An Idea in 1975

In 1975, when Outdoor Education camps for Intermediate-age children were becoming very popular, the one suitable camp in the Wanganui Education Board area – Mangatepopo – had a waiting list.

Recent fuel increases had made transport very costly for Palmerston North classes. An Intermediate Normal PTA meeting in early 1975 decided to look for a site in the Ruahine Ranges with nearby bush, streams and tussock land within 50 miles of Palmerston North.

In late March, Johan & Sigga Bonnevie, while searching for a suitable area, met Mr Les Sixtus at the end of the Umutoi North Road and told him of their quest. Les had a long-held dream that “city children should be allowed to experience pioneering and bush life”, so offered a site, free of charge, on his land. This was accepted enthusiastically at the next PTA meeting!

Building the Lodge

In early 1976, other local Intermediates were invited to join the project under the dynamic leadership of John Crone. A committee was set up to deal with all aspects of a new Outdoor Education Centre – site, building plans, legal matters, finance, environment, landscaping, and liaising with local bodies.

The Committee included: Bruce Kirk (Secretary), Martin Bate, Neville Strong, Lloyd Gamby, Don Rix, Peter Bridger, Allen McCartney, John Stowell, Stephen Fisher, Peter Allen, Bob Calkin, Rod Polson, Rod Doherty, Giles Beaglehole, Ken McNae, Henry Millward, Pam Hansen, Margo Forde, Peggy Jensen, Pat Perkins, Laurie Perkins, Robert Collinge.

Construction commenced in June 1977 and the builders completed their work in August. Then it was over to the voluntary weekend parties to complete the job with paperhanging, painting, vinyl and carpet-laying, and other finishing touches.

Open in 1977

By late October 1977, the Lodge was completed. The first group of teachers had been through an orientation course, and the first class arrived — Room 16, Helen Moffit’s class from Palmerston North Intermediate Normal.

The building was officially opened on 10 December 1977 by the Minister of Education, Mr Les Gander, and officially named “Sixtus Lodge” after the farmer who donated the site and was such an enthusiastic supporter of the project.

Today

Sixtus Lodge lives up to the goals of its founders and is a unique facility in the region. Whether you're planning a school camp, a conservation project, a team-building weekend, or a quiet getaway, Sixtus Lodge provides the ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the Manawatū region.