To replicate and house the first schoolbus that ran to Piopio DHS in 1924
The Piopio College Trust is seeking funding support to replicate the first ever school bus in NZ that ran to the local school in 1924
Waikato
In 1924 the Department of Education decided to establish a school bus system to allow pupils in small, one roomed schools to attend the newly established Piopio District High School. Three model T Ford Truck chassis were purchased and passenger compartments built on their rear decks. While primitive by today's standards, with open sides and drop down canvas blinds that afforded little protection in the wet winters, these buses provided access to a wider curriculum and pathways to higher education.
It is the vision of the College Trust to have a replica bus built on the chassis of a Model T Truck and to house this in a display garage in Piopio.
Piopio College Trust's involvement (page creator)
As a previous Principal of Piopio College one quickly became aware of the place that this small rural High School and community played in the history of New Zealand's education.
The replication of the bus will be a tangible reminder of a service that since then has extended throughout the length and breadth of the country
About us
The Piopio College Trust Fund provides non Governmental support for the pupils and staff of Piopio Colege by way of scholarships, grants for special events and professional development
The Piopio College Trust has launched an appeal to house a replica (Arapae) of New Zealand's 1st Schoolbus
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