Members of the Wellington Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club have been flying the escarpment between the village and Pukerua Bay since 1973. Solomon Amery Zwartz and Sven Ericksen take us flying.
Photo stories
ANZAC Day 2025 Memorial Address
ANZAC Day 2025: A glorious day for a commemoration
Paekākāriki in pictures
Fiona Gunter-Firth takes us on a photographic journey around the village.
Meet the locals
Introducing Paekākāriki’s Bitchin’ Bingo Queen: Tineke van der Cam
This year’s Paekākāriki FM infamous disco on Saturday February 15 (7pm-11pm) features an unusual village debut: Beats by Bingo: seated bingo (dancing optional) based on recognising snatches of songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Jude Galtry introduces your host: new resident Mistress Viv
Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki: hikoi and land loss
Part one in a Paekakariki.nz series looking at the whenua in relationship to Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki, Thane Maxwell, local historian, in partnership with the Farrell whānau, takes us on an historical journey of iwi hikoi and land loss in our region.
Hilary Baxter: Nothing humdrum about Hilary
Hilary Baxter, a powerful but not widely recognised poet, was a Paekākāriki identity. Judith Galtry has updated her original story with new content and we share it here.
Come Gardening with Potty Potters
Potty Potters is a local voluntary group enabling kids to learn gardening skills at Paekākāriki School. And they need your help!
Betty Perkins remembered
At a St Peter’s Hall memorial service in June 2024, Leo Watson, a former resident of Paekākāriki, fondly remembers Betty Ann Perkins (1940 – 2024) and her many endeavours, both in Paekākāriki and further afield.
Come sauna with me
Mark Amery on why, if you’d like to experience a gorgeous Paekākāriki community sauna this winter, you need to commit a little by 16 June to make the dream a reality!
Frances Cherry: washing up in Paekākāriki
Judith Galtry writes on the life in Paekākāriki of her late friend, the prolific author Frances Cherry. Frances and her whanau’s life in the village from the 1960s on reveals many a story about Paekākāriki’s rich social history.
Sir Jon Trimmer’s love of Paekākāriki
Coral Trimmer shares her love for her brother, Sir Jon Trimmer, and their shared love of Paekākāriki. Listen to her chat to Sylvia Bagnall and Mark Amery on Te Pae.
A fascinating talk with Julia Bevin, Principal of Paekākāriki School
Dayll McCahon talks to the Principal of Paekākāriki School, Julia Bevin, about the importance of play-based learning and how that relates to children’s mental health and her PhD. You can also listen to an interview between Megan Salole and Julia about just this!
Holtom’s Art Studios: art in the heart of Paekākāriki
Located in the heart of Paekākāriki, Holtom’s Art Studios is a light, modern, welcoming space. Steeped in history, the building dates back to 1920 and various businesses have been based there over the years. Nik Bullard talks to Alan Wehipeihana, long-time resident of Holtom’s, who tells us about the art studio’s history.
Community
Paekākāriki School pool (re)opened
In this article, Jude Walcott heralds the re-opening of Paekākāriki School’s swimming pool
How Paekākāriki keeps informed and gets emergency prepared: the results of our 2024 survey are in
Earlier this year, Paekākāriki Informed Community Inc surveyed the village to gain feedback on village comms and participation. Here’s a summary of the results.
Important announcement! Newsletter pause and call for help for 2025
Paekākāriki.nz is calling for fresh energy as it is forced to end its paid editorial position this December.
Rangi Mārie Peace Festival returns to Paekākāriki
To celebrate peace and commemorate Parihaka, Himiona Grace and Julia Truscott are creating a major Paekākāriki event – their second Rangi Mārie Peace Festival, 22- 23 November.
Recipients of the Mercedes Webb-Pullman Poetry Award announced
The Webb-Pullman family take great pleasure in announcing the honours for the inaugural Mercedes Webb-Pullman Poetry Award, on the topic of ‘Rebellion’.
