Fiona Gunter-Firth takes us on a photographic journey around the village.
Photo stories
The Wonders of Photography: kohekohe in bloom
Catherine Adam from Paekākāriki’s Wonderbird Photography & Design Studio shares in words and images her experience of local kohekohe in bloom.
Meet the locals
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.
Getting to know Magno Vieira: from Wembley to Paekākāriki realty
Magno Vieira has come on board as a very welcome key sponsor of Paekakariki.nz. He tells us about himself and why he likes to donate back to this special town he now calls home.
Captain Sanderson: a visionary among the Paekākāriki dunes
Conservation visionary Captain E.V (Val) Sanderson devoted much of his life to preserving Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna. Judith Galtry profiles this tenacious and committed man, a one-time resident of Paekākāriki, where he restored his property to native bush and from where he could keep a keen eye on Kāpiti Island’s burgeoning bird population.
End of an era: haere rā to the Surf Lifeguards clubroom
McKenzie Jones has been part of the Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards for 18 years. At the recent closing ceremony of the old club building, McKenzie shares her farewell speech full of rich memories and fulfilling experiences of her years with the club.
Heylo at the Crafty Christmas Market
Gina Goad wants her new jewellery range, Heylo, to pack a punch – but she’s not trying to pick a fight. It’s more of a dirty little secret. The Paekākāriki Community Trust profiles Heylo ahead of their annual Christmas Market at St Peter’s Hall – check them out along with all the other crafty goodness this Saturday.
Say a Paekākāriki Ave Maria!
Introducing local filmmaker Celestina Sumby’s 1980s Paekākāriki party people production!
Community
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.
Paekākāriki Lets Get Prepared!
At the recent Paekākāriki Resilient hui, a series of speakers spoke of their experience in a natural disaster, or how to plan for one, and others brainstormed ideas on how to survive one. Kerren Hedlund shares the details.
Birds of a feather flock together: Forest & Bird celebrated
In late April 2023, Paekākāriki buzzed with excitement and activities commemorating 100 years of Forest & Bird | Te Reo of Te Taiao. Captain Val Sanderson, a pioneering conservationist, featured prominently in the celebrations.
Paekākāriki and birdsong only a tap away
Introducing some special features of the Paekākāriki.FM radio app.
Paekākāriki Surf Lifesavers to the rescue!
In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle in February, Paekākāriki Surf Lifesaving Club deployed four of their members to help the search and rescue efforts in Hawkes Bay. Fiona Bailey tells us how it unfolded.
Fundraising for our regional gallery with a film that reveals NZ’s rich arts in education history
The Mahara Gallery in Waikanae continues to fundraise for their exciting new refurbishment due to open in 2023. St Peter’s Hall in Paekākāriki will host their film fundraiser, ‘The HeART of the Matter’, a documentary which profiles the ground-breaking post WWII educational shift that brought art and craft to the heart of schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. Fiona Gunter-Firth tells us more.
Paekākāriki’s Summer of Love: The Pickle Pot Be-In
The annual youth-run Pickle Pot Be-In festival is going from strength to strength. From its humble beginnings in 2020, the event has grown every year and 2023 is looking like a stunner!
Responding to the Paekākāriki Stoat!
Predator Free Paekākāriki was recently awarded a local conservation grant by Wellington Zoo to set up community trapping lines around the village, including Campbell Park. Maree White tells us more.
Art wonderful art
The Paekākāriki Art Show is a major fundraiser for St Peter’s Village Hall and a must-see event on the local cultural calendar. Held this Waitangi Weekend (Friday 3 until Monday 6 February 2023), Julie Warren reflects on the success of the show and those who make it possible.
New QEP tracks open the park to regeneration and recreation
In great news for walkers, cyclists and horse riders formerly farmed areas of Kāpiti’s Queen Elizabeth Park have been opened to the public following the completion of 7.5 km of new tracks to the park’s northern section. Greater Wellington Regional Council tells us all about it.
Beyond Transmission Gully: the future of Beach Rd
The Paekākāriki Station Museum received a grant from KCDC to ask the community how Transmission Gully will affect the village. You are invited to participate in a facilitated discussion to help shape the future of Beach Road.
Paekākāriki Pride turns five with an intergenerational programme
Paekākāriki bursts with Pride this coming Labour weekend with a diverse programme of events. There is something for everyone so don’t miss out on this fun-filled celebrated annual festival!
The Paekākāriki Wind Generation Project
Wind electricity power generation in this region is a viable sustainable option. Graeme Mills updates us on a proposed Paekākāriki wind generation project that has been in development for the last eight years.
History
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.
News
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.
Weasel caught on Ames Street!
Predator Free receives Community Board Grant
Paekākāriki Beach Rat Patrol
Paekākāriki resident, Birnie Duthie, enjoys checking and clearing the predator traps that help protect our kororā (little blue penguins).
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.
Paekākāriki Set to Get into the Groove
The infamously popular Paekākāriki village dance and vinyl fair is almost upon us, inviting Paekākāriki and visitors for a vinyl action-packed day at St Peter’s Hall on Saturday 18 February.
Running for a cause
Help former Paekākāriki resident Noa Woolloff with his ambitious, generous gesture to raise much-needed funds to get his friend the life-saving cancer treatment he needs.
Fiction
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.
Poetry
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’.