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
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
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
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
How we are doing. Me pēhea tatou
Mark Amery reports on a special time for www.paekakariki.nz and looks back on the site’s activity since it launched. A rocket launch at the end of June 2019 at the Paekākāriki Surf Club as the sun sets. We huddle together against the cold before a beach fire, or we perch silhouetted on a … [Read more...] about How we are doing. Me pēhea tatou
Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre proposed for Emerald Glen Road
The NZ Transport Agency’s plan for a souped-up version of a truck weigh station, planned for land at the start of Emerald Glen Road, has hit some wobbles as locals and the Paekākāriki Community Board express their disappointment at the lack of consultation. NZTA has identified land — … [Read more...] about Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre proposed for Emerald Glen Road
The Paekākāriki Green Dream: Realising a Community Orchard and Garden Project
Work over the last seven years to create a commons space to encourage Paekākāriki’s self sufficiency and strengthen community is now a reality with Paekākāriki Orchards and Gardens. This year this local open group secured a four year license to use an acre of land at the northern end of the village … [Read more...] about The Paekākāriki Green Dream: Realising a Community Orchard and Garden Project
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