Judith Galtry embarks on an exploration of marine monikers to figure out the correct designation for the body of water that we can see from our shores. Denis Glover, New Zealand poet extraordinaire and onetime Paekākāriki resident, had a Royal Navy and sailing background. He also wrote many … [Read more...] about What are you looking at? The Paekākāriki Seascape
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
Finding Fungi in Paekākāriki
Sally Heppenstall tells us about her fascination for fungi and where to find it locally and beyond. Disclaimer: This story is for fascination and photography (not for eating or ingesting for other reasons). Fungi season is upon us and now is a great time to go exploring the local bush areas, … [Read more...] about Finding Fungi in Paekākāriki
The Ballad of the Triple Track
Paekakariki.nz proudly presents the second in its commissioned series of creative writing to go with our walks. In an epic poem, itself like a track, Michael O'Leary writes historically and contemporaneously about the rail, road and path between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay. This series sees our … [Read more...] about The Ballad of the Triple Track
Sometimes I need solitude, sometimes a village
For many, keeping on top of our mental health is a daily battle. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, Dani Deluka shares a pilgrimage to reconnect with her roots in order to stand strong. Recently I took a trip to a motel up north. My studio room was compact and sweet but with a huge retro … [Read more...] about Sometimes I need solitude, sometimes a village
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 home. On … [Read more...] about Driftwood bridges
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?
A restless person’s guide to a walking meditation
I practice yoga, I’ve meditated. But no matter, a vicarious enjoyment of other people’s travels and lives, laced with envy and a touch of masochism, works its way under my skin. I am constantly distracted from the ‘here and now’ by the temptation of other places. As I write, there are … [Read more...] about A restless person’s guide to a walking meditation
Taupō Swamp
The first time I became aware of Taupō Swamp was when the Queen came to visit. A platform was erected atop a small grassy knoll beside State Highway One. From here the Queen could stand, her back to the traffic, to admire the sea of flax, and perhaps wave royally across its expanse at commuters on … [Read more...] about Taupō Swamp
Centennial
Our house backs onto paddocks and on the other side of those paddocks part of Transmission Gully is being constructed. It’s a notorious road. One I can hardly believe is actually being built, having heard about it for as long as I can remember. I see the earthmovers and the hazard bunting during the … [Read more...] about Centennial