Paekakariki: An Appreciation
Paekākāriki: An Appreciation is the last book in a series aimed at preserving the history of the special seaside village of Paekākāriki on the Kāpiti Coast of New Zealand. The previous books have focused on various aspects of Paekākāriki which have built up to this special edition.
It starts by examining the early conquests of Te Rauparaha and the first contacts between Māori and Pākehā. Dennis Rose then poses the question — where is Pouawha? — as he investigates the hill at the back of the Wainui Stream.
A diary written and illustrated in 1953 by Ruth Sanderson, daughter of Nellie and Captain Val Sanderson, founder of the Forest & Bird, is featured. “When Forest & Bird had a 100-year anniversary event here, the family came down from Auckland, and gave us the diary,” the book’s technical editor Dave Johnson said.
“There were also some photos we’ve never seen before.”
There are early recollections by Joyce Harrison, an alumna of Victoria University, who grew up in the village during World War II.
Other aspects include a history walk covering 27 places of interest, an art walk featuring the work of local writers and poets, the success of films in St Peter’s Hall, and poems by O’Leary focusing on significant events in the township during his 25 years as a resident.
The front cover is a painting by Andrew MacLeod, of a black and white photograph, taken by a Japanese tourist, in Beach Rd. MacLeod, now living in England, was one of the youngsters in the photo. “It’s got Noel Crombie, who would co-found Split Enz, in it, among others,” O’Leary said.