When it comes to Pride -- Paekākāriki is off the leash! The fourth year of the feel-good festival lets the canines shine with the new addition of a dog show this Labour Weekend. Robbie the Cor-gay, resident of Paekākāriki and regular Pride Parade goer. Photo: Val Little Shortly after 2020 … [Read more...] about Paekākāriki Pride Festival: gone to the dogs
Daisy Wood: Plants by name, plants by nature
It’s only natural that Daisy Wood is passionate about medicinal herbs – both her names are from the plant world. The degree-trained medical herbalist and naturopath has a specialty interest in women’s health. Using herbs to heal, she turns plants into delicious teas and medicinal … [Read more...] about Daisy Wood: Plants by name, plants by nature
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. Image: Dani Deluka Recently I took a trip to a motel up north. My studio room was compact and … [Read more...] about Sometimes I need solitude, sometimes a village
Born with railways in her blood: Christine Johnson
This week we acknowledge the departure of a quiet yet significant contributor to the Paekākariki community; Christine Johnson. Friend Michael O'Leary tells us about the rich rail history of Christine's life and the indelible mark she leaves both within the community and on the station … [Read more...] about Born with railways in her blood: Christine Johnson
Plant sale legend steps down
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. Tina, happy to finally have time for her own garden. Photo: Mishy Vieira Hands deep in soil, … [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 … [Read more...] about Cycling to recycling: turning food scraps into community gold
A decade of deli goodness
Celebrating ten years on Paekākāriki’s main drag, the Beach Road Deli is – thanks to Covid-19 – overdue a party. We talk to the Deli’s dynamic owners Kelly Rees and Rebecca Robati-Busby. Here’s a business that thrived - as much as one can - in level three lockdown, Paekākāriki’s Beach … [Read more...] about A decade of deli goodness
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 … [Read more...] about Peter Rankin: Haere rā to a revolutionary thinker
Seizing the moment for change: Dr Mike Joy
Dr Mike Joy, a founder of the Better Futures Forum 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 … [Read more...] about Seizing the moment for change: Dr Mike Joy