Peakman- Something About Us
Our Whakaki Peakman.
Sunset at Whakaki
The Peakman Story
Our Peakman story begins in Whakakī, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, where our ancestors planted roots in a land rich with aroha, faith, and deep connection to the whenua. From this foundation, the Peakman whānau has spread across Aotearoa, Australia, and beyond — yet always returns, in heart and spirit, to where it all began.
This website serves as our digital marae — a place to gather, share, and remember. Here, we honour our family stories, whakapapa, history, and treasured taonga — from korowai woven at wānanga, to the books we’ve created, to the photos and kōrero that carry our memories forward. We warmly invite whānau to connect, contribute, and explore the heritage we hold together.
James and Olga Peakman Wedding
Our parents James Carroll Peakman (of Whakaki, grandson of Watene Huka/Hook) and Olga Okeroa Smith-Whaitiri ( of Nuhaka, grand-daughter of Hori Ngawai Mete/Smith) were married on the 21st January 1939. Presiding was President Cowley of the Latter Day Saints Mission, NZ. The bride was escorted by her Uncle George Nepia. Bridesmaids; Linnia Moller (niece of the bride), Api Lewis (cousin of the bride) Mary Peakman (sister of the groom) Milly Peakman (sister of the groom) Margaret Smith (sister of the bride) and Molly TeNgaio.
The train bearers were Ida Thompson and Bonnie Campbell. The flower girls were Hailey Thompson, May Thompson and Hilary Rangi. The groom was attended by his brothers Whenu Peakman and John Peakman, Wallace Smith (brother of the bride) Thomas Hook, John Walker and Logan Tuki. Margery Thompson (cousin of the bride) received the guests. Horiana Mataira was the organist.
🔍 Search Records
Look through whakapapa lines, names, places and documents gathered by whānau from Wairoa to Derbyshire.
Explore📸 Photo Gallery
A growing collection of Peakman photos, old and new — scanned prints, portraits, events, and memories.
View Photos📚 Wānanga Notes
All our wānanga summaries, videos, resources and taonga for tamariki and mokopuna.
Open🌿 History & Whenua
Learn about Hereheretau B5F, Māori Land Court records, and the journey of our tīpuna.
Learn More👥 Whanau Access
Access members-only kōrero, uploads, documents, and whānau discussions.
Whanau AccessLatest posts
Whakapapa: Held in Trust
Honouring those who came before and kept the fires burning-for us. Mauri ora e te whānau.
Korowai in the making
Snapshots and learnings from our weaving workshop — tautoko and aroha in every stitch.
Preparing Hāngi Kai
A collection of kai gathering tips and the recipes we grew up on. Share yours too.
Taonga Stories: Photo Album Finds
A great photo. Mum, Jim and Gwen and some of their children at Campbell Street.
Hāngi going in the ground.
Our first whānau hāngi down at the Marae was a great success. Snapshots.
Future-proofing the whānau
Have your say. Our rangatahi and all enjoy the ice breaker activity.
