“Did someone say ‘chain lightning’?” boomed a voice from the back of the group. Laughter rippled through the air as we all turned to see a mischievous twinkle in old Mr. Thompson’s eyes. You see, standing here in Porirua West, it’s almost impossible not to feel the echoes of history. And trust me, Porirua West has stories. This place has seen it all, transformations upon transformations, from a humble Māori fishing ground, Pari-rua, named for the tides that swept its shores to a planned utopia that took a few unexpected turns.
Porirua West, as we know it, is a far cry from the visions of those early planners. They dreamt of Smiths and Scotts, a picture-perfect suburbia. But life, as it often does, had other ideas. Heavy industry rolled in during the 70s, bringing with it a wave of hard-working Maori and Pacific Islander families. It’s this legacy, this vibrant blend of cultures, that gives Porirua West its unique character.
And speaking of character, let’s talk about Joseph Thoms, one of the first Europeans to settle here. Now, Joseph, a shrewd businessman, knew a thing or two about weary travelers. Before the road around the harbor was built, a ferry was the only way north. Joseph built a pub right where we’re standing to keep those travelers entertained…and well-lubricated with his potent moonshine, aptly nicknamed “chain lightning”.