The Paekākāriki Station Museum has created an exhibition dedicated to ‘the smallest chemist with the biggest stock’. Bill Carson ran his tiny chemist in Paekākāriki from the 1930s until the shop closed in 1981, initially from the Holtoms Building then from 12 Beach Road. He became a deeply loved and … [Read more...] about The Smallest Chemist with the Biggest Stock: Bill Carson’s Chemist remembered
Nothing humdrum about Hilary
Much more than just a Paekākāriki personality, Hilary Baxter was also a poet. Judith Galtry writes of a life troubled by mental health issues and the shadow of her father. Hilary c1987 Hilary was a Paekākāriki poet and personality. She was also a poet unrecognised by … [Read more...] about Nothing humdrum about Hilary
A century of service
Paekākāriki Auto Services has closed its doors after 100 years of repairing the cars of locals and those needing urgent help while travelling on State Highway 1 north of Wellington. It's the end of an era for the 'oldest garage on the coast'. Owner Chris Clarke is retiring and the building … [Read more...] about A century of service
Paekākāriki Progress: community media 70 years ago
Found under the house of Paekākāriki's former chemist Mr Bill Carson during lockdown is a 1950 copy of a fortnightly community newspaper, Paekākāriki Progress. This is what a community website or newspaper (shades of Paekakariki Xpressed 2000-2010) looked like 70 years ago. With its hand-drawn … [Read more...] about Paekākāriki Progress: community media 70 years ago
Diamond in the rough: One Eye Gallery
Gary Freemantle reflects on the time when Paekākāriki hosted a nationally acclaimed contemporary art gallery with a foreword by Mark Amery. New Zealand's regions are full of galleries representing the work of local artists. Rarer outside the cities are contemporary art gallery managers … [Read more...] about Diamond in the rough: One Eye Gallery
Paekākāriki Xpressed 2001-2011
Paekākāriki's great journalist and jazz DJ, Don Polly passed away this week. Earlier this year we were lucky to capture this piece from Don, reflecting on the incredible success of a local community newspaper. Earlier this month a group of 11 friends gathered in the radio station that Don Polly … [Read more...] about Paekākāriki Xpressed 2001-2011
The last years of the Paekākāriki Pub
A photo essay from 2004 by photographer Andrew Ross with text by Mark Amery. This hotel no longer stands, yet it remains shimmering there in the mind's eye on Beach Road. Fully occupied with stories. Stories of wild nights, sunny afternoons, and crazy rides in and out of Paekākāriki town. … [Read more...] about The last years of the Paekākāriki Pub
We are failing the Wainui
When it rains hard a treasured Kāpiti Coast waterway, Wainui Stream turns very brown. Home to some of the best native fish biodiversity in the Wellington region the stream, says freshwater ecologist and advocate Mike Joy, has long been abused. It is now likely being damaged by Transmission Gully … [Read more...] about We are failing the Wainui
The complete history of the Paekākāriki Progressive Association
A true and accurate chronicle of an episode in Paekākāriki community politics by Gilbert Haisman. Images: Mark Amery In 1973, a military chap came to live in our village. He discerned a need for a Ratepayers Association and called a public meeting to discuss his proposal. Posters went up in … [Read more...] about The complete history of the Paekākāriki Progressive Association
Kahe Te-Rau-o-te-Rangi: A celebration of art and wāhine toa
On Monday 23 September, more than 50 Paekākāriki School students along with community artist, Rachel Benefield, were at the unveiling of their two newest panels celebrating the story of Paekākāriki’s famous wāhine, Kahe Te-Rau-o-te-Rangi. School children have been working with Rachel Benefield to … [Read more...] about Kahe Te-Rau-o-te-Rangi: A celebration of art and wāhine toa