided by the 1956 School Committee judged on handling 1999 Katie du Fall and obedience of the pet. 2000 Jenny Batkin 1956 Velma White 2001 Rachel Anderson 1957 Patricia Saunders 2002 Nadine Wernke 1958 Carole Davis 2003 Zack Graves 1959 Kathryn Murray 2004 Finn Molloy / Eleanor Moyle 1960 Glenda Fleming 2005 Michael Horgan 1961 John Murray 2006 Sam West / Elysia Carroll 1962 Doria Fleming 1963 Murray Wright Kaharoa School Sports Trophy 1964 Norman McLeod Donated in 1982 by Mrs Ilma Malins (nee Hedges) then of 1965 Janine Branson Auckland, who lived in the district and was 13 years old 1966 Lorraine Reeves when the school opened in 1907. 1967 Diana Tombleson 1968 Maxwell Wallace 1982 Annette Scott 1969 Megan Kivell 1983 - 1970 Susan Disbrowe 1984 Patricia King 1971 Ewen Robertson 1985 Phillip Scott 1972 Morris Granger 1986 Shiree Finn 1973 Christina Disbrowe 1992 Ted Coleman 1974 Rosemarie Atkin 1993 Michelle Young 1975 Carol Branson 1996 Shane Love 1976 Wayne Parry 1997 Gareth Price 1977 Erin Fabian / Angela Managh 1998 Tipene Tahuri 1978 Angela Managh 1999 Wiremu Ruru 1979 Rachel Trott 2000 Jessica Trebes 1980 Rachel Trott / Barbara Granger 2001 Shane Wakefield 1981 Terry Vowell 2002 Liam Somerville 1982 Leann Shaw 2003 Sam Edmonds 1983 Graham Beaufill 2004 Liam Powley 1984 Graham Beaufill Two cups from 2005, first cup retained for boys 1985 Noeleen Granger Second cup donated by Rex & Sheryn Shoebridge 1986 Bronwyn Price 1987 Brent Shaw Boys Girls 2005 Thomas Fuller Brooke Dillon By 1988 this trophy was showing signs of wear and was 2006 Leighton Warren Karen Horgan replaced only to be resurrected 12 years later and awarded for another 5 years. It is now permanently on display in the school trophy cabinet. West Speech cup 1999 Laura Bowers Donated by Frank & Nora West 2000 Rachel Anderson 2001 Alex Hartley 2003 Zack Graves 2002 Savannah Blake 2004 Astrid de Jong 2003 Sarah Wilson 2005 Shelley Wallace 2006 Nigel Baker

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 53 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Kaharoa School Pet Trophy 1997 Robert Paterson 1998 Tamson Armstrong Best Pet Calf Calling – Junior 1999 Tamson Armstrong 1988 Hayden Donnelly 2000 Paul Donovan 1989 Brian Terry 2001 Mathew Haworth 1990 Andrew Terry 2002 Matthew Lunt 1991 Matthew Wade 2003 Astrid de Jong 1992 Jeremy Wade 2004 Sophie Cooper 1993 Michelle Young 2005 Joseph Granger 1994 Rachel Armstrong 2006 Alice West 1995 Gareth Price 1996 Katherine Price Kaharoa School Committee Trophy 1997 Ben Pomare 1998 Jordan Bidois For Best Pet Calf Calling – Senior 2000 Tamson Armstrong 1984 Leann Shaw 2001 Savannah Blake 1985 Juliet Wiles 2002 Joseph Granger 1986 Chris Jenkins 2003 Zak Swift 1987 Andrew Terry 2004 Adam Schweizer 1988 Andrew Terry 2005 Adam Schweizer 1989 Marnix Mooiman 2006 Adam Schweizer 1990 Marnix Mooiman 1991 Meredith Price Herston Cup 1992 Matthew Wade 1993 Michelle Young For Best Pet Calf Calling - Intermediate 1994 Corey Hodge Presented by Bill Holt – Herston being the name of his farm 1995 Corey Hodge on Kapukapu Road. Initially for the best conditioned calf, at 1996 Tamson Armstrong some unrecorded point this became the trophy for Best Pet Calf 1997 Tulisa Gardner Calling - Intermediate 1998 Rhys Perkins 1999 – 1962 Lorraine Reeves 2000 Michael Horgan 1963 Maree Taylor 2001 Rachel Badger 1964 Marlene Taylor 2002 Kylee McFetridge 1965 Janine Branson 2003 Mathew Haworth 1966 Lorraine Reeves 2004 David Godfrey 1967 Carol Reeves 2005 Natalie Turner 1968 Gail Reeves 2006 Alayna Powley 1969 Julie Reeves 1970 Stuart Kaska 1971 Stuart Kaska 1972 Carol Branson Athol Reeves Memorial Trophy 1973 Rosemarie Atkin For Highest Aggregate Calf – Junior / Intermediate / Senior 1974 Lynda Kaska 1975 Deborah Baker 1987 Nikola Terry 1976 Melaine Baker 1988 Leann Shaw 1977 Erin Fabian 1989 Nikola Terry 1978 Karen McHale 1990 Marnix Mooiman 1979 Philip Scott 1991 Meredith Price 1980 Barbara Granger 1992 Bryan Terry 1981 Bronwyn Price 1993 Meredith Price 1982 Anna Koberstein 1994 Rachel Armstrong 1983 Graham Beauﬁll 1995 Katherine Price 1984 Graham Beauﬁll 1996 Katherine Price 1985 Bronwyn Price 1997 Tulisa Gardner 1986 Bronwyn Price 1998 Ben Pomare 1987 Bronwyn Price 1999 Mathew Haworth 1988 Bronwyn Price 2000 Paul Donovan 1989 Mathew Bryant 2001 Mathew Haworth 1990 Andrew Terry 2002 Kylee McFetridge 1991 Bryan Terry 2003 Mathew Haworth 1992 Daniel Charleston 2004 David Godfrey 1993 Meredith Price 2005 Alice West 1994 Gemma Van der Vlugt 2006 Alayna Powley 1995 Corey Hodge 1996 Robert Paterson

54 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

McFetridge Trophy 2004 James Reeves 2005 James Reeves Donated by Mr David McFetridge 2006 Amy Burns For Best Presented Calf 1956 William McDonald Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Cup 1957 William McDonald 2002 Joseph Granger For Best Pet Lamb Calling – Intermediate 2003 Zak Swift 1995 Scott Runciman 2004 David Godfrey 1996 Ben Pomare 2005 Adam Schweizer 1997 Zak Tetenburg 2006 Mason McLachlan 1998 Laura Drake 1999 Brody Brown 2000 Gelissa Karipa Kaharoa Chicken Trophy 2001 Julian Parker For Highest Aggregate - Junior 2002 Daniel Bentley Donated by Shelley and Roger McHale 2003 Daniel Bentley 2004 Grace Grifﬁths & Laura Jackson 2004 Caleb Powley 2005 Bethaney Mae Allen 2005 Grace Wilson 2006 Danielle Thomson 2006 Nando Pynaker

Kaharoa Chicken Trophy Tissink Trophy For Best Pet Lamb Calling - Senior For Highest Aggregate - Intermediate Donated by Roland & Carol Tissink Donated by Shelley and Roger McHale 1989 Douglas Coleman 2004 Sean Townley 1990 Katherine Dean 2005 Kalista Pynaker 1991 Emily McGowan 2006 Morgan McHale 1992 Alicia Tissink 1993 Melissa Ruru Kaharoa Chicken Trophy 1994 Megan Donelley For Highest Aggregate - Senior 1995 Melissa Ruru Donated by Shelley and Roger McHale 1996 Melissa Ruru 1997 Melissa Ruru 2004 Craig Sampson 1998 Kate Pomare 2005 Hilary Parker 2001 Shinee Twist 2006 Peter Wheeler 2002 Laura Drake 2003 Finn Molloy Hindrup Cup 2004 Matthew Cropp 2005 Hannah Longbottom For Best Pet Lamb Calling – Junior 2006 Michelle Thomson Donated by Mrs Cecil Hindrup, who farmed with her husband Charlie on Kaharoa Road from ~ 1952. 1981 Karen Vowell Mr & Mrs A.L. Keith Challenge Cup 1982 Rachel Trott For Highest Aggregate Lamb - Junior 1983 Timothy Trott Donated by Mr and Mrs Keith of Keith Road, Ngongotaha. 1984 Jennifer McGowan Keen fat lamb farmers, the trophy was to be judged on the 1985 Michelle Wood health of the lamb. 1986 Joanne Coleman 1987 Darryl Williams 1957 Gwendoline Saunders 1988 Michelle Wood 1958 Gwendoline Saunders 1989 Renee Baldwin 1959 Patricia Saunders 1990 Ewan Aldridge 1960 Philip Murray 1991 Karl Runciman 1961 Warwick Murray 1992 Danielle Stanaway 1962 Doria Fleming 1993 Robert Paterson 1963 Murray Wright 1994 Wiremu Ruru 1964 Lorraine Reeves 1995 Rose Greenfield 1965 Yvonne McLeod 1996 Sam Edmonds 1966 Glenda Fleming 1997 Julian Parker / Laura Everest 1967 Janice Kivell 1998 Adam Hodgson 1968 Richard Fleming 1999 Caitryn Pask 1969 Tina Disbrowe 2000 Daniel Bentley 1970 Tina Disbrowe 2001 Grace Griffiths 1971 Tina Disbrowe 2002 Grace Griffiths 1972 Hamish Disbrowe 2003 Laura Jackson 1973 Suzanne Disbrowe

