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!
Photo stories
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.
Proud as rainbow punch
Paekākāriki Pride Festival 2020. A photo story by Bob Zuur.
Meet the locals
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.
The opportunity to serve – Philip Edwards
While many were celebrating the end of 2020, Paekākāriki farewelled its previous Community Board Chair – the inimitable Philip Edwards. Well-known to Bowling Club regulars and councillors alike, he is remembered for his inclusive style, his penchant for jandals, and most of all his commitment to this community and to his family. We share with you the tribute from Deputy Mayor Janet Holborow and current Community Board Chair Holly Ewens, read at his service at St Peter’s Hall on New Year’s Eve 2020, alongside other tributes.
2020: a year in flags
From global warming and Covid flags to recently departed friends and berating Netflix, Paekākāriki local Keith Johnson’s choice of a remarkable range of flags often comments cleverly on issues. Flown from a flagpole on the northern edge of the Kāpiti village, he shares the reasons behind his 2020 selections.
Bringing us sunshine
From working alongside international greats like Sir Laurence Olivier and Dame Maggie Smith during the formation of British modern theatre, to heading Downstage Theatre and developing drama in education, Paekākāriki resident Sunny Amey has helped shape live theatre in Aotearoa New Zealand as we know it today. Now in her nineties and still treading the boards, Sylvia Bagnall looks back on Sunny’s extraordinary career, with images from her archive.
Part rockstar, part poet. A birthday blessing.
Ahead of his celebrations this weekend, Dunedin-based writer, Kay McKenzie Cooke celebrates a ‘significant birthday’ for much-loved poet and independent publisher Michael O’Leary aka the Earl of Seacliff.
Daisy Wood: Plants by name, plants by nature
It’s only natural that Daisy Wood is passionate about medicinal herbs – both her names are from the plant world. The degree-trained medical herbalist and naturopath has a specialty interest in women’s health. Using herbs to heal, she turns plants into delicious teas and soothing tinctures.
Born with railways in her blood: Christine Johnson
This week we acknowledge the departure of a quiet yet significant contributor to the Paekākariki community; Christine Johnson. Friend Michael O’Leary tells us about the rich rail history of Christine’s life and the indelible mark she leaves both within the community and on the station platform.
Plant sale legend steps down
After 7-8 years managing the growing and selling of thousands of plants each year through the gardening group Potty Potters, gardening enthusiast Tina Pope hands over the secateurs.
A decade of deli goodness
Celebrating ten years on Paekākāriki’s main drag, the Beach Road Deli is – thanks to Covid-19 – overdue a party. We talk to the Deli’s dynamic owners Kelly Rees and Rebecca Robati-Busby.
Peter Rankin: Haere rā to a revolutionary thinker
‘We talk about economic development as though it’s just about extracting more resources out of the ground or out of the farm or out of the trees. But that’s not how it will work. It’s about finding the riches in our people and enabling them to fulfil their potential.’
Seizing the moment for change: Dr Mike Joy
Beyond the upcoming election, how can all citizens contribute to a vision for change? The Better Futures Forum has been founded by Paekākāriki’s Dr Mike Joy (a well known freshwater advocate) and a core group of others to seize this moment of opportunity for change nationally.
Winter wellness with Daisy Wood
Herbalist and naturopath Daisy Wood on winter wellness and life in Paekākāriki. Interviewed on Te Pae, Paekakariki 88.2FM with Mark Amery and Sylvia Bagnall, July 2020. Daisy is part of Winter Wellness and Homegrown Health, Paekākāriki School 2pm Sunday 2 August.
Community
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.
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.
Paekākāriki advances north!
Making use of the land you already have becomes a keen issue nationwide as the availability of property becomes more difficult. In Paekākāriki the community has begun making better use of grounds they have access to – a strip of land between the village’s northern boundary and the Paekākāriki Holiday Park.
From retreat to revival: shifting a leading surf club
Coastal communities and surf lifesaving clubs around New Zealand now face more risk from climate change and sea-level rise. In Paekākāriki, one of the country’s oldest surf clubs is vulnerable – its boat ramp collapsed in last Spring’s storms. But this club is turning retreat into opportunity, as it consults on plans to install a new building inland.
Cycling to recycling: turning food scraps into community gold
Bikes are increasingly seen on Paekākāriki’s streets, and eco-initiatives are also on the rise. But a different kind of cycling has just been introduced – Pae Cycle, an inventive scheme where food scraps are delivered to the community garden by a sleek black e-bike.
The Waikākāriki Wetland restoration
Nestled between State Highway One and the railway line at Paekākāriki, is a 1.6 hectare sliver of land that, with the help of Ngā Uruora and community volunteers, is emerging from invasive weeds to shine as an ecological treasure. Featuring a project by Paekakariki School students, Ana and Audrey, Andy McKay fills us in on where we can find it, how we can help, and why wetlands are vital.
Creative non-fiction
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.
Sometimes I need solitude, sometimes a village
For many, keeping on top of our mental health is a daily battle. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, Dani Deluka shares a pilgrimage to reconnect with her roots in order to stand strong.
History
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.
A century of service
It’s the end of an era for the ‘oldest garage on the coast’. Owner Chris Clarke is retiring and the building has been sold to a Waikanae-based collective responsible for restaurants, a bakery and craft brewery.
Paekākāriki Progress: community media 70 years ago
Found under the house of Paekākāriki’s former chemist Mr Bill Carson during lockdown, is a 1950 copy of a fortnightly community newspaper, Paekākāriki Progress. This is what a community website or newspaper (shades of Paekakariki Xpressed 2000-2010) looked like 70 years ago. With its hand-drawn masthead, typed, printed and stapled, it fulfils many of the same functions: events, a directory of services, local body politics, news from community groups.
News
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.
Paekākāriki Pride Festival: gone to the dogs
“It’s caused a bit of controversy. Some people felt quite strongly that they couldn’t possibly dress their dogs in the same outfit twice in one weekend, so we’re encouraging them to either find new outfits or chuck on the same one and teach their dog a new trick or two.”
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
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.
Pacific Sovereignty and creating an Asia Pacific Bubble
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.
Autumn 1943 Paekākāriki
A story by Dani Deluka paying tribute to a little cottage once used as a Catholic refuge for young pregnant girls.