http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz en-us Thu, 14 May 2026 18:20:59 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/post/164414/paekakarikis-blue-plaque/ On 23 April, a Blue Plaque was unveiled on a Pōhutukawa tree at 15 Pingau Street, Paekākāriki, honouring Captain Val Sanderson, founder of the organisation that became Aotearoa’s Forest & Bird Society.Internationally recognised markers, blue plaques commemorate notable people, events, or places. In New Zealand, they are managed by Historic Places Aotearoa. Paekākāriki’s plaque is the fourth in the Wellington region—and the only one on a tree.The other three are on permanent struct... Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/#post164414 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/post/161921/model-train-is-back/ From Robina SmytheThe train is back!The model train that is. At the museum... Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:45:25 +1300 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/#post161921 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/post/161793/railway-history-paekakariki-station-museum-new-book/ The Paekākāriki Station Museum has recently published Railway Recollections of Wellington, a book of black and white photos taken by John David Buckley who was a New Zealand Railways (NZR) worker and train driver from 1923 to 1963. JD Buckley was also an enthusiastic photographer, and this book captures some historic recollections of rail (and some road) travel and development between Wellington and Otaki mainly during the 1930s and 40s.John moved to Paekākāriki in 1934, living in one of the... Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:56:11 +1300 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/#post161793 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/post/160895/the-paekakariki-station-museum-updates-its-website/ The Paekākāriki Station Museum now has a striking online presence via its new website, accessible at xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/Hard work and commitment by Dave Johnson, Chair of the Paekākāriki Museum Trust, and Jude Walcott, Museum Trust member, has ensured the village’s rich history is even more accessible. Whether you are a local history buff or a curious traveller, the new website serves as a virtual portal to the stories that shape Paekākāriki.Located in the heart of the village with... Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:30:57 +1300 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/#post160895 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/post/160894/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.Long-time Paekākāriki resident Dennis Rose passed away on February 6, aged 92. He had just moved into Coastal Villas, after 40 years living on the beachfront in Ames Street.Paekākāriki locals might best remember D... Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/#post160894 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/post/150348/matariki--early-paekakariki-history-exhibition--talks/ The last major exhibition arranged by the Paekākāriki Station Museum was held over Matariki weekend in June 2025. The exhibition showcased the early history of Paekākāriki - as well as celebrating Matariki - through stories, speakers, displays, poetry and film. A glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the area. (There are ongoing smaller exhibitions on display at the Station Museum on the railway platform). For more photos and links to recordings of some of the talks, please visit t... Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/#post150348 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/post/151744/michael-oleary-spent-six-months-researching-his-new-book-about-paekakariki/ Michael O'Leary with a copy of Paekākāriki - An Appreciation.... Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/#post151744 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/post/151734/local-history-goes-on-display/ ... Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/#post151734 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/post/151673/kapiti-news/ ... Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/#post151673 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/post/151737/historic-figures-feature-in-new-text/ ... Wed, 28 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.xplorepaekakariki.org.nz/blog/#post151737