To celebrate peace and commemorate Parihaka, Himiona Grace and Julia Truscott are creating a major Paekākāriki event – their second Rangi Mārie Peace Festival, 22- 23 November.
The last hermit of Paekākāriki
Local history writer, Judith Galtry, lived next door to who she describes as the last hermit in Paekākāriki for many years. She shares her neighbour’s complex story with insight and compassion. Read an excerpt here then the full article on Newsroom.
Hilary Baxter: Nothing humdrum about Hilary
Hilary Baxter, a powerful but not widely recognised poet, was a Paekākāriki identity. Judith Galtry has updated her original story with new content and we share it here.
Come Gardening with Potty Potters
Potty Potters is a local voluntary group enabling kids to learn gardening skills at Paekākāriki School. And they need your help!
Recipients of the Mercedes Webb-Pullman Poetry Award announced
The Webb-Pullman family take great pleasure in announcing the honours for the inaugural Mercedes Webb-Pullman Poetry Award, on the topic of ‘Rebellion’.
‘Deepest gratitude’ from whānau for support of kaumātua but a long way to go
The campaign to support Ngāti Haumia’s kaumātua, Karl Farrell, has raised over $15,000 in one week – but much more is still needed. We share a message of gratitude from the Farrell whānau.
Tell us your tail
Predator Free Paekākāriki has heard some great tales over the years. Share yours and go in the draw to win one of our prizes – one of two trapping tunnel packages, or a jar of premium Fix and Fogg human consumable peanut butter, kindly donated by Paekākāriki Village Grocery Store. Submit your tale by 5pm Sunday 11 August to be in to win!
Paekākāriki in pictures
Fiona Gunter-Firth takes us on a photographic journey around the village.
Paekākāriki Film Wins Award
The short horror film S(p)lash, filmed and produced in Paekākāriki, took the award for Best Sound Design at the recent Te Whanganui-a-Tara finals of the 48 Hour Film Competition. Sam Buchanan, who features in the film, tells us more.
Betty Perkins remembered
At a St Peter’s Hall memorial service in June 2024, Leo Watson, a former resident of Paekākāriki, fondly remembers Betty Ann Perkins (1940 – 2024) and her many endeavours, both in Paekākāriki and further afield.