Blackwater School Restoration Group
On the road to Waiuta, you may be intrigued to pull over and take a look through the historic Blackwater School. This charming, one-room schoolhouse, built in 1913, offers a glimpse into the past.
Learning From The Past in the Upper Grey Valley
A thriving mining community once surrounded Blackwater, with the discovery of a rich quartz reef in 1905 fueling the growth of the nearby town of Waiuta. The Blackwater School served the local children of miners, sawmill workers, and farmers.
As the mining industry declined, so too did the population of Blackwater, leading to the school’s closure in 1949 when the roll dwindled to just five students. Fortunately, the building was gifted to the community by farmer Jack Burrows in 1980 and is now lovingly cared for by the Blackwater School Restoration Group.
You are welcome to step inside and admire the original desks, inkwells, and other historic artifacts. It is easy to imagine the sounds of children busy learning and the stories that these walls could tell.
You can support the restoration efforts by making a donation. Currently, $20,000 of funding is required for weatherboard repairs and weatherproofing. Your contribution will help preserve this important piece of New Zealand’s history.