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 55 KAHAROA SCHOOL

1974 Deborah Baker 1976 Maurice Granger 1975 Marie Woolsey 1977 Barry Wood 1976 Stephen Kissling 1978 Karen McHale 1977 Angela Managh 1979 Martin McFetridge 1978 Noeleen Granger 1980 Graham Beauﬁll 1979 Janie Roberts / Noeleen Granger 1981 Rachel Trott 1980 Noeleen Granger & Stephanie Rutter 1982 Richard Haenen 1981 Marc Buissink 1983 Rachel Trott 1982 Sonia Managh 1984 Beth Evans 1983 Karen Vowell 1985 Joanne Coleman 1984 Timothy Trott 1986 Michelle Wood 1985 Michelle Wood 1987 Bob Coleman 1986 Darryl Williams 1988 Anna Trott 1987 Joanne Coleman 1989 Emily McGowan 1988 Renee Baldwin 1990 Ted Coleman 1989 Robert McGowan 1991 Emily McGowan 1990 Melissa Ruru 1992 Kent Pomare 1991 Melissa Ruru 1993 Melissa Ruru 1992 Barry Greenﬁeld 1994 Megan Donelley 1993 Carl McNaught 1995 Melissa Ruru 1994 Wiremu Ruru 1996 Melissa Ruru 1995 Louie Gilmour 1997 Melissa Ruru 1996 Joshua Pomare 1998 Kate Pomare 1997 Julian Parker / Sam Edmonds 1999 No one for this date 1998 Kelly McNaught 2000 Rachel Badger 1999 Caitryn Pask 2001 Daniel Holmes 2000 Tina Coleman 2002 Laura Drake 2001 Matthew Anderson 2003 Finn Molloy 2002 Louise Coleman 2004 Hannah Longbottom 2003 Laura Jackson 2005 Hannah Longbottom 2004 James Reeves 2006 Sarah Bentley 2005 James Reeves 2006 James Sullivan Angora Goat Cup Trustbank Cup The Angora Goat Trophy for Best Care & Attention was For Highest Aggregate Lamb - Intermediate donated by Ian & Janet Woolsey, who farmed goats for their wool in Kaharoa. When the market for this 1995 Jessica Somerville disappeared so did their farming and the source of 1996 Wiremu Ruru goats for Lamb, Calf and Kid Day. 1997 Danielle Stanaway 1998 Laura Drake 1985 Ross Goodwin 1999 Amanda Turner 1986 Brad Donnelly 2000 Kieran Perkins 1987 Mark Welham 2001 Caitryn Pask 1988 Marc Patterson 2002 Caitryn Pask 1989 Justin Blunt 2003 Louise Coleman 1990 Amy McFetridge 2004 Louise Coleman 1991 Justin Blunt 2005 Louise Coleman 1992 Anneke Higgins 2006 Scott Thomson 1993 Simon James 1994 Cara Aldridge Florey Davis Challenge Cup 1995 Kerryn Blunt 1996 Kerryn Blunt Donated by Mrs Ruby Florey and Mrs Elsie Davis for 1997 Lisa McFetridge / Hollie Henderson Handling and Obedience best lamb or calf originally but 1998 Danny Young is now awarded for Highest Aggregate Lamb - Senior 1999 Richard Horgan 1966 Winston Fleming 1967 Carol Reeves 1968 Winston Fleming 1969 Lynette Wallace 1970 Lynette Wallace 1971 Avril Woodford 1972 Janine Branson 1973 John Atkin 1974 Spencer Heath 1975 Susan Disbrowe

56 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL School Dental Service In 1921, Colonel (Sir) Thomas A. Parents had to provide the trans- treat at Kaharoa School Hunter, Director of the New Zea- port and were sometimes persuad- Today the dental caravan comes land Army Dental Service during ed into buying shop lunches for a to the school approximately every World War I, proposed to train treat before coming back nine months and stays until all suitable young women to provide It was the 1991 before the neces- children have been checked and preventive dentistry to schoolchil- sary power point was installed to treated. This is a modern, fully- dren throughout New Zealand. enable the full mobile Dental Clin- equipped facility. This led to the establishment of the ic caravan and Nurse to visit and first Dental Nurses School in Wel- lington in 1921. By 1930, approximately half the primary-school pupils in the Dominion were receiving regular dental treatment. After Manual Technology 1935 a policy of rapid expansion Over the earliest years of Kaharoa in a bigger school. Creations were was adopted. By 1950 the majority School, the teacher and/or par- put on display at functions such as of school children were receiving ents provided learning required Lamb, Calf & Kid Day and at the dental treatment, including many for home and life skills. Gradually, end of year at the social evenings. pre-school children. various educational specialists vis- By 1996,there were issues around Records for Kaharoa School first ited the school to supplement indi- work being misplaced between the note dental inspections and treat- vidual teacher’s skills and interests fortnightly visits to Mokoia and ments occurring for new entrants and enhance learning. the longer distance to drive the to Standard three children in July, In 1945 woodwork lessons were children. Principal Mark Thomp- 1958. undertaken in the school shelter son felt that students were most Following that, the Dental Officer shed for a term. This must have likely to attend Western Heights or Dental Nurse visited the school been a substantial enough build- High School (WHHS), which regularly to inspect students’ teeth, ing because quite a few years later, provided the closest programme however pupils were taken to in 1962, Miss McLaughlin used the distance wise. The programme Ngongotaha School Dental Clinic shed to teach her class until a pre- was of a very good standard and for full assessment and treatment. fabricated classroom arrived. An the weekly classes, as opposed to art and craft specialist visited for the previous fortnightly classes, one day annually over the middle would enable a better continuity The first ANZAC Day, 25 April of the century but otherwise the in work for the students. MOE ap- 1916, was held to commemo- teachers used various means to get proval was sought however they rate the first anniversary of art and craft materials and be crea- wished to investigate the effects the Gallipoli Campaign. The tive. this change would have on Mokoia following years were a little Intermediate and the continuity of It would have been a great expedi- muddled; however from 25 its program. April 1922 ANZAC Day was tion for the Form I & II pupils to established as a full public travel on the school bus, driven by It was 2002 after several years of holiday and a day of mourning Mrs Gotz the teacher’s wife, to go efforts and negotiation before this throughout New Zealand. This to Whakarewarewa School, when change happened. That year, 41 remarkable tribute was largely the 2-hours of manual training Year 7 and 8 pupils commenced the making of the RSA. commenced there, fortnightly, on Manual Technology at Western 26 June 1965. Boys did woodwork Heights High School. Over the years, ceremonies and metal work while the young have sometimes been held In 2007, Year 7/8 pupils travel to ladies learnt cooking and sewing. at Kaharoa School, such as Western Heights High School each The year’s art, craft, woodwork in 1987. Invited guests were Thursday, by school bus, leaving and sewing were displayed at Ag- Cyril Miles (RSA and a former school at 9.00 am, and returning at ricultural Day (Lamb, & Calf day). principal); Rev Phillip Brown 1pm. and Mr B McFetridge to play In 1976 ‘Manual’ was transferred Many fine items created at one or the last post. Parents and com- to Mokioa Intermediate School, other venue, are still in use today. munity visitors attended. where both girls and boys did all For example: wooden footstools, The principal Mr Jenkins re- the manual topics: cooking, sew- bird boxes, carry boxes with han- corded in the school logbook ing, woodwork and metalwork. dles, pillow cases, metal toolboxes, “A most dignified and impor- The school bus still took them into fire-pokers and key rings (one au- tant day” town. This provided an opportuni- thor still uses her tag so-carefully ty for the children to experience life stamped with “ANNE’S KEYS”)

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 57 KAHAROA SCHOOL Religious Instruction – Bible in Schools

Christian churches have been offering Christian Reli- ting the subject taught at Kaharoa School. gious Education to state schools in New Zealand for As time went on I became aware that there was an over 100 years. The 1964 Education Act allowed for organization called the Churches Education Commis- ‘Religious Instruction’ to be offered in state schools for sion, which was recognized by the Ministry of Educa- up to 20 hours per year. tion. They had an approved curriculum and guidelines The first record of Religious Instruction at Kaharoa on how Religious Education can be taught in schools, School beggan in June 1960 when the Rev. Reid started especially the primary schools. Around about 1986 we visiting at the school on a fortnightly basis. In 1958 Rev started the program at Kaharoa School: just three of us: P Hutton started Sunday school using the schoolroom. Mrs Janene Joll, Mrs. Ruth Bradford and myself, Mrs. Within a few months this involved several denomina- Nan Buissink. And now almost 20 years later we need tions being granted a Sunday each. In 1968 the school eight teachers to cover the school. Kaharoa School has was used for a District Christmas Day service grown so much and it still is the best.” Local instructors were led by Elsie Davis and as- As the school has grown it has become increasingly sisted by the Anglican and Presbyterian Ministers in difficult to find volunteer teachers with time to cover Ngongotaha. all the classes. Mrs Marlene Badger has been the con- Since 1981, when Nan Buissink moved into the district, vener for the past five years and has led a team of six she has been one of the major contributors to the con- teachers covering the eight classrooms. ‘Bible’ as it is tinuation of Religious Instruction at Kaharoa School. more commonly known is taught on a fortnightly basis every second Friday morning. She writes: At the end of the year a Christmas celebration is held. “In January 1981 we enrolled our youngest son into ‘Cool Bananas’ who are a group from a local church Kaharoa School, having just arrived in New Zealand are invited to share an item and Nan Buissink presents from Zambia. We were told by the people, whose house bibles to all Year 8 students. we bought, that we must send our youngest to Kaharoa School as it was the best school. They were not wrong. (At that time there were only three classrooms). On enrolling and asking what were the subjects taught, I was amazed that there were no lessons at all to do with our Christian faith and heritage. We had lived for 28 years in a British colony and the Christian Religion was taught in the schools. It was even a subject, which you could do for your “O” level exam. I assumed that schooling and curriculum would be similar. Being just new to this country I did not know how to go about get-

The Waitangi Day Act 1960 established 6th Feb- ruary as a national day of thanksgiving in com- memoration of the signing of the Treaty of Wait- angi. The act did not provide for a public holiday. The Prime Minister envisaged schools building on the recognition that some had been giving the day since the 1940s. But a paid public holiday would be too costly. Prime Minster Norman Kirk announced at the 1973 celebrations, that from 1974 it would be a national holiday known as New Zealand Day. In 1974 Kaharoa School opened for the morning of 5th February then closed for the afternoon so children could go to see the Royal family in Ro- torua. School was then closed the following day for the ﬁrst New Zealand Day holiday, 6th Fe- bvruary. [The Waitangi Day Act 1976 reinstated the name Waitangi Day.]

