Kōrero is Pukerua Bay’s new community newsletter. It’s a place for keeping our community connected and informed. A place for celebrating what we have and working together to make it better. Through the generous support of our advertisers and sponsors, issues will periodically land in your letterbox throughout the year.
Current issue
Vol 6, Issue 2, April 2026 (PDF)
National Library of New Zealand: 45369835 / ALMA 21361949640002836
WorldCat: OCLC 1249555898
Kōrero is brought to you by a small group of locals in the hope that, over time, everyone in our community will find something in it that is useful, interesting … even exciting! For that to happen, we need your involvement. If you have items to contribute or would like to advertise, please email us via newsletter@pukeruabay.org.nz or use the Contact Us form on this website.
Next Issue: out in June 2026.
The copy deadline for the next issue is 12 May 2026.
Editorial, April 2026
Did you know that 2026 is the International Year of Volunteers? And did you know that it is also the centennial of the Pukerua Bay Residents’ Association (PBRA)? How apt, and what a joy it is to celebrate PBRA in this issue of our newsletter (pp. 11–12)!
As the Residents’ Association story reminds us, volunteering has a long history in Pukerua Bay. Our cover image features volunteers for Meals on Wheels, a service established here in 1974 to fill a gap that could not be met by the Wellington Hospital Board. They had their adventures. Two of the group’s clients lived on the beachfront. The walk to their homes could be pleasant in fine weather, but quite hazardous when stormy. Group founder Helen Pool told Kapi Mana, “You have to dodge the waves! https://shorturl.at/65D78
This issue pays tribute to other long-established organisations, like the Soccer Club, Scouts, and Playgroup (pp. 9, 13, and 17). These groups are highly dependent upon individuals who put in the effort to keep them going, even when they sometimes go into abeyance. They include quiet heroes like Rachel and Neil Parsons, Sue Gibson, Frank Pearce, and Iain MacLean. Jen Erceg asks “Who are ‘They’?” and these people answer “Us!” (p. 15).
The story of the Surfer Seat and its installation and maintenance draws attention to Dave Pepperell, another quiet hero, and to the sponsors whose support is often critical to the work being done (p. 6). That is certainly true for Kōrero.
Our Council also provides crucial support to help our community thrive (p. 17).
Volunteering can take long hours and sacrifice. There can be disagreement and disappointment. What drives people to make this commitment? Yvonne Mackie, Russell Jenkins, and Kelly McClean address this question, highlighting the very real rewards to be found in giving to others (pp. 4, 7, and 17). Nic Rowe celebrates the everyday service that might not even be noticed, and suggests that through such service we can have the satisfaction of helping make the world a better place (p. 5)
We have an opportunity to acknowledge some of our volunteers in the upcoming Civic Awards (p. 3). Do have a think about a likely candidate!
The Matariki issue approaches and, as ever, we’ll be letting you know how this special time will be celebrated in Pukerua Bay. We’ll be thinking about our environment and how the issues that matter to us here in our place connect with issues around Aotearoa New Zealand and the world. We’d love you to contribute to the kōrero!
Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa.
Let us keep close together, not wide apart.
We acknowledge mana whenua of Pukerua Bay, Ngāti Toa Rangatira. For Ngāti Toa news, see www.ngatitoa.iwi.nz
