Paekākāriki writer Rob Hack on what motivates anyone to write a poem, or become a poet. Are poets born? Or formed and shaped by external circumstances? Albert Wendt the great Samoan poet and novelist wrote, 'like a sensitive plant, the artist, through an unconscious process of … [Read more...] about Where does a poem come from?
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
Meet the locals #4
Gilbert Haisman Gilbert and Kamala will be familiar figures to many, walking their beloved little dog on the shore or around the village. Gilbert, a well known musician in the Paekakariki community, has lived here half a century after he turned “randomly” across the railway lines for the … [Read more...] about Meet the locals #4
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
Remembering a Community Champion
John Newton Porter, a foundation member of the Kapiti US Marines Trust and tireless community advocate died earlier this year. He was 86. Allie Webber, friend and fellow Kapiti US Marines trustee, remembers a man deeply rooted in community values. John Porter or “J.P.”, as he was known, … [Read more...] about Remembering a Community Champion
Scoreboards & brawls
Jenny Clarke gives us a run-down of recent celebrations of Paekākāriki's sporting history with images by Mick Finn. There is always plenty for Paekakariki residents to do and see. The History Day on September 15 was a splendid opportunity to gather in St Peter's Hall to learn about the … [Read more...] about Scoreboards & brawls
Paekākāriki – meet your candidates!
Every community has challenges and strengths particular to their place. Paekākāriki is no exception. We asked the village what questions they'd like to know answers to before making their votes in the local body and Paekākāriki Community Board elections this October, and in response candidates … [Read more...] about Paekākāriki – meet your candidates!
Lake Hallow: A Village Pond with Spears, Bones and Pleasure Boats
Waterways once reached from Paekākāriki to Waikanae and it was said the waterways between the sandhills were so numerous that canoes could be paddled between the settlements. In 1855 an 8.2 earthquake, centred in the Wairarapa, radically changed these waterways. The area was uplifted … [Read more...] about Lake Hallow: A Village Pond with Spears, Bones and Pleasure Boats
