Publication ends series of books on Paekākāriki

• Published date: 24 April 2024
• Author: David Haxton
• Publication title: Kapiti News

And what a way to finish a series of books aimed at preserving the history of the special seaside village

The six other books feature specific aspects of the village but the seventh takes a broader view.

O’Leary, with the help of others, as well as a grant from Copyright Licensing New Zealand, and the New Zealand Society of Authors, spent six months creating Paekākāriki — An Appreciation.

The book was developed from research in the Paekākāriki Station Precinct Trust archives, the archives in the National Library, and a bit of luck.

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...