Flock House facts for kids

Flock House was a special school in Bulls, New Zealand. It taught young people how to farm. The school operated from 1924 until 1987.

At first, from 1924 to 1937, it helped sons of British sailors. These sailors were hurt or died in World War I. The boys came to New Zealand, learned farming, and started new lives.

Later, from 1937 to 1987, Flock House trained young New Zealanders. After 1987, the place became a conference center.

The Flock House Building

The main building at Flock House is called the homestead. It is located near Bulls, at 1427 Parewanui Road. The homestead was built in 1908. It was designed by Russell & Bignell Ltd..

It was first a large, three-story home for Lyn McKelvie. The building has an 'L' shape. It also shows early signs of the Arts and Crafts style. This style became popular in New Zealand later on. Today, the building is protected by Heritage New Zealand.

Lyn McKelvie owned a huge farm. It was over 3,000 acres (about 12 square kilometers). In 1923, the property was sold. It was bought by a special fund. This fund then used it to create the farming school.

History of the Farming School

After World War I, a politician named Edward Newman had an idea. He was a Member of Parliament for Rangitikei. He thought New Zealand sheep farmers should thank British sailors. These sailors kept the sea routes safe. This allowed New Zealand's wool to be sent to England.

So, the New Zealand Farmers Union started a fund. It was called the "New Zealand Sheep Owners Acknowledgement of Debt to British Seamen Fund." Farmers gave money from their wool sales. From 1921, this money helped families of British sailors in England.

By 1924, the Fund bought Flock House Farm. Their goal was to bring sons of these sailors to New Zealand. They would teach them basic farming skills at Flock House. Then, they would help them find jobs on farms across New Zealand. Between 1924 and 1937, more than 600 young men were trained. They were then placed on farms.

In 1937, the New Zealand government bought the farm. The school then changed its focus. It began training young New Zealanders instead.

From 1969 to 1983, the principal of Flock House was JJ Stewart. He was also a well-known rugby union coach.

The school closed its doors in 1988. By that time, over 3,000 students had successfully completed their training.

In early 2010, the Flock House site was used for a music festival. It was called Camp A Low Hum. This event took place during Wellington Anniversary Weekend.