‘Deepest gratitude’ from whānau for support of kaumātua but a long way to go
The campaign to support Ngāti Haumia’s kaumātua, Karl Farrell, has raised over $15,000 in one week – but much more is still needed. We share a message of gratitude from the Farrell whānau.
Paekākāriki Film Wins Award
The short horror film S(p)lash, filmed and produced in Paekākāriki, took the award for Best Sound Design at the recent Te Whanganui-a-Tara finals of the 48 Hour Film Competition. Sam Buchanan, who features in the film, tells us more.
Paekākāriki survey and magazine is here!
Expect to hear from a neighbour with a Paekakariki.nz survey and magazine over June and July.
Rewilding Paekākāriki: bringing back the forests
From bare hills to regenerating bush, the spaces around Paekākāriki are gradually becoming rewilded, restoring the native fauna and flora. Paul Callister tells us more.
Pātaka Kai: give what you can – take what you need
Doris Zuur fills us in on Paekākāriki’s latest community food-sharing initiative – which has been a runaway success!
Paekākāriki: the implications of population growth
If Paekākāriki’s population continues to grow, Dennis Rose argues that the village will have to convert to reticulated sewage rather than septic tanks. How Paekākāriki can accommodate more people and dwellings will also need to be considered.
Circle of Fifths presents Summer Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet!
As part of the 2024 New Zealand Fringe Festival, local producers Circle of Fifths is presenting an outdoor production of the classic Romeo and Juliet – but with a Paekākāriki twist. Staged from the 1st – 3rd March at Campbell Park, there may even be a skateboard or two.
‘Record’ number of sellers at a Village Vinyl Fair with vibe
The village of Paekākāriki on the Kāpiti Coast is preparing to break a few records at its annual Village Vinyl Fair and Dance on Saturday 10 February at St Peter’s Hall. An increasingly popular event in the Wellington region.
Paekākāriki, how should we adapt to coastal hazards?
The Takutai Kāpiti Coastal Adaptation Panel would like to hear what you value most about our coastline and how you think it should be protected at their community workshop on 7 November (or online).
Pae Cycle welcomes you!
Pae Cycle is going from strength to strength and is looking for new subscribers. Could this be you?
Matariki tree planting and plaque honours Paekākāriki kuia
Paekākariki School’s celebration for Matariki, the Māori new year, was extra special this year as it unveiled a memorial plaque and tree to remember a significant local kuia.
Paekākāriki Housing Trust: it takes a community to house us all
Seven years ago, The Paekākāriki Housing Trust was created in response to a local family being unable to find a house for rent in the village. Two former trustees, Tina Pope and Holly Jane Ewens, talk about what motivated them to get the trust up and running.
Creative non-fiction
What are you looking at? The Paekākāriki Seascape
Judith Galtry embarks on an exploration of marine monikers to figure out the correct designation for the body of water that we can see from our shores.
History
The ship in a bottle
Read this classic ship-in-a-bottle tale by long time Paekākāriki resident and former journalist (among many other things) Mark Te One. Here he brings to life one of The Bowler’s talented old characters, Bob Upham.
Growing up in Paekākāriki
Jane Cherry writes about her childhood in Paekākāriki. Her family ran the Queen Elizabeth Park amusement park with its boating pond, train, chair-o-plane, and trampolines. The park was a regional attraction, with families coming from far and wide to visit it.
Keeping Ahi Kā – the responsibility we have for the land we live on
Mark Amery outlines the history of land at the northern end of Paekākāriki, whose alienation from the whānau of Miriona Mutu Mira Budge of Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki has seen community members working with landowners to see a site for her house at the end Wainui stream found.
ANZAC Day 2024: Paekākāriki soldiers remembered
Ian McGibbon’s memorial address at the recent ANZAC Day event commemorates some of the young Paekākāriki men who served in World War I.
Celebrating Paekākāriki’s photographic past
Finns Hotel in Paekākāriki recently hosted a celebration at the completion of Paekākāriki’s historic photo display and the launch of two books on local history. Local museum and history volunteers along with a group of students from Paekākāriki School attended the celebration.
