Catherine Adam from Paekākāriki’s Wonderbird Photography & Design Studio shares in words and images her experience of local kohekohe in bloom.
Photo stories
In pictures: Paekākāriki winners at Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards 2022
Paekākāriki groups and individuals were well represented at the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards 2022.
The Dogs of Paekākāriki
During the last week of lockdown in August 2021, Bob Zuur safely photographed dogs and their humans on Paekākāriki Beach. Set to Tū Tilley’s soundtrack, ‘White Cloud Island’, please enjoy this visual and aural delight!
Exterior World: A community photo-essay of scenes from a lockdown walk
Many Paekākāriki locals responded to our call to send in photos while out and about on their 2021 lockdown walks. Enjoy this essay hand-picked by illustrations editor, Mark Coote.
Yangon Calling!
Mark Coote documents Paekākāriki showing solidarity with the Burmese democracy movement. Raising funds for the civil disobedience movement opposing the military coup in Myanmar with food and music.
Meet the locals
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!
Behold The Live New Things
After an explosive beginning, Paekākāriki band The New Things go live in their founding village September 24 and Wellington October 7. Here’s Mark Amery with the words and radio interview, Kirsten Drysdale with the camera.
Pae Kai: ka pai kai!
Dayll McCahon had a vision to help feed community members in times of need. She tells how this vision came to fruition with the creation of Pae Kai and its delicious meals.
Only in Paekākāriki does campaigning get this arty
Mark Amery notices Maria McMillan’s arty campaign hoardings and Maria tells us her priorities on Paekākāriki.FM’s ‘Te Pae’ community show.
A recycled garden shed: a dream come true
Maree White shares her story of how a dream came true – building a garden shed out of recycled materials.
The Last Shear & More
‘The Last Shear & More’ exhibition at the Paekākāriki Station Museum honours the Smith and Perkins families who farmed land locally for 150 years. Dave Johnson, Station Master, worked with the families and Bride Coe, whose photos of the last shear at the Perkins farm in 2011 feature in the exhibition.
Margaret Griffiths: doing what needed to be done
Janet Holborow and Lynda Wards pay tribute to Margaret Griffiths, a dedicated, hard-working member of our community and tireless crusader for people who needed some help in life.
Paekākāriki Potty about Potters: Neil Gardiner
This village on the Kāpiti Coast is becoming known for its ceramics, with a clutch of artists taking to the wheel. Neil Gardiner’s time as a potter here goes back to the establishment of Paekākāriki Pottery in the early 1990s – but he began in the wild wood kiln-making days of the early ’70s. He talks to Te Pae to tell us about his journey with clay.
Intelligible Cities: An interview with David Groves
Fantasically, ‘Intelligible Cities’, a new book by Paekākāriki resident David Groves, sees Marco Polo and Emperor Kublai Khan discussing the weird and wacky ways in which the inhabitants of 26 cities communicate with strangers who arrive at their gates speaking an unknown language.
Keeping our rangatahi and tamariki safe during Covid through manaakitanga
At the end of 2021, Megan Salole worked with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to create Covid-19 communications especially for rangatahi and tamariki. She shares her engaging story and accessible infographics with us.
Living with Covid in France
Kerren Hedlund shares her experience of living in a small village in France where almost all the residents contracted Covid-19, including her family of four.
New Wai Ata studio offers creative classes for taitamariki
Mishy Vieira explores the recently-opened Wai Ata music studio based in the old weavers’ whare in the Tilley Rd reserve. Find out what exciting musical opportunities are on offer, for our taitamariki (young people) and adults alike.
Poets Dinah Hawken and Alison Glenny
Two very fine Paekākāriki poets have issued exceptional new volumes in 2021, so we wanted to share these works with you with some spoken word readings, an interview and two selected poems.
Paekākāriki’s Fly by Wire ride
Despite damage and Covid-19 restrictions, the Fly By Wire adrenalin-filled ride continues to operate. Located above Paekākāriki in a bushy valley, the current owner/inventor Neil Harrap, takes us on a trip through his sometimes rocky years at the wheel.
