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.
Meet the locals
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!
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.
Community
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 needs 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.
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.
Creative non-fiction
Finding Fungi in Paekākāriki
Sally Heppenstall tells us about her fascination for fungi and where to find it locally and beyond.
History
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.
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.
News
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).
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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’.