With a vision for 1,000 markers for reflection to last 1,000 years, Paererewā has been established to create thresholds between the everyday and something deeper - places to sit or rest that encourage us to reflect and think longer-term.

Paererewā – or "Pae" (/paɪ/) – are places of significance, marked by an object, seat, or bench where one can rest, each offering a message or reflection meant to be carried forward. This initiative is an invitation to reflect on the places that matter and to thoughtfully mark them for future generations.

WHAT DEFINES A PAE

We wish to invite people and communities to engage in long-term thinking about the future of meaningful places. Pae highlight the significant stories of a place, fostering reflection and conversation, and involve the community in sharing and maintaining their unique Pae.

How a pae project begins

Paererewā can come into being in many different ways. A common starting point is a significant site or location, either suggested by someone or offered by a private landowner, a council, government agency, iwi or private owner.

Paererewā Object Philosophy

The Paererewā concept sits at the intersection of other forms or disciplines, bearing aspects of street furniture, of parks, of follies, of craft and object-making, of sculpture, of memorials – but not fitting neatly into any of those categories.

The Pae Project invitation

Paererewā has an ambitious vision and we would love you to be a part of it. Whether as a Pae donor, a maker, a story holder, iwi, council or private landowner, we welcome the opportunity to speak further about how we could create a Pae with you.