Location: Former Wai-iti / Gleniti School building, now associated with South Canterbury Art Society
Access: Exterior may be publicly visible; building access by permission
Associated years: South African War, First World War, Second World War
Associated people/groups: former Wai-iti / Gleniti School pupils, William Mathews, school community
Aoraki Heritage records several war memorial plaques on the former Wai-iti / Gleniti School building, including a World War One memorial plaque, a World War Two memorial plaque and a plaque named to William Mathews, who died on active service in South Africa in 1901. These are mounted on the former school building, now the South Canterbury Art Society building.
This stop on our war tour shows that memorials can outlive their original institutions. A school may change use, but its plaques can keep the old school community present. It also links the Boer War, First World War and Second World War in one school-related place.
Find a WuHoo: Look for how one building can hold more than one war, and more than one generation of service.
The old blue stone Gleniti School and Library. Designed by Maurice de Harven Duval, a French or Belgian architect who worked in South Canterbury between 1877 and 1895. After the new Gleniti School opened in 1975, the old stone building was leased to the South Canterbury Arts Society, who continue to use it today. The building is a Category A heritage item, recognised for its history, architecture, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. The school opened in July 1879 with more than 60 pupils. Mr Walker was the first headmaster. - Photography By Roselyn Fauth
School Timeline
January 1879: The Wai-Iti School committee first met at T. W. Fyfe’s house and resolved to ask the Education Board to build the new school in stone. Tenders were then called for the school and schoolmaster’s house by the South Canterbury Education Board architect.
1879: The school was designed by architect Maurice de Harven Duval and built by contractor R. D. Sibly in a Victorian educational vernacular style, using bluestone, limestone, timber, and corrugated metal.
Late July 1879: Wai-Iti School opened with more than 60 pupils, and Mr Walker was appointed as the first schoolmaster.
1880s: Wai-Iti was renamed Gleniti.
September 1901: William Matthews drowned while serving in the South African War.
December 1902: Lady Ranfurly, wife of the Governor of New Zealand, unveiled a memorial at the school to William Matthews. The memorial was designed and made by Samuel McBride, chairman of the Gleniti School committee and a monumental mason.
19 December 1919: Gleniti’s First World War memorial was unveiled at the school.
c.1935: Lean-to timber extensions were added to the rear of the building, and the north-facing windows may have been remodelled.
Date unknown: A Second World War memorial tablet was added to the building.
Late 1960s: A growing school roll led to the decision to relocate the school.
1975: The new Gleniti School opened.
After 1975: The former school site was transferred to Timaru District Council, and the South Canterbury Arts Society leased the former school and library buildings.
2017: The former Wai-Iti / Gleniti School Building at 20 Gleniti Road was recorded as a Category A heritage item by Timaru District Council.