58 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA SCHOOL

Scenes from over the years

Above and below: Camping trip 1965

50th Jubilee celebrations

Classroom scenes from 1964 (above) and 1978 (below). Enjoying a hangi in 1981.

Taking part in the school triathlon.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 59 KAHAROA FARMING Farming

The early district history of farm- diverse farming district with a Hay baling: The ﬁrst hay baler in ing, bush sickness, gold, lack of genuine mix of sheep, beef & dry the district, an International Har- water and other challenges are stock and dairy farms. Deer faming vester, baled 12,000 small bales in well covered in the History of the joined the mix in the 1970s. 1947. Since then surplus summer School and District written for the Many of the original large farms grass has been saved in the form of 75th Anniversary. have been subdivided to smaller, small and large hay bales, or baled In those early days bush sickness then economic units, and subse- and wrapped or pit silage. and lack of water were huge chal- quently many of those farms have Horses: Horses were an integral lenges faced by farm settlers. Rag- been subdivided again to provide part of family life and farm work, wort was reported to be as high as the large number of lifestyle blocks with tractors replacing them on cattle, rabbits were a problem and now in the district. a bounty was paid on hides. Wild deer were a plenty and making a living was extremely hard.

23rd January 1915 A ﬁne harvest of cocksfoot grass seed is expected off Messrs Gordon and Anderson’s property at Kaharoa. Mr Dittmer who contracts for the reaping and cleaning of the seed is in town to secure labour. Owing to the quantity of fallen timber the whole area of 80 acres has to be handled by hand. There is a strong demand for sound clear seed…

Landowners in the Kaharoa area were given a two-acre block of lakeside property at Hamurana Rye, corn and potatoes, Mr A.F. Dittmer’s property, Roy Road, 1914. where they could graze their “bush sick” cattle. That bush sickness Some large forestry blocks were was identified in 1936 as cobalt most farms by the 1950s. In ear- established at the end of Kaharoa deficiency. Due to financial con- ly school days, children rode to Road in the late 1960s. During mill- straints and general lack of water school. The Rotorua Hunt Club ing of native bush land at the end of the development of farming in the hunted over many farms in the Kapukapu Road in 1978, Kokako, a Kaharoa was still restricted. Many District until the early 60s. In recent native protected bird was sighted, farmers just walked away after years there have been horse train- and that land was purchased by many years of struggle. ing and racing stable enterprises in the Government to establish the the District. As late as 1968 the Rural Bank Kaharoa Forest Block. (Kokako would not loan finance to farmers have been covered elsewhere in Stewart Road was a logging track in settling in Kaharoa. this publication.) the 1930’s and 1940’s Kaharoa has a good rainfall and Topdressing: Aerial topdressing climate for farming – the first se- of land started post WW11 using Horticulture: Early farmers plant- vere drought recalled was Octo- Tiger Moth planes when farmers ed good orchards including plums, ber 1945 – March 1946. Since then, would go for the initial flight in the pears, apples, grapes, cherries, there have been some really dry hopper to instruct the pilot the ar- currants and lemons. Possoms years – and some very wet ones eas to be covered. Now with both were first remembered in the Dis- too. Heavy snow blanketed Te aerial topdressing and the advent trict in 1947 but were rare until Waerenga Road early 1950s – it can of better ground application of fer- the mid 1960s. Some small areas be cold too! tiliser, along with adequate water of kiwifruit, feijoas, chestnuts and In most districts of New Zealand, supplies, production levels in Ka- other fruits have been established one type of farming is dominant. haroa are far greater that the past. in later years with varied success, However, from the early days Water has been covered in another but they have not endured com- Kaharoa has always been a very chapter of this book. mercially.

60 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA FARMING

Dairying: In the 1930s herd size was about 25, all hand milked, and the cream went by truck to Ngongotaha Butter Factory now there are herds of 450 -650 in the District and tankers collect milk on a daily basis. Sheep and beef farming: Dry stock farms have always been a part of the Kaharoa area. Farming methods have improved over the years increasing stocking rates and production and levels to counter the ever increasing costs associated with farming.

1967 Athol Reeves, whose 300 acre Deer Auction at Gordon Branson’s property, 1978. farm neighboured Kaharoa School, carried 400 sheep and 100 dairy cattle. Later the farm ran a large, for who have actively worked for the Bovine TB is not an issue at Ka- the time, dairy herd for many years betterment of their livelihood and haroa, but in October 1992 a TB before being subdivided. lifestyle. This was obvious by the positive deer was detected on a large turnout on 1 April 1986 to local farm. This animal had been Deer farming: Gordon Branson, protest the Government’s econom- purchased outside the district and a keen deer and pig hunter, and ic policy, high interest rates, infla- was slaughtered immediately. wife Jean initially ran a dairy farm. tion rates, and freezing worker’s Concerns were very high but the They recognised that the wild deer strikes during peak lamb slaughter ‘outbreak’ was contained. Move- running around the bush on their season. This was the period of Rog- ment of animals into the district farm offered a new business op- ernomics in David Lange’s Labour from areas known to have endemic portunity. Government. TB now require a mandatory to test to clear the health status of that With support from friend, Harry All rural support sectors were hit, stock. Bimler, three sides of the bush were including topdressing operators deer fenced, and posts erected on and rural carriers. The scrapping The Mt Ruapehu volcanic eruption the fourth side forming a giant of farm subsidies and the livestock in June 1996 caused large deposits trap. When deer were in the area values scheme all were bitterly de- of ash in Kaharoa causing disrup- ‘grazing’ in cover of darkness the bated over the next seven years. tion on many farms. Many pas- netting was pulled along the posts Subsidies were withdrawn and tures and water troughs were badly and deer were captured. livestock values standardised. affected. Sheep and deer were most susceptible but for most people the Deer farming in Kaharoa took off While extremely hard for farmers months of cleaning ash from every with a roar in the early 70s. Gordon at the time, in the long term, for the surface around houses and build- and Jean made history in 24 June most part, these actions have been ings was the biggest challenge. 1977 when they held the first Deer beneficial. Sale in the world on their farm. Many farmers in Kaharoa diversi- fied into deer and there was a pro- liferation of deer on small blocks around the district, especially in the early 80s when venison and velvet prices were high. As in all farming sectors, prices have a large influence on viability and as returns dropped from the high peaks many smaller farmers sold their deer. Local deer numbers are very low in 2007 compared to a few years ago. Farmers in Kaharoa have always been a resilient and resourceful lot

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 61 KAHAROA FARMING Kaharoa Rural Women New Zealand

Rural Women New Zealand, for- still do this today. 16th April 1999 mally Women’s Division Federated The first request was to the Post Wendy McGowan, President Farmers (WDFF), started in 1925. Office for a five day a week mail Rotorua/Taupo Federated The need for this organisation service, which was being delivered Farmers of NZ, commenting on arose after World War I when eco- three days a week at the time. Af- the Draft Biodiversity Strategy nomic conditions in New Zealand ter much lobbying, they managed – that covers the uniqueness deteriorated and conditions in the to get a six-day week delivery. An- of our country, indigenous rural sector worsened. Women and other achievement for WDFF was plants, animals, landscapes and children living on farms were suf- to initiate a system for numbering seascapes, said: fering from lack of facilities, serv- properties in the district for emer- ices and the loneliness of isolation. gency response purposes – a sys- “The land we farm is not only The aims of the organisation were tem used to this day. a major business asset, it is our lifestyle, our future and our to better the conditions for women Among their many charitable acts, retirement fund. We aim to hand and children living on the land; the Kaharoa branch bought and it down to future generations in to improve the medical and nurs- planted roses at the Linton Gar- a better condition than when we ing facilities for countrywomen; dens in Rotorua; made emergency bought it.” to secure more domestic help and bags for the hospital; knitted hats, to provide rest rooms in country booties and mittens for the Spe- towns. They also aimed to improve cial Care Baby Unit at Rotorua which started about the same time, the schooling for country children Hospital; and catered for Hospice. was the forerunner for the District and to keep a vigilant watch on all The women have also held a rural Nursing Service. legislative measures brought be- safety day at the school; and made Many Members have received fore Parliament affecting country- the school a banner to take with awards of distinction for their tire- women. them to sport events. They have less efforts on behalf of the Kaha- contributed funds for research into roa community. Mrs Pat Robertson Even in the 1980’s and 1990’s Leptospirosis, cot death and the won the Queens Service Medal, children would be absent from Life Education Trust programme and Rotorua District Council Com- school if required to assist with of healthy living. munity Service award. Mrs Jean tasks such as shearing or docking. The Kaharoa branch supports the Branson, Mrs Sue Vowell, and Jenni McGowan national organisation which of- Mrs Wendy McGowan, have been fers many educational bursaries awarded Rotorua District Council On 29 August 1956, a meeting was to assist rural students for board- Community Service Awards. called at Kaharoa to discuss the ing; text books, grants and terti- The need for Rural Women New formation of a branch of the WDFF. ary education. Kaharoa members Zealand is as relevant today as it The aims and objects of the WDFF have also belonged to ACWW (As- ever was. It keeps a close watch on were outlined. Hence the branch sociated Country Women of the legislation and its impact on the ru- was started with Mrs Blackwell World), raising funds for helping ral community; dealing mainly in as President, Mrs Davies as Vice third world countries to educate health, education, land and social President, Mrs Bull as Secretary, the women and children. issues. Most importantly, perhaps, and Treasurer, Mrs Wilson. Sev- WDFF started a housekeeping the organisation provides a way of eral members of the Ngongotaha scheme in the late 1920s, which is bringing rural women together for branch who were residents of Ka- now called Access Home Health. social contact and fun, and enables haroa joined to give support to this This has grown to become one of friendships with other members new branch. the leading home health organisa- from all over New Zealand. This band of willing, hard-working tions in New Zealand, and is still Wendy McGowan women also raised funds for chari- owned by Rural Women New National Councilor Rural Women table purposes. Current members Zealand. The Bush Nurse scheme, New Zealand

