Hilary Baxter: Nothing humdrum about Hilary

Hilary Baxter, a powerful but not widely recognised poet, was a Paekākāriki identity.  Judith Galtry has updated her original story with new content and we share it here. Hilary came from illustrious literary stock. Her parents, James K. Baxter and Jacqueline C. Baxter (née Sturm) were both … [Read more...] about Hilary Baxter: Nothing humdrum about Hilary

Come Gardening with Potty Potters

Potty Potters is a local voluntary group enabling kids to learn gardening skills at Paekākāriki School. And they need your help! Potty Potters is a group of volunteers who grow plants in the nursery at the back of Paekākāriki School. We have two big sales per year - the Saturday of Mother’s Day … [Read more...] about Come Gardening with Potty Potters

Betty Perkins remembered

At a St Peter's Hall memorial service in June 2024, Leo Watson, a former resident of Paekākāriki, fondly remembers Betty Ann Perkins (1940 - 2024) and her many endeavours, both in Paekākāriki and further afield. E te whaea, e te poutokomanawa o te hapori nei, haere atu rā. E te whanau pani, kei … [Read more...] about Betty Perkins remembered

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 whānau's life in the village from the 1960s on reveals many a story about Paekākāriki's rich social history. "Linda stood on the viewing platform and looked down at Parrot … [Read more...] about Frances Cherry: washing up in Paekākāriki

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! Did you know the principal of … [Read more...] about A fascinating talk with Julia Bevin, Principal of Paekākāriki School

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. Alan Wehipeihana, long-time resident of Holtom's, tells Nik Bullard about the art studio’s … [Read more...] about Holtom’s Art Studios: art in the heart of Paekākāriki

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.   I grew up in Brasilia, Brasil with my father Jailton, my mother Helena and my brother, Rodrigo. My parents … [Read more...] about Getting to know Magno Vieira: from Wembley to Paekākāriki realty

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 … [Read more...] about Captain Sanderson: a visionary among the Paekākāriki dunes