We invite you to take part!
Your support - in any form - helps to revive the building as a community space.
Why Restore?
The Former Kurow School, built in 1881, sits on reserve land in the residential area of Kurow, Waitaki Valley, North Otago. Due to unclear ownership, the building has not received regular maintenance for more than twenty years.
Weatherboards are deteriorating, many windowpanes are broken, and pigeons have taken residence in the roof space.
Inside, much of the original character remains intact and in stable condition, yet significant remediation is required to make the building safe, usable, and welcoming for the community.
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The school is recognised for its value and was registered as a Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand in 1986.
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The restoration project will allow the Former Kurow School to once again become a place for learning, creativity, gathering and local pride.
Restoring
Re-Creating
Reclaiming
HISTORY
Cultural Significance
Built in 1881
One of the only historic buildings in New Zealand with original footprint, form, and construction fully documented and unchanged.
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The building’s evolution reflects the history of the region.
Within five years of opening, a growing numbers of young families led to the first extension.
In 1902, overcrowding and poor ventilation contributed to a national health incident involving tuberculosis at the school.
The government responded quickly, funding major extensions and installing a new ventilation system in each wing.
Kurow’s former school remains a vivid reminder of the story of early education, settlement, and community life in the Waitaki Valley.
Construction History
It's footing piles were formed
from local river gravel
& set into timber forms
The school was designed as a modular building by John Sommerville - a historic architect - who oversaw the design of many schools in the late 1880's for the Otago Education Board. ​
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Over time, changes were made to the school in response to community needs.
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Key alterations included:
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Original fireplaces covered & flues added
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Extensions to both wings
(following the 1902 health incident) -
2 exterior doors added - 1904
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Toilet block and septic system installed
(connected to mains in 1993) -
Fireplaces removed / closed over
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A kitchen & mezzanine installed
(during Scout use in 1995) -
Chipboard laid over original timber flooring ​​
Through alterations, the former Kurow School remains largely untouched - and accessible.
The same cannot be said for other Sommerville schools - which have all been converted into private residences, significantly altered, or lost entirely.​​​​
Restoration Plan
Respecting historical integrity
To restore the building to a safe, community-ready state, we are using 1881–1940 as a reference period, reflecting years when the school was actively in use.
The approach is to:
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Retain and repair original material
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Replace only where necessary
(using natural and age-appropriate materials) -
Use “like for like” construction methods / finishes
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Make improvements to safety, accessibility, lighting, energy efficiency & security
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In addition, major works will be needed to remove, repair, and re-install the roof (and vacate the pigeons!), upgrade the kitchen facility, and add a new toilet block.
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South Star School has secured all necessary Resource & additional Consents, and been given the 'all clear' to proceed with the project, guided in this process by the wonderful teams of the Waitaki District Council and Heritage New Zealand.
The restoration will return the former Kurow School to a place for learning, creativity, connection & local pride.