62 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA WATER Kaharoa Water The ‘Kaharoa School and District 75th Anniversary The following figures were used in the original design History’ covers the early period well. It notes that from to calculate the water requirement per ha of farmland. the first main influx of settlers on or after 1905, there These are the expected maximum water usage per day was a real problem with the lack of readily available by each category. water in the District, and that the Government assisted Dairy cow 135 litres (30 gallons) in the construction of water cisterns of varying sizes for catchments of roof water on many farms. Dry stock (Beef & Dairy Replacements) 57 litres (12.5 gallons) Sheep 7 litres (1.5 gallons) The first investigations into a public water supply were made pre-WWII but were not followed through House 1140 litres (250 gallons) due to cost. Again in 1962 the Rotorua County Coun- Based on these design water quantities, the following cil were approached to investigate and poll residents water allocations were defined in the original design to establish a community water scheme. Again this report. was rejected because of cost. In 1974 this same scheme was resurrected and in 1976 Dairy Farms 450 litres / hectare / day a steering committee, supported by the riding mem- Sheep and Beef 250 litres / hectare / day ber for Kaharoa Russell McCullough, promoted to the Rotorua County Council the rich farming potential of Engineering Design Kaharoa if sufficient water could be provided. This The main design criteria of the scheme was that it project has been pivotal in developing Kaharoa’s pro- operated on a “steady flow” basis, i.e. the water enti- ductivity and its emergence as a successful and pro- tlement for a property was delivered through a restric- ductive farming district. tor for 24 hours of the day. There was no provision to The original Kaharoa rural water scheme, drawing wa- allow on-demand drawing of water by any property. ter from the Hamurana Springs, was commissioned The reticulation was designed to meet the ultimate in 1980. The water was pumped up to a 100,000 gal- daily demand of the respective mixed sheep and cattle, lon concrete reservoir on Te Waerenga Road and then and dairy farms, and to adequately meet the require- largely gravity fed, apart from the Roy Road and La- ments of the consumers at that time. The key reasons goon Road pumping stations. The original scheme for this design was to keep the pipe sizes down, to supplied 44 properties covering an area of 6,530 ha reduce the cost. consisting mainly of sheep and beef farming with some dairying, reaching properties as far as Kapukapu Road A mandatory requirement of a steady flow system was and across the Mangapouri Gorge to Dudley Road. that the flow to each property was delivered through a flow restrictor and the property had on-site storage to The scheme has been extended twice, in 1984 and 1988. collect that daily entitlement of water. The total area covered by the scheme is now 7,639 ha. Flow control orifices of the appropriate sizes were to The initial scheme met the economic criteria of the be fitted at each supply point to ensure that design time and qualified for the maximum (50%) Rural Wa- flows were not exceeded and that minimum design ter Supply Subsidy. The first extension contained a pressures were sustained in all parts of the system. proportion of smaller hobby lifestyle blocks. It also included a oversized portion of main pipe to provide The primary scheme storage, a 100,000-gallon concrete some measure of emergency back-up supply to the reservoir, had capacity equal to twelve hours of the Ngongotaha reservoir. This part of the scheme attract- ultimate daily demand of the original scheme, and ed a subsidy of 35% for a Rural Water Supply scheme. secondary (on-farm) storage by consumers was ex- The second extension did not attract any Government pected to provide a further 12 hours to a total of 24 subsidy. hours storage. Water allocation schedules were prepared at the be- Being a farm supply, no provision was made in the ginning of the scheme and the two extensions. These reticulation or the pumps to cater for fire flows. allocations were calculated according to the land use Original Area and the area of a block. Each prospective consumer had to pay a capital contribution in lieu of the water In 1977 the pre-construction estimate of cost for the in- allocation to the property. itial proposal was $400.000 and was based on Capital Works Funding by way of a rate struck on Land Value. The scheme policy regarding subdivisions is that The proposed funding being: when a farm block was subdivided, the water to the new subdivided lot would be from the allocation to Govt. Subsidy (50%) $200,000 the parent block. This method of redistributing the Loan (50%) $200,000 water allocations among the subdivided lots was to $400,000 retain the same water demand within the system.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 63 KAHAROA WATER

This proposal collapsed when some ratepayers within the area obtained a Court judgment, which upheld their objection to the Loan, in that they had adequate and sufficient water supplies on-farm and would not benefit from the proposed public scheme. Their properties were excluded from the proposed Special Rating Area. The proposal was restarted when an alternative funding method of direct capital contribution, based on area and water allocation (according to whether farm was dairy or sheep and beef) met with sufficient approval to make the scheme viable. A proportion of objectors to the original loan agreed to join under the new funding arrangements, and a further three farms on the periphery were added. A view inside the the reservoir, taken in April 1980. The Rotorua County Council agreed to allocate $50,000 of funds (which would normally have been spent on inputs in accord with an approved Ministry of Works roading improvements in the Kaharoa District over scale. one year) to the scheme. The scheme was completed in 1980 at a cost of $507.000. Based on the previous October 1977 estimate, the fund- The final funding mix was: ing mix then became: Govt. Subsidy (50%) $200,000 Govt. Subsidy (50%) $253,500 Council Subsidy (50%) $ 50,000 Ratepayers Contributions (39.8%) $202,033 Participating Properties (37½%) $150,000 Rotorua District Council (10.2%) $ 51,467 $400,000 $507,000 Capital Contributions / Water Allocations Based on a total supply are of 6530 ha (including 577 ha non participating) the unit scheme cost per ha was: $77.64. Each prospective consumer had to pay a capital contribution towards the cost of installing the scheme. The First Extension capital contribution was related to the water allocation that a particular consumer was entitled to. Within a short period after the commissioning of the scheme, Council were receiving requests for wa- By splitting the required $150,000 amongst the con- ter supply in the Hamurana area and in the Jackson firmed participating ratepayers, the following contri- - Central Roads areas. This led to the “1st extension” bution scale was derived: in 1985/86. These extensions also included proper- Dairy Farm (450 l/ha/day) $50 per Ha ties along the Hamurana ‘bluff’ and were serviced by gravity from Kaharoa. The work in this extension Sheep & Beef Farm (250 l/ha/day) $28 per Ha comprised reticulation only. The area serviced com- Lifestyle Blocks: < 20 ha (450 l/ha/day) $75 per Ha prised 829 ha (gross). (min $200.00) Small Block: 0 - 1 ha (1,140 l/day) $125 Funding and Costs Small Block: 1 - 2 ha (1,575 l/day) $175 Capital contributions from the participants and a Gov- ernment Subsidy of 35% funded the extension. Again, Running costs of the scheme were calculated. A charge there were a few property owners who did not wish per 1000 litres of metered supply was set and was sub- to join and were not forced to do so. Part of the cost, ject to annual review. $37,250, did not qualify for subsidy, because it applied Construction and Final Costs to the over-sizing of the principal main along Jackson Road. The oversized main linked down Central Road Work commenced in 1979 with the purchase of mate- to the Ngongotaha Reservoir to provide an emergency rials. The reservoirs and pump house were built by connection between the two supplies. contract. The reticulation was constructed using contributions of labour supplied by many of the farmers, The initial estimated cost was: $215,000 with a Council employed Clerk of Works providing The final completed cost was: $268,836 the necessary organisation and supervision. Trench- ing machines were hired from local Contractors at The unit cost per ha construction cost was: $324.29 hourly rates but other machinery, including operators, The unit cost per ha capital contribution cost was: $ 61.25 for backfilling and reinstatement were hired from the farmers. Farmers received credits for plant and labour

64 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA WATER

Capital Contribution Formula The properties in the ﬁrst extension area were substantially different in character and size than the original area comprising a majority of lifestyle blocks. Some 36% of properties were under 5 ha, 57% under 10 ha, and 88% under 20 ha. The original formula would have produced anomalies if it were applied in this situation. A new formula that progressively increased the unit contribution on blocks less than 20 ha was evolved as below:

