Welcome to He Ara Pukerua

Pukerua Bay is a small seaside village in the northern part of Porirua with a population of 1,962 in 708 households. The village lies between two ridges and the name Pukerua translates as “two hills.” Although small both in population and area the Bay has a fascinating history. For centuries it has been on the main route for people walking north or south. Some travellers, including prominent Māori and pakeha, stayed a while, others just passed through. As well as being on pathways, Pukerua, the earliest name, was also a tauranga waka or canoe landing place before the coming of rail and later, roads.

He Ara Pukerua, the Pukerua Heritage Group, was formed in 2017 to research, record and promote the history of Pukerua Bay.