Throughout the years, there have been various efforts to get rid of the building, including a request to burn it down in 2019, an unsuccessful Facebook marketplace sale, and a failed attempt to sell it for $5000.
Now, the Seaward Downs recreational reserve, where the building is located, is moving towards the legitimate disposal of the structure.
The 1.5ha site, located half an hour east of Invercargill, also features an abandoned swimming pool, changing rooms, and tennis court.
The school closed its doors in 1971, and the building has been vacant since 2015 when a local playgroup relocated to a nearby hall.
Julie Keast, a district councillor overseeing the community board, expressed concerns about the lack of maintenance on the building, potentially impacting its heritage value.
Due to its age, the school building falls under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act, making disposal efforts challenging.
After failed attempts to dispose of the building, the local board has recommended to the council to initiate a disposal process for the property.
If the site is sold by the Department of Conservation (Doc), the council may receive a share of the proceeds.
The compliance team is currently investigating the sanitation of the structure, and further action may be necessary to meet standards.
With an expired grazing licence on the land, discussions are ongoing about the future of the site.
• This article is part of LDR, a local body journalism initiative co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
