Ian McGibbon, ONZM 25 April 2025 I am honoured to give the memorial address at this ceremony on the 110th anniversary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli in 1915. It is important to recognise those who served and fell in this first major campaign fought by New Zealanders, and those that served … [Read more...] about ANZAC Day 2025 Memorial Address
The ship in a bottle
In a ship-in-a-bottle tale, long-time Paekākāriki resident and former journalist Mark Te One gives us a glimpse of old village life through the story of a local character with a unique talent. More than a decade ago my wife Sarah and two friends were at the Paekakariki School Annual Fair, … [Read more...] about The ship in a bottle
Paekākāriki School pool (re)opened
After three summers closed the Paekākāriki School pool has reopened. Jude Walcott looks at its rich history. The day was warm and sunny, the school pool crystal clear and inviting as a group of children, parents, teachers and invited guests gathered recently for the official reopening of the … [Read more...] about Paekākāriki School pool (re)opened
Growing up in Paekākāriki
From 1966 until 1978 my family lived on Tilley Road, off Mira Grove. Our house straddled old and new Paekākāriki—the old streets from Ocean Road to the end of Ames Street and the new subdivision built in the late 1950s, stretching from Mira Grove all the way to Queen Elizabeth Park. I now live in … [Read more...] about Growing up in Paekākāriki
Keeping Ahi Kā – the responsibility we have for the land we live on
January 25 2025 saw the passing of village kaumatua Karl Farrell of Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki. A great loss, Karl with the support of his whanau and community has worked long to see their whenua better recognised. That work now needs to continue without him, honouring his legacy . In part two of … [Read more...] about Keeping Ahi Kā – the responsibility we have for the land we live on
Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki: hikoi and land loss
Part one in a Paekakariki.nz series looking at the whenua in relationship to Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki, Thane Maxwell, local historian, in partnership with the Farrell whānau, takes us on an historical journey of iwi hikoi and land loss in our region. Ngāti Haumia are an iwi who whakapapa to … [Read more...] about Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki: hikoi and land loss
What are you looking at? The Paekākāriki Seascape
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
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
ANZAC Day 2024: Paekākāriki soldiers remembered
Ian McGibbon's memorial address at the recent ANZAC Day event commemorates some of the young Paekākāriki men who served in World War One. It is an honour to be invited this morning to give the memorial address in Paekākāriki on the 109th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. We are here … [Read more...] about ANZAC Day 2024: Paekākāriki soldiers 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