The Paekākāriki Pops journey
Paekākāriki Pops started from small beginnings and is going from yummy-goodness strength-to-strength. Amy Delahunty tells us about their journey.
Carol Reihana – A life of service to others
Janet Holborow (Kāpiti Coast District Councillor and Deputy Mayor) in conversation with Bonny Ranfurly about her beloved sister (and community member) kuia Carol Reihana (1945-2021). Haere atu rā e te kuia, Carol.
Local legends of Paekākāriki cycling
Judith Galtry, herself a keen cyclist, talks to legends of the cycling world in Paekākāriki, with images by Mark Coote.
Pearl and Florrie’s Musical Mural
An exciting new project is about to be unveiled in the village. Kāpiti’s Phill Simmonds revitalises the gripping story of Pearl Mills, Florrie Ward and an angry bull in a graphic art mural at the end of Beach Road. The mural will be launched on 12 December 2021.
Haere atu rā e te kuia Carol Reihana
Jack McDonald remembers Aunty Carol Reihana who recently passed away. Carol (Ngāti Haumia) was a cherished kuia, a stalwart of the community and her memory will remain in our hearts.
Never Grows Old: Nada Mills
We publish Francis Mills’ address at a service in November 2021 on their property at Cecil Road, Paekākāriki, for his much-loved wife, Nada Mills.
Liana’s lockdown challenge: to paint every day
Liana Stupples set herself a daily lockdown challenge of painting a local scene she loves. Enjoy the end result of her creative campaign.
Making Friends with Honey Flower
Julia Wawrzyniak recently opened Honey Flower & Friends in a tiny gallery at the end of the Holtom Building. Her philosophy encompasses nature and organic processes, along with working in a collective.
Remembering Tony Taylor
Michael O’Leary has written a fitting tribute to Tony Taylor, a man of great enthusiasm, knowledge, compassion and integrity.
The Perching Parrot takes on Dark Horse
The Perching Parrot cafe has been part of Paekākāriki village life for almost a decade. Nicole Duke shares her coffee journey and why she switched to local coffee roaster, Dark Horse.
The Sea Goddesses
Taking inspiration from the incredible Paekākāriki Mermaids, the Sea Goddesses take the plunge to shake off the demands of daily life.
Picturing our Changing World
Paekākāriki’s Felix Pharand Deschênes is playing a major role in helping define the visual narrative of the Anthropocene — the age we are now said to inhabit, a time when we as humans are exerting more influence over the planet’s environment than any other element.
The Paekākāriki Mermaids
All over the world, people are taking to frigid seas, lakes and rivers ‘like fish to water’. Paekākāriki has a couple of brave groups that swim in the sea all year round. This article profiles The Paekākāriki Mermaids.
Haere rā Trish
‘It was fitting that our beloved Trish Delaney had the last laugh when we farewelled her in true Paekākāriki fashion under a full sun and a super blood moon. We heard her laugh and her cheery voice boom out through St Peter’s Hall after the many tributes had been made.’ Julia Truscott writes a beautiful tribute about our beloved village member, Trish Delaney.
Poipoia te kakano kia puawai
Holly Ewens hands over the editor reins to Nik Bullard. She tells us how far paekakariki.nz has come during her two year tenure.
Hanging up her hat
Holly Jane Ewens is to step down from her role as Paekākāriki.nz coordinating editor. A heartfilled thank you from many of us.
Nothing humdrum about Hilary
Much more than just a Paekākāriki personality, Hilary Baxter was also a poet. Judith Galtry writes of a life troubled by mental health issues and the shadow of her father.
Community
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.
Update on SH59 coast road closure
Wellington Transport Alliance is the highway maintenance partnership of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Fulton Hogan and WSP engineering consultants. Here is an update on the repair work required for SH59 between Fishermans Table and Pukerua Bay.
Beware the kororā!
Vivienne Jeffs asks us to look out for our local taonga, the kororā (little blue penguin), as they come ashore to nest and reminds us how we can help protect them.
Predator Free Paekākāriki – got a trap?
