Ghost school’s foggy future causes friction

The future of a deserted school in Taihape is unclear and community groups using it for recreation are concerned their stay is limited.

Taihape College sits just to the south of the town, surrounded by steep, hilly farmland. The school closed in 2005, but the 53-year-old arrangement of two-storey blocks continued to be used until late 2009 by its successor, Taihape Area School.

In 2015, the main teaching block was destroyed in a Fire Service training exercise. The remaining gym, hall, library, sports field and tennis courts are now used by at least seven community groups.

Use has been secured for the next 12 months on behalf of the groups by the Rangitikei District Council, which recently secured a licence to occupy. However, the deal can only be renewed month by month after this.

The Ministry of Education owns the land land, but it has passed into the management of the Treaty Settlements Landbank. This means it is earmarked to possibly become part of a settlement package for iwi.

Land Information NZ deputy chief executive of Crown property Jerome Sheppard said the licence to occupy would still be honoured.

But the holding arrangement leaves the community groups’ futures hanging in the balance, Taihape Community Board chairwoman Michelle Fannin says. Many of the groups would struggle to find suitable facilities elsewhere in the town. If the land passed to an iwi group, she hopes to approach them about keeping the facilities available.

Several of the groups need a large space where equipment can be anchored or professionally installed, so it cannot be packed away.

Heather Mcqueen, who runs a dance school from the hall, has about 80 pupils. Without an alternative, closing the school was a possible option, she said. ‘‘At the moment we’re OK, but we don’t know if we’ll be here forever. It’s a concern.’’

Planning and consultation is under way for development of recreational facilities in the area and the Taihape College groups’ needs would likely be considered, council chief executive Ross Mcneil said. Fannin was doubtful the plan would include the large spaces needed.

The 6.8-hectare school site has been valued at $215,000, and the 13.2-hectare adjoining farm that was used by pupils is valued at $220,000, Sheppard said.