OUR HISTORY

Welcome to the Port Molyneux School

ABOUT US

Hi, we’re Jade & Lyndon McNab and it was our own search for the perfect wedding location, that led us to wishing for a unique local venue, that showcased the incredible Catlins coastal scenery.

And so it was, a few years later, that we spotted the For Sale sign outside what was at the time, a very sad and derelict Port Molyneux School.

We could see that the site and structure had amazing potential, so jumped at the opportunity to make that years-old wish a reality!

oUR PHILOSOPHY

Our philosophy has always been that any success we have in business should never be at the expense of another person or our local environment. We are a socially responsible business and believe we should have a positive impact on our community and others looking to develop or start up, their own businesses.

We only ever use reusable cutlery and plates and encourage all our brides to do the same.

And we don’t mind putting our money where our mouth is. Those from the local area will already know that in the Clutha District glass recycling is limited, with the bulk of it ending up in landfill. When we did the maths, we worked out we will have close to 6000 empty beer and wine bottles to dispose of during a single party and wedding season.

Realising that all those bottles were going to end up in a hole didn't sit right with us so we did something about it. Our Glass to Sand machine turns glass bottles into a safe to handle sand bi-product that we plan on using to complete the venue landscaping. Win-win!

THE DISCOVERY

The Port Molyneux School was Kaka Point's local area school from 1865 to 1999. When we first looked at it, the school had been empty and exposed to the elements for over 15 years - it had broken windows, lots of leaks and birds had taken up residence inside.

Undaunted, Jade knew they'd be able to bring the old school back to its best by combining her design background and Lyndon's Southern Man can-do approach. "We wanted to keep it as authentic as possible, freshen it up and give it a new lease of life" says Jade.

THE RENOVATION

Then the hard work began. With the help of two local builders, the two classrooms have been opened up as a reception room and an extension added, while the nearby headmaster’s house has been fully refurbished for bridal party accommodation.

THE HAPPY ENDING

The Kaka Point community are hugely supportive of the venture and were a big help in providing historical background info and materials that meant the outcome of the restoration was especially authentic.

The venue provides a beautiful and unique space for couples to come together and celebrate with family and friends and is fast becoming one of the most sought after venues in Otago.