Ursula Somerset Beeson (1909-1994)

The Tale of a Famous Paekakariki Tealeaf ReaderBy Judith Galtry, 2021 ‘For centuries people have searched for answers in the bottom of a teacup’ and soothsayers have sought to oblige’.[1] ‘So many people have told me I should write my autobiography and that I have had a very interesting life. Well, when I was living … Read more

Poet Denis Glover : His Life In Paekakariki

By Judith Galtry (Updated July 2021). Denis Glover, 1973 [1] Denis James Matthews Glover DSC (9 December 1912 – 9 August 1980) was one of New Zealand’s best known and most prolific poets, satirists, and publishers. He lived in Paekakariki between 1959 and 1970. Te Ara: The Encyclopaedia of New Zealand describes the multi-talented Glover … Read more

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Paul Callister September 2020 We are proud of the work Ngā Uruora has carried out on the Paekākāriki-Pukerua Bay escarpment and surrounding areas. In our time, we have had many inspired volunteers. But less known is the contribution to conservation made by Paekākāriki locals long before our organisation was set up. One is Arthur Clarke. … Read more

Hilary Baxter

By Jude Galtry 18 JUNE 1949–19 NOVEMBER 2013 Hilary was a Paekākāriki poet and personality. She was also a poet unrecognised by many. Hilary Ann Baxter was born on 18 June, 1949. Her mother was Jacqueline Cecilia Baxter (nee Sturm) and her father was James Keir Baxter. Both were prominent New Zealand poets. Her paternal … Read more