First ha (minimum 1 ha) Unit contribution x 10 Next 1 - 2 ha x 5 Next 2 - 4 ha x 2.5 Next 4 - 10 ha x 2.0 Next 10 - 20 ha x 1.5 Next 20 ha plus x 1.0

Second Extension In 1988, Council received a petition for water supply from residents in Fleming Road and the adjoining section of Oturoa Road, which consisted of a majority of, blocks in the 4-6 ha range. Laying the lines for the water scheme, July 1979. This extension was taken off the main trunk in Central Road, then down Sharp Road, across the un-bridged cleaning the teacher’s car-cum school bus. In addition, Awahou Stream into Fleming Road, on into Oturoa the livestock grazed by the school committee required Road, and supplies an area of 280 ha. water. The school closed briefly several times, for up Again, a number of properties in the area did not wish to three days, before a 3,000-gallon storage tank with to join and the initial contributions permitted the re- an electric pump was installed to collect roof rainwa- ticulation only to be built. It was intended to complete ter in November 1959. This did not solve the school the reservoir storage when the greater percentage of water problems. the contributions was received. For a number of years it was recorded that “the first The scaling of the contributions for the extension was real rain for weeks relieves serious water shortages as for the first extension. at the school and residence”. It is recorded on at least three occasions between 1972 and 1978 that water had The unit cost per ha construction cost $334.55 to be trucked in to the school for both general and The unit cost per ha for the capital contribution was $113.24 swimming pool use. Water was also a problem at the schoolhouse in dry The number of properties supplied by 1997 was 255, summers. This problem was fixed by running a long many of these lifestyle blocks, subdivisions of the plastic hose that siphoned the water from the school original properties and dairy conversions that caused reservoir, across the road and into the schoolhouse demand which exceeded supply. In 1998 all proper- tank. ties were fitted with flow restrictors that caused insuf- The school and school house were connected to the ficient water at peak times for many consumers. Stor- Kaharoa Water Scheme 1979. Senior pupils present- age tanks (as was a requisite in the original scheme) ed a model including maps, photographs and taped were installed on many properties to ensure adequate interviews with people connected to the Scheme at a supply. This requirement continues today. Language and Arts exhibition at Kaitao Intermediate School that year. School Water Prior to the Kaharoa Water Scheme the school was re- liant on its water supply from a neighboring farmer’s bore. In the late 1950’s there were difficulties with this ar- rangement, as water was hard to source and a proper agreement on supply had not been drawn up. Water was used not only by the school and pupils but also for

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 65 KAHAROA HALL Kaharoa Hall

The first 60 years of the Kaharoa Hall is well documented in the 75th Jubilee book. To recap: in April 1923 a meeting of settlers formed the Kaharoa Public Hall Society and set about building the original Hall, largely by voluntary labour, which was opened in June 1925. The Society was inactive from 1934 to 1943, the depression years, but still managed to raise sufficient funds to pay the rates. In 1945 the hall was re-piled by donations Almost all of Kaharoa’s residents turned out for the official opening of the new from local residents and re-opened Kaharoa Hall in 1971 in 1946 to coincide with the welcome home for returned servicemen of the district. School Fancy Dress Parties were held to help with priority given to those who The new Hall was valued at $45,000 raise funds for both the Hall and were current financial members but had been built for $17,000 due the School funds. of the Hall society - a nominal fee to community effort. Subscrip- of $5 per annum. For the commit- tions were increased in 1970 from tee this hard work was rewarded the original 2/6d to $2.00 for sen- in seeing the debt repaid by 1976, iors and $1.00 for junior members. after which tables, chairs and other There was an active Youth Club equipment were purchased for the who assisted with fund raising. Hall. One of the first functions in the new Hall was the wedding reception In 1980 the hall was connected to for Alan and Chris (nee Wright) the new Kaharoa Water Scheme, Scott. Social evenings were held to which eased problems of water raise funds to repay the bank loan. supply. While these proved popular with Over the earlier years the Hall So- local residents, they also attracted ciety was in debt on four occasions. groups of “gatecrashers” to the Each time the community voted Len Fleming was a member on district, to the point where in early unanimously against giving con- both the Hall Society and School 1972 Bay of Plenty Security Patrol trol to the County Council which Committees and strongly support- were employed to maintain order. would have seen landowners rated ed Hall Society donations for the A change in the Hall Society Com- to cover the Hall costs. Residents building of the first swimming pool mittee came in 1973, which by coin- rallied to provide the necessary and tennis court at the school. cidence, was the 50th Anniversary funding to keep ‘control’ of the By 1964 the Hall was in need of of the formation of the original Hall Hall within the Society. such major repairs that a build- Society. Under the Chairmanship By1981 the challenge was faced ing fund for a new hall was com- of Richard Wiles and a committee again to raise funds to maintain the menced. However, on 8 April 1967 of eight, a 50th Jubilee Ball was or- Hall. In August 1982 an extra or- hall accidentally burnt down. ganised for June 1973 followed by dinary meeting of the Hall Society Under the direction of Cyril Miles, another social in October. was held under the Chairmanship Athol Reeves, Len and Gloria The following years saw theme of Don McGowan to discuss gifting Fleming, Jack Florey, and Gary dances in both March and Octo- the Kaharoa Hall to the Rotorua Langridge, with local donations ber with the big Ball held in June. District Council, due to increased of $4,661, a Golden Kiwi grant of These were successful beyond ex- running costs and no guarantee $3,000, a debenture from Westpac pectation, drawing people from that the Society would continue to Bank and many hours of voluntary well beyond the Kaharoa district, receive grants as in the past. De- labour the new concrete block Hall with the 200 tickets initially sold spite some strong opposition this with a heart Matai floor was built. soon limited to 180 to ensure there was agreed to, however the formal It was officially opened 17 April was plenty of room for dancing. process did not conclude for a frus- 1971 with an overdraft of $ 4,781. There were waiting lists for tickets trating 18 months. Ownership was

66 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA HALL transferred to the Council, but the night or two, games and quiz eve- Hall Society committee continue to nings and liqueur and wine tasting be responsible for the day to day evenings. The Badminton Club running and hireage of the Hall. and Kaharoa School are still the two most regular users of the hall The Hall has continued to be a cen- today. The children are able to en- tre-piece of the District for meet- joy indoor sporting, art and drama ings, social and educational func- activities and displays in the hall. tions, being used as a classroom when the school roll was larger In 2004 the Kaharoa Community than the classrooms available. It Association (KCA) initiated dis- serves as a centre-piece for education – Sunday School, dressmaking, Did you know? yoga, First Aid Courses; for social The 50th Anniversary Hall Ball grown substantially and with an interaction through indoor bowls, Supper cost $1.95 per person for enthusiastic and bigger committee, badminton, table tennis, cards, dis- ham off the bone, roast poultry, things are happening. Working co dancing as well as a venue for roast pork, curried beef & rice, bees have cleared and replanted weddings and celebrations. oysters, cheerio’s, savoury eggs, Hall gardens in keeping with the club sandwiches, bread & butter, The Hall committee over the years Domain and School frontage. tea & coffee. has continued to organise ‘Wel- Quarterly meetings are held with come In’ functions for new resi- the mayor and councillors to dis- dents and to farewell those leav- cussion with the Kaharoa Hall So- cuss local issues raised by the coming as farms and staff changed. ciety to consider amalgamation of munity. Recent topics have includ- Fundraising functions such as the the two committees. With the Do- ed road safety, rates, water quality annual Ball, themed family dance main now established it was felt and the threat of a youth prison be- nights, Rock n Roll, Country Hoe one united group would best serve ing built in our midst. the community. Downs, Scottish Country and Old As Jean Branson noted in the 75th Time dances, a Bavarian Beer Hall At a combined AGM in April 2006 Jubilee Book this history may read the ‘Kaharoa Public Hall Society as a continual struggle for the Dis- One year, a huge auction was held Incorporated’ and the ‘Kaharoa trict but we should not lose sight at the hall to raise funds for the Community Association’ agreed to of the fact the Hall has been an in- school. Cyril Miles got a dressed form the ‘Kaharoa Community and tegral and central part of the Dis- pig and arrived with it under his Hall Society Incorporated’. The trict for the past 80 years. It will arm, whereupon he was chased key objective is to act as watch dog continue to provide the opportu- around by several of the women on all matters of health and welfare nity for the Kaharoa Community present, including Gloria waving to our community. to grow in strength for many years her trusty old cream can. Membership of the new Society has to come.

