A tiny Central Otago school is going into bat for its local hall.

The future of Poolburn Hall - and other halls in the district - hangs in the balance, as the Central Otago District Council seeks feedback on whether to divest them.

Some of the halls need repairs and/or earthquake strengthening and the district council is considering their ongoing maintenance needs and usage.

Poolburn School principal Melissa Gare said the school was calling a meeting to “be positive” and show how many people care about the Poolburn Hall.

The Poolburn Hall (located down the road from the school, and not on school grounds) was “worthwhile keeping” she said.

Poolburn School has a roll of around 40 pupils in Year 0 to 8 and the small rural school has been working to make sure CODC knows how they feel about the hall.

Melissa said one meeting had been held, and another was scheduled for people to share their views and submit feedback online during the Long Term Plan consultation period.

Poolburn School principal Melissa Gare. PHOTO: File 

“We’re meeting at school, where there’s faster internet and we will get everyone in front of a computer to do the form.

“It’s a chance to get together and show a lot of people care about the hall. We’re all on the same page, so we’re getting our submissions in… and then we know we’ve shared how we feel.”

“Some year seven and eight [pupils] are also putting proposals together.”  

The cost to strengthen the Poolburn Hall was given as $377,420 in the December 18 council meeting documentation.  

The rural school is a high user of the hall, for school prizegiving, theatre productions, discos, talent shows and gatherings with large numbers of people. 

Other community groups such as the cricket club and a mums and bubs group also use it.

Melissa said the 2025 school year had got off to a bit of a flyer.

“We’ve been really busy with camp and summer sports, it’s been a great start.”

The next meeting to brainstorm ideas about the hall, and submit feedback online is at Poolburn School on April 3, at 7pm.

The CODC website described the hall as having a maximum capacity of 150 people, comprising a main hall with a stage, a supper room, kitchen, toilet facilities and meeting rooms.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) is asking the community ‘what’s important?’ as a part of the 2025 -2034 Long-term Plan (LTP) process. See CODC webpage here

Read more: Maniototo halls community building could take a hit under council review

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