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 home. On … [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. NZTA has identified land — … [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 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 “randomly” across the railway lines for the … [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
Remembering a Community Champion
John Newton Porter, a foundation member of the Kapiti US Marines Trust and tireless community advocate died earlier this year. He was 86. Allie Webber, friend and fellow Kapiti US Marines trustee, remembers a man deeply rooted in community values. John Porter or “J.P.”, as he was known, … [Read more...] about Remembering a Community Champion
Scoreboards & brawls
Jenny Clarke gives us a run-down of recent celebrations of Paekākāriki's sporting history with images by Mick Finn. There is always plenty for Paekakariki residents to do and see. The History Day on September 15 was a splendid opportunity to gather in St Peter's Hall to learn about the … [Read more...] about Scoreboards & brawls
Lake Hallow: A Village Pond with Spears, Bones and Pleasure Boats
Waterways once reached from Paekākāriki to Waikanae and it was said the waterways between the sandhills were so numerous that canoes could be paddled between the settlements. In 1855 an 8.2 earthquake, centred in the Wairarapa, radically changed these waterways. The area was uplifted … [Read more...] about Lake Hallow: A Village Pond with Spears, Bones and Pleasure Boats