Gary Freemantle reflects on the time when Paekākāriki hosted a nationally acclaimed contemporary art gallery with a foreword by Mark Amery. New Zealand's regions are full of galleries representing the work of local artists. Rarer outside the cities are contemporary art gallery managers … [Read more...] about Diamond in the rough: One Eye Gallery
Paekākāriki Xpressed 2001-2011
Paekākāriki's great journalist and jazz DJ, Don Polly passed away this week. Earlier this year we were lucky to capture this piece from Don, reflecting on the incredible success of a local community newspaper. Earlier this month a group of 11 friends gathered in the radio station that Don Polly … [Read more...] about Paekākāriki Xpressed 2001-2011
A lovely seaside haven for rodents
It's that time of year in New Zealand when mice and rats move in and share our bubbles as they seek warmth. That means, says Maree White, it's time for us to work together on being predator free. Paekākāriki has long taken a lead with likely the first backyard trapping group anywhere in New Zealand. … [Read more...] about A lovely seaside haven for rodents
Driftwood bridges
Dani Deluka about reaching across water to touch those we can't and how a village can help get us to the other side. I am grateful for the quiet of April. This stillness. Is something else. Something good. Easter is different this year. We are connected. We are … [Read more...] about Driftwood bridges
The complete history of the Paekākāriki Progressive Association
A true and accurate chronicle of an episode in Paekākāriki community politics by Gilbert Haisman. Images: Mark Amery In 1973, a military chap came to live in our village. He discerned a need for a Ratepayers Association and called a public meeting to discuss his proposal. Posters went up in … [Read more...] about The complete history of the Paekākāriki Progressive Association
Remembering Florrie: Florence Louisa Ward
Paekākāriki resident Florrie Ward passed away on 19 March 2020 aged 103. Her daughters, Claire Pinfold and Ronda Thompson, share with us her extraordinary life and character. We also feature the remarkable docu-animation film in which she and her twin sister Pearl aged 79 starred, after … [Read more...] about Remembering Florrie: Florence Louisa Ward
Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre proposed for Emerald Glen Road
The NZ Transport Agency’s plan for a souped-up version of a truck weigh station, planned for land at the start of Emerald Glen Road, has hit some wobbles as locals and the Paekākāriki Community Board express their disappointment at the lack of consultation. At approximately 1hectare in area, … [Read more...] about Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre proposed for Emerald Glen Road
Where does a poem come from?
Paekākāriki writer Rob Hack on what motivates anyone to write a poem, or become a poet. Are poets born? Or formed and shaped by external circumstances? Albert Wendt the great Samoan poet and novelist wrote, 'like a sensitive plant, the artist, through an unconscious process of … [Read more...] about Where does a poem come from?
Meet the locals #4
Gilbert Haisman Portrait of Gilbert by Taja Farslow Gilbert and Kamala will be familiar figures to many, walking their beloved little dog on the shore or around the village. Gilbert, a well known musician in the Paekakariki community, has lived here half a century after he turned … [Read more...] about Meet the locals #4
Kahe Te-Rau-o-te-Rangi: A celebration of art and wāhine toa
On Monday 23 September, more than 50 Paekākāriki School students along with community artist, Rachel Benefield, were at the unveiling of their two newest panels celebrating the story of Paekākāriki’s famous wāhine, Kahe Te-Rau-o-te-Rangi. School children have been working with Rachel Benefield to … [Read more...] about Kahe Te-Rau-o-te-Rangi: A celebration of art and wāhine toa