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 … [Read more...] about Paekākāriki advances north!
From retreat to revival: shifting a leading surf club
Coastal communities and surf lifesaving clubs around New Zealand bear dramatic early risks 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 … [Read more...] about From retreat to revival: shifting a leading surf club
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. Orange peel and onion … [Read more...] about Cycling to recycling: turning food scraps into community gold
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. The Waikākāriki Stream runs through the centre of this land, … [Read more...] about The Waikākāriki Wetland restoration
Bubble breakout!
A beautiful record of a community day and night 20 June at St Peters Hall Paekākāriki by photographer Bob Zuur with an array of musical talent and words from Gilbert Haisman. This night saw the hall's new floorboards given a thorough test. Here, we take the chance to remember a few of our people in … [Read more...] about Bubble breakout!
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
Anzac Day 2020 Paekakariki
With Aotearoa in lockdown Anzac Day in Paekākāriki has begun with a dawn service at letterboxes. We would usually gather to march to Memorial Hall for the roll of honour to be called, addresses and the Last Post to be played. This year we present our Anzac Day ceremony online through services past, … [Read more...] about Anzac Day 2020 Paekakariki
Stronger together: What communities can do in the Covid-19 crisis
From Italy’s ‘Listen to Your Grandmother’ campaign and Bristol’s Mothers Turned Drug Runners to RongoCare in the tiny village of Rongotea, Louise Thornley has been researching great NZ and international community responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. A public health researcher, most recently … [Read more...] about Stronger together: What communities can do in the Covid-19 crisis
Hearts all day long
Sarah Bainbridge on her work as an essential worker in a Wellington hospital during lockdown I’ve never been afraid of hospitals. I actually find them sort of comforting. I was in a burns unit as a pre-schooler and I wonder if it imprinted on me somehow. The faintly antiseptic scent. The … [Read more...] about Hearts all day long
In lockdown with the kids of Paekākāriki
Tash Nilsson gathers together the creative ways tamariki and their parents are keeping sane in the Kapiti Coast village. When our village went into lockdown with the rest of the country, many parents were no doubt wondering how they would navigate this new reality: entertaining the kids … [Read more...] about In lockdown with the kids of Paekākāriki