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 1, February 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 April 2026.
The copy deadline for the next issue is 12 March 2026.
Editorial, February 2026
Kia ora
In this issue, we’re celebrating our pets and the love, companionship, fun, and sense of purpose they bring to our lives.
Kylie Amey’s delicate, nostalgic poem captures the joy and freedom of her Pukerua Bay childhood, growing up surrounded by horses (p. 4).
German Shepherd Pace was an integral member of the Steele whānau, deeply missed since passing away last year. Her mum, Tracey, pays loving tribute to her memory (cover and p. 5)
Pace was famous for slipping away to find new friends; however, few could match the audacity of Rupert, the train station cat (pp. 6–7).
While Rupert thrives on his adventures, Bella’s safety near a railway line requires a more contained approach, leading her owner, Jenny, to build a “catio” so Bella can safely enjoy the outdoors (p. 8).
Our love of pets and other animals is reflected in the many books about them. Local librarian Zeta Ford surveyed young readers to find out about some of their favourites (p. 9).
Even the most cherished relationships require careful management to thrive. We’ve looked at new central government measures for feral cat control and the council beach restrictions that help everyone enjoy the summer coast safely (p. 15).
So, interested in getting a pet and not sure where to start? Nikky Winchester has compiled a comprehensive directory of rescue shelters dedicated to finding forever homes for animals of all shapes and sizes (p. 9).
In other news, Moira Lawler spent the summer getting up to speed with the mahi involved in representing us on Porirua City Council. She tells us all about what this involves (p. 17).
We’re also promoting some exciting local initiatives:
• He Ara Pukerua teamed with illustrator Isaac du Toit to publish The Long Walk, a tale of adventure and friendship. (p. 11)
• A coalition of local groups has teamed up to organise an event where we can ‘swap, share, and repair’ (and eat!) (p. 10)
• The Hub has instigated a digital calendar to help you learn about and promote local activities. (p. 19)
Our next issue focuses on volunteering. We’re looking for everything from cherished school gala memories to stories of volunteering adventures here or abroad to tributes for our volunteer heroes, past and present. Whether your tale is one of frustration, success, or shared fun, we want to hear it!
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