The Kaharoa Hall in 1981

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 67 KAHAROA DOMAIN The Domain

In 1996 the Reeve’s property be- side the school and adjacent to the community hall was on the market. Rusty McGowan attended a BOT meeting on another matter and raised the subject of the land for sale, it being of sufficient size to accommodate a full sized rugby field and space for other activities. He put the case that it needed to be bought for the school and community before it passed into private ownership. John Paterson from the Rusty McGowan and John Paterson in front of the sign at the official opening of BOT was delegated to pursue this the Kaharoa Domain. opportunity with Rusty. These men took an option on the contribution from Kaharoa subdi- This initiative represented a strong land to pursue purchase for use as visions. For this reason the com- rural community prepared to en- a public reserve. They called pub- munity felt entitled to support in sure that future generations living lic meeting which local Rotorua developing a Domain for the area. there have appropriate amenities. District Councillors were invited Following lengthy negotiations In March 2002 a ceremony attended to attend. Rusty went directly to between RDC, the vendor and by official guests, dignitaries and the Mayor Graeme Hall to solicit the KCA funds to purchase the large numbers of the community his support for the venture. The land were approved in October was held. The Domain was blessed idea gained support from the com- 1999. Development funding came by Mita Mohi of Ngati Rangiwewe- munity, RDC and the Ministry of from Rotorua District Council, hi, before RDC Mayor Graeme Hall Education. Ministry of Education (due to in- invited Rusty McGowan and John The Kaharoa Community Associa- sufficient sports area within the Paterson, who initially secured the tion (KCA) was specifically formed school grounds) and the Rotorua land from public sale, to officially to pursue this option. The KCA Energy Charitable Trust. A Deed open the “Kaharoa Domain”. recognised that due to increased of Agreement was signed by the With the original concept com- population growth in the area, three parties involved with the pleted, the possibilities of an even more land was needed for sport Domain project, the KCA, the Ka- better facility for the District and and recreation. By 1996 a 14% pop- haroa School BOT and the Rotorua School was discussed at a meeting ulation growth in the Kaharoa / District Council. of the KCA, Kaharoa School and Hamurana area was recorded and Four years after the initial pro- Kaharoa Tennis Club representa- was continuing to grow at rates posal, in August 2000, the physical tives in August 2002. similar to Auckland and the coast- work to create the Domain com- Initial concept plans were drawn, al Bay of Plenty. menced. Once again the commu- many hours of discussion, includ- A number of well attended public nity members backed this venture ing community consultation and meetings were held with council- with donations of equipment and feedback from prospective fund- lors present and all options were labour – bulldozers, chain saws, ing sources we held before plans tabled and discussed. In light of matches and elbow grease! Trees for Stage ll development were fi- the continued growth anticipated were felled, scrub cleared and the nalised. These plans included: bumps and hollows flattened to by residents, and Council in its 10- • a three court all weather hard create the full sized rugby field, year plan, it was agreed that the court area, maximum available land should safe parking areas and space for be acquired while it was available community activities such as the • a new swimming pool Top Road competition, picnics and A formal application was made • and a pavilion with changing rural school sports days. to the RDC to purchase the land sheds, ablution block and kitch- and establish the “Kaharoa Do- A year later the clearing and earth en facilities. main”. This proposal was declined moving work was complete and It was mid 2004 before initial fund- in March 1997, and deferred for the new sports field was sown in ing to commence this project was consideration until 1998/99. The grass. Planting ornamental trees, available. The overall low level of case was made that the Council’s fencing, chains around the car park funding was a cause for concern Reserve funds contained a high and goal posts had yet to be done. and a fundraising facilitator, Anne

68 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA DOMAIN

Paterson, was appointed in Febru- is with all projects. The Hall Soci- ary 2005 to coordinate fund raising ety and some community members on behalf of the community. The were concerned that a newer hall- major financial backers for this like facility at the school, so close to project are listed on page 15. the existing Hall, would adversely Land ownership became another affect the community hall usage. issue to be dealt with in regards In the final plan the new proposed to funding sources. The Domain pavilion would not duplicate or land, owned by the RDC, sur- compete with Hall usage and ac- rounds the Kaharoa School, which tivities. is on land owned by the Ministry By the end of 2006 Kaharoa Do- of Education and this development main, with the School, now have straddled both land tenures which a wonderful sports field, playing caused some problems with fund- area, car parking facility, tree planting applications from some sourc- ings, three Astroturf courts, and an es. These were eventually worked almost completed new swimming through. pool complex with pavilion with There were some concerns and changing rooms, ablution block challenges along the way, as there and kitchen facilities.

Brian Managh and grandson Jack Ker- shaw taking part in a Top-Road event at the opening day celebrations..

Since the commencement of this project, initially in 1996, then on to Stage ll, many in the community have donated their skills and time working tirelessly to ensure the community has a facility which is widely used and of which they can A group enjoying a picnic tea at the Domain opening in 2002. be justiﬁably proud.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 69 KAHAROA COMMUNITY Community Sports Kaharoa Chicks Senior Netball Kaharoa Senior netball was started in 2003 by a group of sports minded ladies from the Kaharoa Tennis Club. The name “Kaharoa Chicks” was inspired by the Ka- haroa Kokako. On Saturdays they play competitive netball at the Westbrook Netball Complex in Rotorua and practise weekly at the Kaharoa School. Throughout the previous four seasons they have achieved several grade wins, had some fun social A meeting of those interested in forming a tennis club outings and enjoy a cold beer and a packet of chips was held at the school and resulted in the Kaharoa at the Westbrook Tavern after their games. Netball Tennis Club being formed 29 November 1964. Sun- is not a game for sissies; luckily Kaharoa ladies have days were set as the Club Day and regular weekend what it takes. Dedicated players include Sue Schuler, competitions quickly became a feature in the district. Leanne Hale, Anna Jackson, Margaret Armstrong, The ofﬁcial opening of the Tennis Club was com- Jody Wheeler, Sharon Ross, Joanne Wallace, and Kaye memorated with a Yankee Tournament resulting in and Cara Aldridge. wins for Mr Jim & Mrs Joan Bell. Regular players included the Tomblesons, Flemings, Bransons and the Dickinsons. Kaharoa Tennis Club The school had a hard tennis court from the 1930s, to which repairs were made in 1954. However, prior to the 1960s tennis was predominantly played around the district on private courts, such as the grass court owned by the Tomblesons on Kapukapu Road.

The School Committee of 1963 / 1964 worked hard on creating a tennis court at the front of the school and swimming pool at the rear. Parent and school committee member Mr Russell Wright drove this project. The incomplete court was in use by October 1963.

Regular tournaments were held at the school court. One tournament well remembered was an “Old Tim- ers” one where the players all wore clothes as worn by players in a bygone era i.e. black skirts and white blouses. Mid week ladies tennis began in 1987.

70 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA COMMUNITY

Above left: Richard Armstrong cutting the cake on Opening Day of the Tennis Club.

The current Kaharoa Tennis Club had its inaugural At the end of 2006 the two asphalt courts were re- AGM on 2 December 1990 when a committee was placed with three Astroturf courts, as part of the school formed and the club name formalised. On 5 Decem- and community sports facility development. ber 1990 the club had its ﬁrst committee meeting and Over the years ongoing co-operation has been main- elected Kaye Aldridge as President, Margaret Arm- tained between the Tennis Club(s) and School Com- strong as Secretary and Joe Jurd as Treasurer. mittees / BOTs to the mutual beneﬁt of both, ensuring Richard Armstrong and George Schuler carried out a good playing surface, courts and surrounds for use extensive earth works on school grounds to level out by both the school and community. an area for two new courts. Next came the asphalt The Kaharoa Tennis Club caters for all levels of play, is surfacing, nets, fencing and gardens. These were built friendly and family orientated and always welcomes through voluntary labour, grants, donations, and sub- new members. scriptions. In 1994 the tennis club and school erected a new vol- leyball concrete base and wall at a shared cost of $3162 for children to practise on. The tennis courts were resurfaced in 1995, which was a challenging time for the committee. While inclem- ent weather held up the re-sealing of the courts, it was all completed in time for commencement of the new season. In January 1996 the old school library was re-sited and turned into a Community Room, which provided club room facilities for the tennis club. The tennis club replaced decking and re-painted it to match the rest of the school. It is still used today both by the tennis club and as a teaching area by the school. A present day view of the tennis courts. The Club draws its members from the community, including the Hamurana and Ngongotaha areas. Over the past decades there has always been a dedicated core group of members to run the club. The club has organised numerous working bees to maintain the courts, had lots of fun and enjoyed social occasions. The club organised playing days, business house competitions, professional coaching for senior and junior players, club visits, ladder competitions, ball machine usage and annual club championships. The top male players have been Dini Mohi and David Reeves, with Sue Schuler, Kaye Aldridge and Marga- ret Armstrong as the top female players.

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 71 KAHAROA COMMUNITY Hamurana Playcentre Hamurana Playcentre is a place for children (and adults) in the Hamu- rana/Kaharoa district to learn and have fun. The original centre was at the end of Kaska Rd, but was fairly run down so some of the local farmers were approached to see if a piece of land could be secured. Mr Les McFetridge happily donated some land on Tauranga Direct Rd, and it grew from there. The buildings and grounds were all built and developed by the parents of the children who attended the centre. Around eight families built the main structure in 1981 in true country style, using spare timber and windows from around the there were after-school sessions of- there. There is always patience and district. Grahame Hall, who was fered for children and parents who smiles when one of the Playcentre’s patron at the time, opened the new needed to get back to their roots. little ones is seen chasing wayward centre, and it began to operate with Hamurana Playcentre has a great lambs through the judging rings, two sessions a week. This devel- relationship with Kaharoa School. or running the wrong way on ath- oped into two parent-help sessions Playcentre mums and children are letics day. and one supervised session. always welcome in the new en- “The friendships and community The families involved with the trant class (sometimes mums turn bonding at Playcentre are strong Playcentre were very social and up with four year olds, and babies and I believe is a contributing did lots of great fund raising events in tow for Sue Schuler to squeeze reason for the awesome PTA and to help buy equipment. There were into the classroom). The Playcentre community spirit Kaharoa School the Christmas Funny-money gam- mirrored the big events of school, has. Congratulations on 100 years bling nights, Roman toga dances such as flower and Lamb/calf and of schooling Kaharoa.” and odd bits of catering. The funds chicken Days, then they would Viv Fisk & Carol Dean raised from these events all helped toddle up to school and join in to set the centre on its feet. While the funding of Playcentres has changed, a good social life has been kept up, following the example of Garden Circle those founding members. Through the years there have been some The Kaharoa Garden Circle was In 1967 when the hall burnt great gatherings for all at the New formed in 1959/60 by nine local down the group amalgamated Year, Guy Fawkes and Christmas. women from Kaharoa to Oturoa with the Hamurana Garden Groups have also taken trips to the Road area (including Myrtle Circle, which had subsequently beach and places around town, and Wright, Pat Robertson, Eileen been formed. From then they to promote the all-important adult McFetridge, Edna Backhouse, met at members homes. Trips bonding, there have been nights of Joan Bell, Meryl Dalziell, Mollie to visit other gardens were in- dancing on tables, pool competi- McGowan, Francie Olsen, Mrs creasingly organised. tions, and raucous singing. Christie). Many of the ladies of Kaharoa Although the Playcentre has had These ladies met monthly at the have participated in one or an- its low and slow times, the com- Kaharoa Hall where they had other Garden Club over the past munity has always rallied to keep floral competitions and a sales five decades. They were and still it as a hub of the community. At table of plants. This was also an are a wonderful opportunity to one stage through the 1990s there important and enjoyable social share in the joys and fruits of were 45 families and 20 children outing for these ladies. gardening while enjoying social attending the extended kindy ses- contact and outings. sions with seven sessions a week! As children moved on to school,