Predator Free Paekākāriki traps rodents and records the results. They need your help to do this – you could even win $30 worth of goodies from Paekākāriki Fruit Supply. Maree White and Amelia Geary update us on Predator Free Paekākāriki’s latest trapping news from around the village and their upcoming event.
Paekākāriki Surf Lifesaving needs your help!
Karen Simpson provides an illuminating overview of the history and function of the Paekākāriki Surf Lifesaving Club. In continuous operation since 1913, saving many lives and providing numerous community services, the Club is now in desperate need of a new building. This is where the community comes in – it’s time to give back to this essential organisation to ensure its survival.
Matariki plant-a-thon
Megan Salole on a change of name for Paekākāriki’s Matariki planting project with a useful kōrero around the appropriate use of te ao Māori concepts. Buy a pack, and/or join others in the community at Wai Ata this Friday 24 June at 9am to help restore our natural habitat.
Locally Crafted Gate a Welcome Addition to Hall
Do the stingray shuffle!
When walking in the sea, swish your feet along the bottom, urges Mark Amery. You’ll avoid crab bites, flounder slips or even – with freakish bad luck – a gash from a scared whai repo’s tail.
Unveiling the Mural on the Weaver’s Whare
Read Paranahia Broughton’s kōrero around the development and unveiling of the beautiful new mural on the Weaver’s whare/ Wai Ata studio. Dedicated to Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki’s Kuia Miriona, a huge mihi goes out to the artists, Anthony Paaka and Ryan Daly-Paranihi for their awesome mahi.
Paekākāriki History Walk launched
The recently launched Paekākāriki History Walk by the Station Precinct Trust adds new layers to our village’s telling of its local history. Bride Coe looks behind the scenes at the making of the walk, which will feature in the Directory of Everything, ‘Walks & rides’ section on paekākāriki.nz shortly.
We’re bent but we’re not broken!
Although 2021’s Paekākāriki Pride festivities have been cancelled due to Level 2, the newly formed Paekākāriki Pride Inc Committee is determined to connect and celebrate people for pride. Val Little lets us know what is happening and how you can be involved.
Growing Green Tamariki at Paekākāriki School
Hannah Zwartz, long-time Paekākāriki School parent, member of the School Garden Group and Potty Potters, talks about an exciting new project coming up at our kura along with the year-long work done to support the school’s gardening curriculum.
What has become of the Paekākāriki seawall?
Bride Coe is concerned about the lack of response from Kāpiti Coast District Council about our vital seawall project. We asked the council to respond.
Our Community Bought Another House
The community of Paekākāriki have bought a second house to provide housing for local whānau. Mark Amery reports on the Paekākāriki Housing Trust’s activities from their recent annual hui.
Kia Kaha Burma, with love from Paekākāriki
Paekākāriki, amongst many stand-out qualities, is likely the smallest town outside Burma to have its own support group. KT Julian tells us about this group’s important mahi and her personal experience of living there.
In Praise of…Helpers!
St Peter’s Hall recently held their annual fundraising Book Fair. And it couldn’t be done without the help of all the volunteers! Ian Clark from the Paekākāriki Community Trust pays tribute to you all.
Get Hitched
Hitch is an exciting new carbon-reducing commuting scheme starting up in Wellington. Paekākāriki has been chosen to trial this car-sharing initiative and you can be part of it.
A small village makes a big impact in Nepal
When a quake devastated communities in Nepal in 2015, a small Kāpiti Coast community on the other side of the world responded and support from this community keeps on flowing.
Creative non-fiction
Finding Fungi in Paekākāriki
Sally Heppenstall tells us about her fascination for fungi and where to find it locally and beyond.
The Ballad of the Triple Track
Paekakariki.nz proudly presents the second in its commissioned series of creative writing to go with our walks. In an epic poem, itself like a track, Michael O’Leary writes historically and contemporaneously about the the three tracks between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay. This series sees our writers paid through funding from the Creative Communities scheme.
History
Robin White: Te Papa exhibition and Paekākāriki connection
Judith Galtry highlights the strong connection Robin White had to Paekākāriki and the creative people she knew here. Her exhibition, ‘Robin White: Something Is Happening Here’, is on at Te Papa Tongarewa until 18 September 2022.
