Archives

Paekākāriki gets a Village Health Hub

Starting from August, Paekākāriki will have a GP in the village one afternoon a week for those currently not enrolled. Other health practitioners are also being welcomed. It’s a move long called for. Image: Mark Amery.

Remembering John Baxter

A tribute to respected painter, writer, thinker and carer of both his parents’ remarkable literary legacies, John Baxter (Taranaki, Te Whakatōhea).

Paekākāriki’s Blue Plaque

Paekākāriki now has a Blue Plaque honouring a famous inhabitant, Captain Val Sanderson. It’s the only official Blue Plaque on the Kāpiti Coast. Images: Bob Zuur

NZ Post Reprieve Short-lived – Post Boxes to be Lost 

News that Paekākāriki would be one of 10 stores around the country of 142 to be successful in retaining NZ Post’s services has proved short-lived. A decision that had followed the Paekākāriki community rallying to protest NZ Post’s decision.

Marine

Mark Te One reports on a chance meeting at the Paekākāriki Museum with a young man from North America. His grandfather was stationed here during WW2, as part of the first deployment of US Marines to New Zealand in 1942. His tale is a compelling one.

Dennis Rose: An Obituary

Long-time Paekākāriki resident Dennis Rose passed away on February 6, 2026, aged 92. While Paekākāriki locals might best remember Dennis for his ever-decreasing walking circuits of the village, Dennis leaves behind a legacy of research. This includes his efforts to find Pouawha.

A Dog and Dave story

Murray Williams, Paekākāriki resident and a wildlife biologist in his working years, reflects upon a couple of his valued fieldmates, a gifted conservation dog and its dying owner.

Paekākāriki Tool Library Opening with a Tool Drive

The Paekākāriki Tool Library (Scout Hall in Campbell Park) is about to open thanks to a group of resourceful village residents. Everyone is invited to the open day on Saturday 31 January from 9am to midday.

Steaming through the Manawatū Gorge

Steam Incorporated is a key part of Paekākāriki community and railway life. It has several steam train trips coming up so if you fancy experiencing the retro joy of steam travel head onto their website.

Our Fire Brigade celebrates its Eightieth Birthday!

Read Dani Deluka’s story about the legendary Paekākāriki Fire Brigade. They will be celebrating eighty years of service to the Paekākāriki and Kāpiti Coast Community with an open day on Saturday 8th of November 10-12pm. There will be station activities, a sausage sizzle, community education, a chance to explore inside the fire truck, and some time to get to know our local 361 crew.

GRACE: A Prayer for Peace, 2025

Dame Robin White and Dame Gaylene Preston.

Well known New Zealand artist and Paekākāriki resident Gerda Leenards reviews GRACE: A Prayer for Peace, a movie that brings two Dames, filmmaker Gaylene Preston and artist Robin White, together in a remarkable collaboration.

Listen: KCDC candidates in discussion plus Paekākāriki voting info

Welcome to the online Te Pae Election Specials recorded by Paekakariki 88.2 FM with information on how to vote. 

Listen below to interviews with three candidates for Mayor, Paekākāriki Raumati Council Ward, as well as those standing to represent the Kapiti District on Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Invasive Argentine ants have established in Paekākāriki

Argentinian Ants might be tiny but do not underestimate them. They are competitors for resources in the environment, outcompeting local ants and dominating the ecology of the gardens they invade. Read Amelia’s Argentinian Ant story to find out if you have an infestation at your place and, if so, what to do about it.

The Last Dance Band Gig in the old Paekākāriki Hotel

A Paekākāriki story set in the early 1970s when the village was still predominantly working class. Written by the legendary Gilbert Haisman: brilliant musician, story teller and long term contributor to Paekākāriki’s vibrant art scene.

Paekākāriki’s Legendary Book Fair 2025

We need your books! It’s that time of year again – the Paekākāriki Book Fair has been a regular July event for several years. We time it to coincide with school holidays as the children’s section is a highlight of the Fair. This year opening night, another highly anticipated community event, is on  11 July. […]

Paragliding and hang gliding Paekākāriki style

Members of the Wellington Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club have been flying the escarpment between the village and Pukerua Bay since 1973. Solomon Amery Zwartz and Sven Ericksen take us flying.

Te Āhuru Mōwai to Build 10 Rental Houses in Paekākāriki

Waipuna Grace, Press Release April 2025 Hui 6pm on Wednesday May 7th at St Peters Village Hall New Zealand’s largest Māori-owned Community Housing Provider (CHP), Te Āhuru Mōwai, is excited to announce the development of 10 new rental homes on Beach Rd, Paekākāriki. The project aims to increase the supply of quality rental housing for […]

ANZAC Day 2025 Memorial Address

I am honoured to give the memorial address at this ceremony on the 110th anniversary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli in 1915.

ANZAC Day 2025: A glorious day for a commemoration

David Apare plays a conch and Rob Pearce carries a photo of his grandfather at the Paekākāriki ANZAC Day service.    – Photo Bob Zuur On a perfect autumn day in Paekākāriki, residents joined a parade of Scouts and Army personnel to march along the seafront to the Memorial Hall, where they were welcomed with […]

The ship in a bottle

Read this classic ship-in-a-bottle tale by long time Paekākāriki resident and former journalist (among many other things) Mark Te One. Here he brings to life one of The Bowler’s talented old characters, Bob Upham.

Recap: Paekākāriki Community Board meeting of 28 April 2026

A community board meeting was held on Tuesday 28 April at 7pm. All board members were present, alongside council staff representatives.  Key items discussed Relationship accord with Kāpiti Coast District Council. Members agreed they needed more time to discuss and get clear answers on a number of queries. So this was left to lie in […]