72 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA COMMUNITY Kaharoa Kokako Trust

The Kaharoa Kokako Trust was Track”, track maintenance pro- kokako. It works through speaking established in 1997 after local resi- gramme that will encourage a engagements in schools, service dents became aware that the De- greater participation and apprecia- groups, tramping clubs. Kaharoa partment of Conservation (DOC) tion of the Kaharoa Conservation School is an ‘Enviroschool’ and ac- was to discontinue pest control Area. tively uses the Kaharoa Forest Area work in the Kaharoa Conservation Landrover Enthusiasts Club (Ro- and kokako activities for education Area due to lack of funding. When torua Region) members restored purposes. pest control ceased, the numbers of and donated a Landrover to the The Kaharoa Kokako Trust has kokako declined rapidly. To ensure Trust for use. On designated work- helped the Puketi Trust in North- the survival of the tiny remnant days their club members also land in its objective to re-establish colony in Kaharoa, immediate ac- provide an important transporta- kokako in Puketi Forest by sup- tion was necessary. tion role for volunteers working plying female chicks to Mauimua In 1997 there were only 26 kokako throughout the forest. (Lady Alice) Island which will be known to be in area, compared to A shelter with information panels used to eventually breed birds for over 160 identiﬁed in the census at the end of Kapukapu Road was release in Puketi Forest. completed in late 2006. opened by the Minister of Conser- The Kaharoa Kokako Trust has re- With funding from Environment vation, the Hon. Chris Carter in ceived numerous awards in recog- Bay of Plenty’s (EBOP) Environ- 2003. It is used as a staging point for nition of its conservation work. mental Enhancement Fund (EEF), and others, the original track and bait station network has beenten- upgraded and extended. The total area now covered by this network is over 800 ha, including the Onaia West and Onaia East Blocks. Through funding applications, grants and donations the Trust, with assistance from DOC and EBOP, have managed an annual pest control programme. Trust members and volunteers, both local and from the greater Rotorua area, provide the manpower needed to lay pre-feed and toxins. Since the Trust began its pest control operations, the overall health of the forest has improved enormous- the volunteers during the Trust’s Children from Kaharoa School “kokako ly, which is evident in the growing work activities. The large display spotting” in 1987. numbers of kokako and other bird panels provide information to the species, (i.e. robins, tomtits, white- public about the kokako in the ad- heads, kereru and tui) that are now jacent forest. present in the area. A strong sense of community spirit Flocks of up to 50 tui have been and pride has been achieved by seen in the spring and kaka have the community actively pulling been in the forest on a more regu- together for a common objective of lar basis over the past 3-4 years. saving the kokako. Over the years DOC ecologists report that vegeta- the Trust has encouraged and tion has also noticeably improved, achieved commitment from neigh- particularly ground cover and low- bouring landowners to undertake level shrubs, and there is a marked their own pest control in the buffer reduction in the amount of tree areas surrounding the Kaharoa mortality due to possum browse. Forest. Volunteers also are now also in- The Trust also facilitates educa- volved in an ongoing “Adopt a tional opportunities about the

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 73 KAHAROA COMMUNITY Community Memories

Excerpts from Harry Bimler’s writings Received from Helen Beauﬁll

Harry Bimler’s grandparents first bought land near In 1949 Charlie and Nora (aka Cecil) Hindrup bought Kaharoa but after fifteen years of hard work, did not 620 acres of scrub and native bush from Jack Brosnick, earn sufficient to pay the rates and eventually the situated between Len Fleming and his brother Jack on government repossessed the land. Today it is all in Kaharoa Road. pine forest. The Hindrups lived in a whare with their four children Their daughter and her husband Ernie Bimler were Helen, Emily, Ruth, and baby Raymond, while timber more successful. They purchased and broke in 160 (Rimu) was felled and sawn to build a house. (Jen- acres of fern and broom-covered country to establish nifer, Leonie, John, Mary and Penelope arrived later) a successful dairy farm between Central, Jackson and There was no electricity or telephone and all cooking Douglas Roads. They sold this farm in 1953. In 2007 it was done on a coal range. is a fashionable lifestyle block area. The farm was broken in slowly using draught horses Young Harry Bimler was keen on hunting and used for discing, ploughing, harrowing and seed sowing. to wag school. He left at age 15 and continued hunt- A lot of seed and fertiliser was sown by hand, from ing rabbits, ferrets, stoats, hedgehogs and weasels for a sack hung over the shoulders. As the children grew bounty but having left school, he now had to pay tax. older they all learned to drive the horses. They also Eventually with some forgery of Harry’s parent’s sig- had their own ponies which they used to ride around nature to state he was 18 years rather than 15 years the farm and go to school. Later, the children rode old, he was taken on as a deer culler in the 1950s. Ini- their horses to catch the bus to High School on Te tially on foot, Harry shot and skinned deer for 7/6 a Waerenga Road, leaving their horses at Johnson’s and skin or 5/- a tail. Skins increased slowly in value and Unsworth’s for the day. the carcasses became saleable. Harry modified his Eventually tractors were used and fertiliser sown from BSA Bantam motorbike to carry three deer carcasses the air using their own airstrip on the farm. The family at a time. continued doing all their own fencing, from digging Ultimately venison and live deer recovery became big the holes to making the gates. The children learnt all business, with packhorses, jet boats, aeroplanes and these tasks. finally helicopters. Harry did it all! They ran sheep and cattle dry stock, which competed Increasingly he looked for quality, which led him into for the grass with the wild deer and pigs. Facial ec- both trophy hunting and eventually deer farming in zema was a challenge, as there was little information 1961. on how to treat the suffering sheep at the time. On one trip in the late 1950s, Harry shot a hind about to Cecil used to shear the sheep using hand blades until calf. Having cut out the ‘slinkie’ to skin later, it seemed electricity became available. The older children were so active that he took it back to camp to see if he could promptly taught to crutch and shear, as well as how to keep it alive. ‘Herbie’ lived with Harry for the next do wool handling. Cecil nearly died of poliomyelitis 4 months while Harry went out to shoot as many of and was in an iron lung for some time. Charlie was Herbie’s relatives as possible. Herbie was saved for a very keen on dog trialling and competed regularly. life of breeding instead. Ruth (Coleman) taught at the school. Her children Harry and Colleen Bimler have farmed on the corner Bob, Jo-ann, Ted and Tina attended Kaharoa School. of Tauranga Direct, Jackson and Te Waerenga Roads Helen (Beaufill) & Jennifer (Douglas) still live in Ka- for 35 years. In 2007 they farm Fallow Sika and Rusa haroa. Helen & Steve’s children Julie and Graham deer and have made full use of genetic techniques to attended Kaharoa School, as do now Graham and grow bigger deer with better bloodlines. Tracey’s children. Sarah and Bailey Beaufill, who are During this time these entrepreneurs have traded in 3rd generation Hindrup and 4th generation Beaufill deer and bred various species. respectively. Harry Bimler was the first person in NZ to export live deer.