Denis Glover: A poet’s life in Paekākāriki
Quite the character, get a tantalising glimpse of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s best known poets Denis Glover’s life in Paekākāriki – then read Judith Galtry’s full article on Xplore Paekākāriki
The Tale of a Famous Paekākāriki Tea Leaf Reader: Ursula Somerset Beeson
Ursula Beeson was a colourful character and tea leaf reader who lived in Paekākāriki from the 1970s until the 1990s. Read this excerpt from Judith Galtry’s article before going to Xplore Paekākāriki to find out more.
The Smallest Chemist with the Biggest Stock: Bill Carson’s Chemist remembered
Bill Carson ran his tiny chemist in Paekākāriki, from the 1930s until the shop closed in 1981. Find out more about him at the Paekākāriki Station Museum exhibition.
News
The Paekākāriki seawall renewal: phase one
Tim Barlow is lead concept developer for the artwork that will accompany the first stage of the renewed seawall. He updates us on where the project is at, how mana whenua and others are involved and the kaupapa behind the mahi.
SH59 to re-open on 15 September
Waka Kotahi updates us on the state of SH59 and its imminent opening.
Join us! Contract offered: Coordinating Editor (part-time)
PICI (Paekākāriki Informed Community Inc) are looking for a motivated, experienced and locally plugged-in community member with strong editorial and people skills.
Council “sideswipes” planned seawall design
Kāpiti Coast District Council has done an about-turn on the proposed design and build of the critical Paekākāriki seawall, believes design group member and resident Bride Coe.
Official Stuff Stories
How do we grow well?
What does good growth look like for you? KCDC are consulting on their proposed approach for enabling sustainable growth in Kāpiti over the next 30 years. Have your say before Friday 19 November.
Community boards are the flax roots of communities – have your say
Community boards are a key way for Councils to keep in touch with the flax roots of the communities they represent. Kāpiti Coast Councillors want to uproot this. Paekākāriki Community Board chair Holly Ewens shares her thoughts on proposed changes that will affect how these boards operate.
Trace, travel safe and educate
If we can learn anything from the current situation in Auckland, it is to heed the advice of officials and to not presume any of us are exempt from either contracting the Covid-19 virus or spreading it. Neither is our village immune – with many of us commuting into Wellington and travelling to Auckland, it’s a good idea to remember we all need to do our bit to keep the community safe – even when it’s an inconvenience, writes Community Board Chair, Holly Ewens.
Events
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.
Nau mai to Wai Ata studio’s first community open day
Wai Ata studio in Paekākāriki is opening its doors to the community on from 10am – 2pm on Saturday 18 June 2022 so you can check out the awesome new space and learn what happens there.
Introducing jazz musician Lucien Johnson
A native of Pukerua Bay, jazz musician, saxophonist and artist Lucien Johnson left the coast in his 20s for Paris and beyond, forming a free jazz trio. Mark Amery talks to Lucien on Paekākāriki 88.2FM ahead of his gig at St Peter’s Hall on Sunday 19 June 2022.
Introducing musician Miles Calder
Andrew Armitage speaks with Miles Calder on Paekākāriki 88.2FM ahead of his gig on Saturday June 4 at St Peter’s Hall. As part of a national tour, Calder goes on to play at San Fran in Wellington on Saturday 11th June and The Wine Cellar in Auckland on Saturday 2nd July.
Fiction
Whareroa walkway
Paekākāriki.nz proudly presents the third in its commissioned series of creative writing to go with our walks. In an allegorical and thought-provoking story, Apirana Taylor winds his way along the Coastal Track through Queen Elizabeth Park between Wainui and Whareroa pā sites. Our writers received funding from KCDC’s Creative Communities Scheme.
Tūrangawaewae
paekākāriki.nz is pleased to introduce the first in a series of creative responses from local writers. In this one, Dani Deluka accompanies the Wainui Stream walk. The series is funded by the Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Creative Communities Scheme.