Paekākāriki.NZ

Part rockstar, part poet. A birthday blessing.

Kay McKenzie Cooke

Ahead of his celebrations this weekend, Dunedin-based writer, Kay McKenzie Cooke celebrates a ‘significant birthday’ for much-loved poet and independent publisher Michael O’Leary aka the Earl of Seacliff.

Proud as rainbow punch

Bob Zuur

Paekākāriki Pride Festival 2020. A photo story by Bob Zuur.

Paekākāriki Pride Festival: gone to the dogs

Val Little

“It’s caused a bit of controversy. Some people felt quite strongly that they couldn’t possibly dress their dogs in the same outfit twice in one weekend, so we’re encouraging them to either find new outfits or chuck on the same one and teach their dog a new trick or two.”

Pacific Sovereignty and creating an Asia Pacific Bubble

Mark Amery

Daisy Wood: Plants by name, plants by nature

Story / Louise Thornley

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 soothing tinctures.

Sometimes I need solitude, sometimes a village

Dani Deluka

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.

Born with railways in her blood: Christine Johnson

Michael O'Leary

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 platform.

Plant sale legend steps down

Mishy Vieira

After 7-8 years managing the growing and selling of thousands of plants each year through the gardening group Potty Potters, gardening enthusiast Tina Pope hands over the secateurs.

From retreat to revival: shifting a leading surf club

Louise Thornley

Coastal communities and surf lifesaving clubs around New Zealand now face more risk 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 opportunity, as it consults on plans to install a new building inland.

Cycling to recycling: turning food scraps into community gold

Louise Thornley / Photos by Bob Zuur

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.