74 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA COMMUNITY

Excerpts from Gloria Fleming’s writings Winston started school in 1966 following his four older sisters. The schoolteacher drove the school bus, a When Len Fleming first came to Kaharoa, fridges were small Bedford van. There was an annual trip to the unheard of and visitors always went away loaded beach but no school camps in those days. When Win- with meat. In 1936/37 over 200 wild pigs were shot on ston left Kaharoa School in 1973, there were two class- his property. There was a small dairy factory near the rooms and 28 pupils. corner of Kaharoa and Penny Roads. As a child, Winston remembers he and his sisters do- Len’s wife, Gloria remembers her introduction to Ka- ing the daily milking of Shorthorn cows; working on haroa in the early 1950’s as quite a shock. the farm cutting firewood and battens; and spending A bush lane with one set of tyre marks, led to the farm, summers chopping down ragwort. They all worked situated toward the end of Kaharoa Road. Initially, hard and would go out of the district about five times Len didn’t allowGloria to milk the house cow and a year to visit relations. asked her to keep out of sight as the cow “hadn’t seen Winston became an avid possum hunter from the a lass since his mother left.” late 70s and, over the years, estimates having shot As time went on Gloria helped milk the cows, and lit over 7,000. The sale of the skinned and dried pelts the copper for hot water, as power was not connected provided a good income. Over the years Winston until late in 1955. Gloria still cooked on her Orion coal has worked locally for a logging company, hay baling range, which also heated the water, until shortly be- contractors, fencing on various properties and assist- fore her death in early 2007. She remembered tennis ing on the home farm before taking responsibility for courts on the corner of Kaharoa and Kapukapu Roads, it. He followed his father in cutting bush for firewood which were used often for tournaments. and then developing the land. In 1995 he bought the On the farm Len split over 1,000,000 fence battens and first ever tractor for the farm and wondered after that hundreds of tons of firewood for sale to Beaumont’s how he ever got by without one. and Matt Henderson & Co, Ngongotaha. In 1987 Winston Fleming built a bush camp at “Picnic Len and Gloria’s first two daughters were taught by Point” on his farm and fenced off 75 acres of pristine correspondence for two years as Kaharoa School was native bush. This was home to both kiwi and kokako, closed. (1949-1953). There were only a few families in which he wanted to protect. He commenced a pro- the district and everyone worked together wonder- gramme to eliminate all the introduced pests in this fully. The school reopened and things went ahead. area that were damaging it, pigs, goats, opossums. He Picnics were held at Maketu and school trips were in- was the first farmer in NZ to do this and place a Queen teresting. Elizabeth II Trust Covenant on that land. Rotorua Sea Scouts used part of the farm for their Winston is an experienced guide, hunter, bush poet Land Base training and collected fresh milk from the and conservationist, who loves the bush, with its wide shed each day. variety of trees, shrubs, birds and wildlife. He enjoys sharing and showing it to others, often through his Len was always very involved with the Kaharoa Hall own poetry. Winston began his “Kiwi Outback” tourist Society and served as chairman, treasurer or commit- venture in 1990. It is increasingly popular but Winston tee member for over 24 years. Gloria and Len always does not want too many visitors as it would spoil this provided milk for hall functions in a cream can. unique environmental experience and be damaging to the natural environment. A feature is the Bum tree with its natural ‘bottom’ like formation, which always When invitations read: gives visitors a good laugh and photo opportunity. “Would ladies please bring a plate and gentlemen Winston now has a number of formally retired bush refreshments appropriate to the occasion.” reserves on his property. He works in conjunction with DOC and EBOP to eliminate pests and weeds such as wild pines, and Woolly Nightshade. There is still the need to control the forever-invading possum and rat populations to ensure the survival of the 38 species of native plants and the kiwi, kokako, tui, bellbird, robins, grey warblers, moreporks, whiteheads, tomtits and hawks that can be heard or found. Excerpts from Winston Fleming’s memories Winston’s long term commitment to preserving the natural environment on his sheep, deer and cattle farm Winston, Gloria & Len’s only son, remembers his via his conservation activities and tourist venture are first pig hunting trip at the age of four years, with fa- fully supported by Environment BOP . ther, Len. They walked for miles and got their pig. When it was gutted Winston mistook the intestine for sausages!

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 75 KAHAROA COMMUNITY

Received from Jenni McGowan, pupil 1970s

In 1962 Gordon and Molly McGowan bought 820 acres on the corner of Kaharoa and Penny Roads: rolling hillsides, shingle roads, barberry hedges, a couple of rickety sheds and an old country home. This dry stock farm was later divided into two and farmed by their two sons Rusty (and Wendy) and Donald (and Trish). Their seven children Desiree, Graeme, Jennifer, Murray, Emily, Andrea and Robert, attended Kaha- roa School between 1980 and 1997. A great grandson , Jared, attended the school in 2006. Jennifer recalls her memories of the school: The headmaster Richard Thompson and his wife Judy drove the school bus with their corgi, Sarvo, coming for the ride. Sarvo also attended school most days! Gordon McGowan (Pop) As the roll increased, the need for a larger bus came. We went from a little bus, to a bigger blue bus and Leaving Kaharoa School wasn’t easy. Most of us went later still to a bigger green bus that seemed huge to use to Western Heights High School, which was a huge children. Bus driving duties were the responsibility of place in comparison to our sheltered little country Taff Butler by then. school. Not too many of us had seen so many people in the same place all at once. It was the small things that were exciting. The school didn’t have a heated swimming pool until about 1988 Rusty and Wendy still have the farm on Penny / Ka- when a Marshall heater was installed. Before that we haroa Road corner and Kaharoa Road running past just had to be tough, get in and swim fast! the farm is still not tar sealed. It’s good to see some things haven’t changed too much! Inter-school sports days were a buzz. We competed with Whangamarino, Mamaku, Lake Rotokawa and Lake Rotoma schools. It was a chance to get away from school for the day, wear our bright yellow school T-shirts and as a bonus, have our parents provide transport. Lamb and calf day was a major competition and event. Did you know? Children who won a section on the Kaharoa School Brian Managh, with the support of the incumbent day got to go to Group Day, where all the rural schools North Riding Ward Councillor, Mr Russ McCullough, competed with their best against one another. You stood for council in 1977. His opponent was Mr were the greatest if you got to go to group day! Parents Grahame Hall and a brisk campaign ensued, both often worked harder than the children to make sure men being widely respected and well supported by the lambs could lead and were brushed properly. their constituents. In Form 1 & 2 we got to go to Mokoia Intermediate for It was a close fought election, with Brian finishing manual training – our big opportunity to learn cook- on the night with a 13-vote majority. With a recount ing, metalwork, woodwork and sewing. Back then it on Monday, the result was declared a draw. This was was not unusual for most homes to have a pillowcase then followed by a magisterial recount required that a child had made. Something to be treasured, not by the chief returning officer. Again the result was thrown out! declared to be a draw, with the final outcome then In winter, once a week, we could order pies for lunch being determined on the toss of a coin. Brian lost – this was a big thing because usually the only time the toss and Grahame Hall went onto become the we got to buy lunch was if it was your Mum’s turn to Mayor of Rotorua. take a carload of children to Ngongotaha School to the Dental Clinic. At busy times on the farm like docking and shearing some children did stay away from school to help out. When I was first at school there was no receptionist/ secretary. The seniors would be rostered to answer the phone, take messages, do staffroom duty after breaks, or even get a box of matches to go and light the incin- erator. It didn’t matter that we came back into class stinking of smoke!

76 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 KAHAROA COMMUNITY

Anne Paterson’s memories of the Kaharoa community: Remember two exuberant teenage boys – Max and We arrived in Kaharoa near the end of 1992 with sons George – surnames withheld - how they did wheelies Sam (10) and Robbie (6). October is not a good time in their car on the newly laid tar seal in front of the to be changing schools. However the school staff ad- newly built Hall, and then had to appear before the dressed each boy’s development and growth needs. Hall Committee for a real dressing down and $20.00 This was in common with all the children, whether ex- reimbursement. tension or remedial work was required. Acting Princi- pal Sue Schuler and teachers Merrin James & Shirley Collins require special mention for that first 10 weeks but our friendship remains unchanged. The cuisine in at the end of 1992. The school was only about 80 chil- some Kaharoa homes equals or surpasses town restau- dren and everyone knew who we were. Taff Butler rants. waved to everyone and knew every vehicle that regularly drove on her bus route. We were very pleased I remember Top Road competitions on the new Do- to become part of this friendly, family principles and main with games involving leaking containers of wa- values community. ter or sand and children verbally guiding blindfolded adults adding to the laughs and setting the scene for a The boys soon participated in all activities – in fact happy BBQ evening with the band ‘A Touch of Irish’ the advantage of a small school is that everyone par- playing from a truck (involving teacher Rob Powley). ticipated in everything. This was demonstrated when Rob decided they should all be playing cricket. The Overall we have found Kaharoa a great place to live principal, Mr Thompson, only had to find the resourc- and a place that our boys happily return to for holi- es to buy the sports gear! Similarly when Mr Thomp- days. son introduced boys’ basketball, all the boys got court time regardless of ability. My huisband John started driving the school bus, for Taff Butler, soon after we arrived. In those years, I was always known by two very important titles ’Sam & Robbie’s mother’ and ’The bus driver’s wife’. John always appreciated the small gifts and thank you notes, In February 1980 Gordon Branson woke to find from families using the service. thieves stealing petrol from his farm tank, just after There are various ways to participate in one’s com- midnight. He gave chase and although the thieves munity and take a turn at supporting it. They are all threw drums at his pursuing vehicle, the three culprits fun. My time on the Hall Committee invokes memo- were apprehended and subsequently convicted. ries of dressing as a German maid (oops matron) for Concurrently they were convicted of other petrol the beer fests and freezing strawberries in ice for the thefts from the local bus company, Reesby’s who still glass of champagne that guests received on arriving operate in Rotorua District. at one ball. There was the year Annette Runciman made hundreds of cardboard butterflies for the Spring Ball. I also remember a number of Christmas time ‘Welcome In and Farewell’ BBQs.

In earlier years the Annual Welcome and Farewell function was held in June to coincide with the change of share-milkers, when there was a gap in the milking regimes.

The annual auction events involved barbequing sausages for hours, making apple jelly or fudge to sell and just going along to enjoy it. John’s involvement with the Kokako Trust has and still involves several weekends a year clearing tracks, loading bait stations and clearing unused baits, as well as working within the Trust team. He took his turn on the BOT and spent a couple of summers maintaining the school pool. The community friendships are precious. Close friends may move to Australia or town or just down the road

THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 77 78 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007 79 80 THE HISTORY OF KAHAROA 1907 – 2007