History Page 2

Paekakariki means : A ridge upon which Parakeets congregate, or, The perch of the Green Parrot.

Paekakariki history dates back to the 1800's, to the time of the Maori.  There is evidence of Kumara Pits on the hill above Paekakariki Railway Station and there are traces of Pipi rubbish pits in some local gardens.

Originally the only access to Paekakariki from Wellington and Wairarapa regions was from Pauatahanui over the Paekakariki Hill.  This was in the days of horse drawn coaches. Cobb and Co were the carriers of mail in those times and so Paekakariki became known as a coach stop and was used for a passenger stop over the changing, watering and feeding of horses.  The existing Holtham Building is believed to have been Cobb and Company stables.
Wellington Manawatu Railway Company's No. 11 at Paekakariki approx. : 1900  

The original Paekakariki post office was located in the Hotel in 1869 and later moved to the Railway Station.  It was not until the 1920's that the post office was moved to it current site in the village.  European farming in this area dates back to the 1850's the land is hilly and the predominant farming was sheep.  In Paekakariki the main family were the Smiths and all of the descendants came from the three Smith brothers.  For a small village it was notable that in 1931 there were 42 residents named Smith, even though many of these folk had no original family connections.

Present day agricultural endeavours have extended to market gardening, horticulture, forestry, and some sheep farming on a much smaller scale than previously.  Goat farming was popular a few years ago but was virtually abandoned when market prices fell.  There still remains a number of feral goats which can been seen roaming the hills.

The present day Paekakariki Hill road was open in 1865.  The centennial highway which runs from Pukerua Bay to Paekakariki was opened during 1940 and greatly improved the access to the Kapiti Coast, eliminating the arduous climb over the Paekakariki Hill.

With the advent of the railway the first school opened in 1886.  The schoolhouse is now a private home.  The current school caters for 200 pupils, with a Kohanga Reo attached.

In 1906 the sub division of land for the establishment of holiday homes was commenced.  Many Railway houses were built in Paekakariki over the years.  Two large old settlements in Ames street and the railway station yard have now gone.  The remaining homes have been sold into private ownership.

During the summer months Paekakariki attracts hundreds of visitors.  Batchelors Motor Camp provides first class camping facilities for the numerous camper vanning international tourists.Today in Paekakariki's population is just under 2,000 people in 750 households.  Paekakariki is a village that is unlikely to expand any further, being bounded by the sea, hills, main roads and Queen Elizabeth Park.
 

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