Learn about Paeka¯ ka¯ riki during History Day events
Paeka¯ ka¯ riki History Day on Sunday in the St Peter’s Hall, from 2pm-5pm, also features the launch of Michael O’Leary’s book The Streets of Paekakariki.
The book provides interesting anecdotes about how the streets got their names as well as more indepth information and photographs sourced by Dave Johnson.
Michael said Paneta St, which was the first street he lived in when he moved to Paeka¯ ka¯ riki 20 years ago proved to be the hardest one to find out about.
An old letter from the late 1840s, before Paeka¯ ka¯ riki was a place, provided a useful clue.
But others streets, such as Aperahama St were easier — three streets are named after Aperahama Mutu-Mira.
Michael said the book was affordable and easy to read with “great photographs and memories”.
“It’s great background information for people in the village and who have lived here.”
He said the book complemented other books on the area including
Paeka¯ ka¯ riki A Short History, History of the Paeka¯ ka¯ riki Railway Station and Ka¯ piti Transport.
The history day, free entry and free afternoon tea, features an expanded photo exhibition, movies of Paeka¯ ka¯ riki over the years [about 3.30pm] and opportunities for people to share memories, photographs, history.
Signed copies of Michael’s book will be available on the day for $20.