Renovations for Ohakune School

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 526, 8 March 1994, Page 6

Renovations for Ohakune School

While there are major renovations currently underway at the Ohakune Primary School, structurally there will be very little to see - for now. The 'big event' that has teachers planning a "coming down party" is the demolition of the school' s ancient Room 9 that dates backto 1914. The classroom will make way for a brand-new administration block that will essentially be the new entrance to the school. The new block will house the main office, principal' s office, staff room and sickbay. The school' s existing facilities will remain intact and be utilised by visiting teachers or as added storage. Internal renovations to another old clas sroom block (Block 1) are already underway, to bring the structure up to new fire code standards. The successful contractors, a Wanganui firm, began work last week, with the overall cost estimated at

$350,000. History One person saddened by the demise of Room 9 is teacher Moreen Hancock, who spent around 15 years of her teaching career within its walls. Mrs Hancock said the

history of the building goes back to 1914 when it began life as the science lab of the former Ohakune District High School. Of the two other original buildings, one now serves as a hay shed while the other serves as TASCI's headquarters in

Shannon Street. In the 1950's when Mrs Hancock began teaching the room was home for around 60 new entrants. A pot-belly stove that required constant stoking took pride of place as it was the sole source of heating.