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 … [Read more...] about The opportunity to serve – Philip Edwards
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 … [Read more...] about 2020: a year in flags
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 … [Read more...] about Bringing us sunshine
Part rockstar, part poet. A birthday blessing.
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. Earlier this month Paekākāriki poet and publisher Michael O'Leary attended Aotearoa's poet laureate David Eggleton's recent … [Read more...] about Part rockstar, part poet. A birthday blessing.
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 medicinal … [Read more...] about Daisy Wood: Plants by name, plants by nature
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 … [Read more...] about Born with railways in her blood: Christine Johnson
Plant sale legend steps down
If you’ve ever seen Tina Pope in gardening action at Paekākāriki School, you quickly get a sense of how her enthusiasm and efficiency propelled the Paekākāriki Plant Sale to be such a success. Hands deep in soil, pushing a wheelbarrow, or passionately explaining to volunteers how best to pot … [Read more...] about Plant sale legend steps down
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. Here’s a business that thrived - as much as one can - in level three lockdown, Paekākāriki’s Beach Road … [Read more...] about A decade of deli goodness
Peter Rankin: Haere rā to a revolutionary thinker
Paekākāriki and Aotearoa have lost one of its revolutionary thinkers. Former Paekākāriki resident and Chief Executive of New Zealand Planning Council, Peter Rankin, passed away this week, aged 80. Friend Patricia Sarr shares her reflections on an extraordinary man. When I conjure up … [Read more...] about Peter Rankin: Haere rā to a revolutionary thinker
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. It is not aligned to … [Read more...] about Seizing the moment for change: Dr Mike Joy