Jubilee celebrations at Tahakopa School in the Catlins in November were tinged with worry about the 125-year-old primary school’s future, as three of the school’s roll of four children prepared to depart for high school.
At the time, teaching principal Cherie Zoutenbier-Bisset said the changing rural landscape and after-effects of pandemic lockdowns meant the school was struggling for numbers, and could be at risk of closure unless further pupils were found.
Yesterday, Mrs Zoutenbier-Bisset said a combination of media exposure of the school’s predicament and a concerted community effort to promote the school had paid dividends.
A young family were moving into the unused school house adjoining the school, furnishing another two pupils by mid-year, she said.
"We’re delighted and very excited to be welcoming newcomers, both to the district and to the school.
"It would be fair to say we were very concerned and uncertain about what this year would hold for the school and its important place in this community, so there’s a bit of relief there too."
The family had three children, she said.
The eldest would begin this term, and a second later in the year as they reached school age.
Several additional families living both remotely and locally had also made inquiries about enrolment, she said.
"We were inundated with inquiries about the school house after we put it on Trade Me, and we’re still in touch with families that may consider us as an option in due course.
"The community has been incredibly supportive in our drive to attract more pupils, and there are options for jobs down here, accommodation and a warm welcome awaiting any families who might decide to join us."
For many, the appeal of a small, rural school in a beautiful location remained strong.
"A lot of people can appreciate the benefits of the individualised learning we can offer, in a relaxed, community-oriented setting. We’re pretty optimistic looking forward now."
Ministry of Education Hautu Te Tai Runga Nancy Bell said rural schools like Tahakopa remained important to the education system.
"There is no roll threshold that automatically requires a school to consider closure. School rolls fluctuate over time, and we closely monitor them across local school networks and work with schools to make sure, as much as possible, that they remain at an appropriate level."
Ministry officials would visit the school this term to discuss a plan for future enrolments, Mrs Bell said.
