Heart and Soul

William Scollay

This book has been a personal journey – an unfolding reminder of the depth of my own relationship with Raumati South that began when I first experienced its boyhood delights as a five year old, until I became a permanent resident some 25 years ago. The book and the stories it tells are not only a historical reference, but also, I would like to think, a community compass for the future.

THE HEART

A lively and vibrant village. The hub of our community is truly a place to linger, admiring the colourful gardens or catching a lazy morning coffee and chance chat with whoever wanders by. A place to hear a band over a bottle of wine, express yourself by sharing your art or poetry, or a place to meet for a lively midweek community meeting.

The 100-year tradition of generous and fair minded local residents continues into the future. By being focused on what makes a real community, they are less likely (as history clearly demonstrates) to ask what their community can do for them, than to recognise and act on what they can do for their community.

THE SOUL

Our seascapes, sunsets, sand and surf with waves crashing wildly or lolloping gently. The beach and dunes stretching north up the coast from Paekakariki and Queen Elizabeth Park, always dominated by the ever changing moods and views of Kapiti Island.

The Heart and Soul of Raumati South, characterised by all of the above, have by their all encompassing nature become one with my own as I’m sure they have with all of us who have spent enough time in this unique, but ever changing and hopefully enduring social and natural environment.

This is the symbiosis between locale and locals each contributing to the well-being of the other.

William Scollay