A beautiful record of a community day and night 20 June at St Peters Hall Paekākāriki by photographer Bob Zuur with an array of musical talent and words from Gilbert Haisman. This night saw the hall's new floorboards given a thorough test. Here, we take the chance to remember a few of our people in … [Read more...] about Bubble breakout!
Plant seeds in people
"It’s crucial that we make time for blue sky thinking." Sophie Handford imagines Paekākāriki in 50 years. The second in our series of stories by young residents on what we will, or could look like in the future. Images by Louve Pharand-Doucet. Paekākāriki is a special place. It’s not just a … [Read more...] about Plant seeds in people
The Lockdown Alphabet
Covid-19 punished many in the arts sector and yet it's art that we rest on and return to during crises. Paekākāriki printmaker Joe Buchanan of Diatom Press captured the human response from his garden studio resulting in an extraordinary series of hand-cut lino and letterpress prints. Drawing on his … [Read more...] about The Lockdown Alphabet
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. The … [Read more...] about The last years of the Paekākāriki Pub
Waitangi Day 2020 Paekākāriki
On February 6th Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki and the village community hosted the official 2020 Waitangi Day commemorations for the Kāpiti Coast. Delivering spectacular sunshine, music and kai the day will be remembered as a triumph of community spirit. Mark Coote was there to capture some shots for … [Read more...] about Waitangi Day 2020 Paekākāriki
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
Anzac Day 2020 Paekakariki
With Aotearoa in lockdown Anzac Day in Paekākāriki has begun with a dawn service at letterboxes. We would usually gather to march to Memorial Hall for the roll of honour to be called, addresses and the Last Post to be played. This year we present our Anzac Day ceremony online through services past, … [Read more...] about Anzac Day 2020 Paekakariki