He Ara Pukerua

07/05/2026

Please forward to past pupils, teachers and those associated with Pukerua Bay School.

29/04/2026

This evening He Ara Pukerua was presented with a certificate in recognition of a grant we received from the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust. Anita Baker, Mayor of Porirua, made the presentation.

20/03/2026

On 20 March 1926 Prime Minister Hon J.G. Coates and other guests arrived at Pukerua Bay Station by train - there were no roads to the Bay then. He came to open the road from the station to the beach and a side road to Charles Gray’s homestead.
This weekend we celebrate 100 years of the Pukerua Bay Residents’ Association and its predecessors at the Meet the Neighbours event at Wairaka Park and the RSA, 3:0pm to 4.30pm. There will be cake!

Photo caption: The official party at Pukerua Bay Station before the Opening of the Roads ceremony 20 March 1926.

09/03/2026

"The Long Walk from Wellington to Waikawa" is at Halfway House, Glenside. The Bevan children stayed at the original Halfway in 1845. Send us a message or email [email protected] for a copy of The Long Walk $25

14/01/2026

12/01/2026

𝗡𝗴ā𝘁𝗶 𝗧𝗼𝗮, 𝗧𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘂𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘂𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝘆

Everything you always wanted to know about the Māori history of Pukerua. Based on a talk by Miria Pomare at Muri Station during Heritage Week 2021. Videoed by Paul FitzGerald and transcribed by Dorothy Ibrahim in March 2023.

https://www.hearapukeruabay.nz/ngati-toa-te-rauparaha-and-pukerua-bay/ngati-toa-te-rauparaha-and-pukerua-bay/

Special thanks to Miria Pomare and Ngāti Toa Komiti Ahurea.

19/12/2025

The Long Walk books are in Pukerua Bay NOW! $25
Send us a message or email [email protected] for a copy.
About the book:
In the winter of 1845 the four Bevan children walked from Wellington to Waikawa guided by Ropina through dense bush, forest, rugged hills, rocky shoreline and long beaches. They were given an amazing welcome at Pukerua Bay as they were the first pakeha children to come here.

The Long Walk brings history alive for today’s children. It also delivers the importance of values such as courage, resilience, trust and strong family bonds, showing caring and respectful interactions between Māori and Pākehā.
• Perfect for curious youth, classrooms and family reading
• Illustrated by Isaac du Toit (2025 NZCYA illustrator finalist)

19/12/2025

Unpacking the box of The Long Walk books at the Pukerua Bay!! Big moment for He Ara Pukerua and artist Isaac du Toit.

19/12/2025

In the winter of 1845 the four Bevan children walked from Wellington to Waikawa guided by Ropina through dense bush, forest, rugged hills, rocky shoreline and long beaches. The account of this journey has been retold for young readers.

The Long Walk brings history alive for today’s children. It also delivers the importance of values such as courage, resilience, trust and strong family bonds, showing caring and respectful interactions between Māori and Pākehā.

• Perfect for curious youth, classrooms and family reading
• Illustrated by Isaac du Toit (2025 NZCYA illustrator finalist)

📘 Available from: https://www.realnzbooks.co.nz/product/the-long-walk/