17 February 2026 – Meeting of the Paekākāriki Community Board

February 25, 2026

On Tuesday 17 February the Paekākāriki Community Board met for their second meeting of the triennium.

Below is a recap of several points of interest to the wider community. The full meeting minutes and matters under action will be published on the KCDC website in due course.

Public speakers

We had a number of public speakers who covered off a range of issues:

Aja Farrell spoke on behalf of Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki noting community concern over the care and protection of the eels/tūna in QE Park; surf safety and swimming education for their rangatahi; and the installation and blessing of a memorial seat and table for Kaumatua Karl Farrell in Campbell Park. She asked the Community Board to assist,and the Board added these matters to its Matters under action. She asked that the Board and community speak with herself (as the representative for Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki for Paekākāriki matters) and her mother, Beryl Farrell, in the first instance for any matters of interest to the hapū.
Dave Johnson spoke on behalf of the Paekākāriki Station Museum Trust, outlining several key projects including: new historical prints by Robin White for the windows at Finn’s; a heritage plaque for the Captain Sanderson House on Pingau St; a new station website with photography by Catherine Adam; a project to return home the Paekākāriki discovered Waka resting at Te Papa; and raised concerns about the Māori name for the Paekākāriki Library, Mata ki te Whaiwhai, not being in common use. He noted that the Trust supported the ANZAC Day commemoration by providing resources and information. He asked the Community Board to assist regarding the library naming, which was added to the Board’s Matters under action. The Board thanked the Trust for all their mahi
Dave Mills, concerned resident, spoke about the fire risk profile at the new truck weigh station north of Paekākāriki and asked for the Board to speak to KCDC and NZTA about the consenting process to date, advocating for a review of the risk profile. Dave believes the site to be miscategorised in terms of fire risk given the nature of the trucks stopping there and the goods they’re carrying, particularly with the vulnerable QE Park next door. The Board added this to their Matters under action and thanked Dave for his significant research on the matter
Paul Furfie, Chief of the Paekākāriki Volunteer Fire Brigade also spoke about the firefighting resource at the new truck weigh station, backing the concerns of Dave Mills and supporting the call to seek further advice and insight from KCDC and NZTA. He noted that the risk of toxic matter entering the surrounding wetlands was also an issue
Jan Nisbet also spoke about the risk to eels and a desire for a collaborative effort on signage and caretaking; raised the issue of the growing pest Wattle Tree population across the village; as well as proposing a Dennis Rose Project (simple memorial seating across the village)

Truck weigh station – Mackays Crossing Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre

Further info on this project, including maps, here.

Mackays Crossing Commerical Vehicle Safety Centre (CVSC) map

Sea wall update

Dave Hardy, Manager Project Management Office, KCDC, gave a presentation on the Seawall project. He outlined the proposed project timeline, with a hopeful start date of 16 March for the stretch of wall between Paneta and Henare Streets, however this is dependent on relocating the lizards living on site to a Paekakariki Hill lizard hotel, which may take some time. A ramp access is proposed at the end of Henare St; this is a change from the original plan to have one opposite Campbell Park, due to costs and resource consent constraints. The Toi Ringa Rōpu (seawall art group) are starting work on the first sculpture, and a landscaping project led by Hannah Zwartz is underway, with plants grown by the kura and other groups, and initial planting to start this winter.

Sea wall traffic management

There will be traffic management in place for a prolonged period whilst the works are undertaken. KCDC will be door knocking, leaflet dropping, and communicating the detail of this through all their regular digital channels.

Sea wall design and further info here

Image: Paekākāriki Seawall Replacement concept art 2017

Grants

The Board approved

$500 in funding for Volunteer Kāpiti to fund their mentoring programme, of which they guarantee a spot for a Paekākāriki mentee
$1100 in funding for the Paekākāriki ANZAC Day committee to deliver the 2026 commemorative service and morning tea

How to apply

Submit your application at least eight working days before the Paekākāriki Community Board meeting.The Community Board also makes recommendations on grants from the Campe Estate, which is targeted to children and young people in Paekākāriki.

Use the application form and send it to the KCDC Governance team. Online applications are preferred, but hard copies are also accepted. If you have any questions, email or call the KCDC Governance team.

ANZAC Day committee – request for support

This small committee run by Helen Keivom for the past few years is needing new members to take over running the service from next year. Please contact deputy chair [email protected] if you are interested.

Photo of ANZAC Service at the Memorial Hall by Bob Zuur

Toilets at the railway station

Tina Pope has met with Dave Johnson, Station Museum Trust, regarding the use of toilets in the station building for those using the trains. Dave indicated the risk to the museum collection and building was too high if there was no supervision, which the Trust was unable to provide. Options are a new separate building either on the platform (preferably built in character to match the historic buildings) or in the car park. This remains on the Board’s Matters under Action to discuss with Kiwirail and Greater Wellington Regional Council.