Recovering Māori knowledge of the Tararua Ranges
Kāpiti researchers Te Kenehi Teira and Heeni Collins (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Haumia) recently came to Paekākāriki to explain some of the background behind a Ngāti Raukawa claim to the Tararua Ranges, presented in June to the Waitangi Tribunal. Their research reveals fascinating background on Māori relationship with the Tararua and connects to the stories of our own coast, including Ngāti Haumia chief Ropata Hurumutu, who welcomed people to Paekākāriki.
Kid's Corner
Kid’s Corner: Paekākāriki Swimming Sports!
News from our tamariki at Paekākāriki school (March 25)
Daffodils and Paekākāriki
Paekākāriki School, home of the play-based, bare foot learner is proud of its tamariki’s creativity. Albie Calder has kindly shared two poems – ‘Daffodils’ and ‘Paekākāriki’.
News
Introducing three Paekākāriki angels
Introducing our engaged, multitalented new Paekākāriki.nz community team!
Captain Sanderson’s House for Sale: A heritage opportunity for Paekākāriki?
The former Paekākāriki home of Captain Val Sanderson, founder of Forest & Bird, is shortly to go on the market, according to real estate company Harcourts. The current owner has put considerable effort into looking after the cottage and its trees, keeping the character of the original building and the Sanderson plantings. But there are no legal protections in place to prevent the house being demolished and the trees removed.
Tell us your tail
Predator Free Paekākāriki has heard some great tales over the years. Share yours and go in the draw to win one of our prizes – one of two trapping tunnel packages, or a jar of premium Fix and Fogg human consumable peanut butter, kindly donated by Paekākāriki Village Grocery Store. Submit your tale by 5pm Sunday 11 August to be in to win!
May 2024 catch report
Registering your traps and recording catches on Trap.NZ helps us monitor the success of the project and identify any areas we need to focus on.
Predator Free Paekākāriki April catch report
A busy April, including 2 weasels in the village.
Predator Free Paekākāriki Drop-in session
9.30am-11.30am Sunday 24 March at St Peter’s Hall
Come on down for our Autumn trapping drop-in session, to talk about all things trapping.
Predator Free Paekākāriki – a trapping success
What was our village’s political colour?
Murray Williams looks at the votes to sum up how Paekākāriki voted in the 2023 election.
A weasel caught at Campbell Park!
Weasels may look small and relatively harmless, but they are ruthless predators.
Paekākāriki Seawall Update
Sean McKinley from the Paekākāriki Community Board provides as an update from Kāpiti Coast District Council on the progress of the seawall.
Reviews
Book review: Sea Change by Jenny Pattrick
On Sunday 6 April Jenny Pattrick launched her latest novel Sea Change at Paekākāriki’s St Peter’s Hall. Local resident Steve La Hood ploughed through the book in a day and came up with this review. (Photograph courtesy of Deanna Walker, www.birdie.co.nz)
Events
The Legendary Paekākāriki Book Fair Returns!
The annual Book Fair is a major fundraiser for St Peter’s Hall. Run by the Paekākāriki Community Trust, an enthusiastic team of volunteers, and from books generously donated by the community, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Fiction
Haere mai, Amerikana
‘Haere mai, Amerikana’ by Dani Deluka is a heart wrenching tale of a love affair between a young U.S Marine and a Paekākāriki woman. It digs deep into Paekākāriki ‘s unique World War 2 history and the tragedy of Tarawa.
Pari Pari
In this story, Dani Deluka celebrates Mahuru Māori, the recent month-long kaupapa aimed at using te reo in everyday situations. Pari Pari refers to the historic Māori settlement found just south of Paekākariki on the escarpment. The story beautifully expresses how to overcome adversity through aroha, whakapapa and pākahukahu (strength).
A different kind of Tsunami
An extract from Paekākāriki artist Ned Wenlock’s remarkable debut graphic novel Tsunami, available now from leading publisher, Earth’s End Publishing, followed by an interview with Ned on Paekākāriki.FM.