Backto 1987!
Itwastheheydayofthemightymullet. ‘Gloss’hadbegunscreeningonTV,with toomanypermstocountandshoulder padsyoucouldlandanaircrafton.It wastheyearTelecomlaunchedNZ’s firstmobilephonenetwork,andthe
EdgecumbeearthquakestrucktheBayof Plenty.Alsoin1987,ayoungapprentice bythenameofDeneSkeltonhadslipped atimecapsuleintothewallofKatikati’s under-constructionnewlibraryat36 MainSt.Thetimecapsulewasfoundon
June24,2025,whenabuilderworking onrepairingTheArtJunctionfelt somethingslipoutofthewall. KatchKatikatiaccountsand administrationmanagerKristinCrockett wasnotified,andwithpermission,
thecapsulewasopened.Sothisweek, KatikatiNewstravelsbackintime–38yearstobeexact–toseewhatwas happeningintheWesternBayofPlenty towninthelate-1980sviatimecapsule.
Photo/MerleCave
Katikati NEWS
Dragons,rainbows,pussycats, people,rabbitsandbeacharewhat makes11WesternBayofPlenty primaryschoolstudents’heartssing.
Thesethoughtsfeatureontwonewmurals inKatikati,tobeviewedforyearstocome, afterbeingunveiledinfrontoftheeagerlywaitinglittleartistsandwhānauonJune26. Themurals’themewas‘Whatmakesyour heartsing?’.
Thestudents–whichwerenew-entrantsat Pahoia,Matahui,KatikatiPrimaryandWaihī Beachschoolswhentheycreatedtheartwork lastyear–wereselectedtobringtolifethe KatikatiOpenAirArt(KOOA)project‘The YouthBoards’.
ThestudentsinvolvedwereRiver HendersonandAstridCoombesfrom KatikatiPrimary;EloraWiggam,Gaige Aitchison-BuddandVanWattfromMatahui; WillowBerntsenandIlaPoolefromPahoia; andElliseWilson,MyahMathers,Phoebe LeathemandPooleyfromWaihiBeach School.
Theprojectoftwomurals–eachsplit betweentwoschools–isplacedontwo framesoutsideTheArtsJunctionon Katikati’sMainRd.
KOOAmanagerPeriSt.John-Ives spearheadedtheproject,whichsawherand ŌmokoroaartistJohnWilsonvisiteach schooltwicetoworkontheprojectwith students.“[Wilson]He’sincredible,he’sa publishedUnitedKingdomartist.Hehelped thechildrenjustlearnabouthowtomake suchabigpiece,”saidSt.John-Ives.
Allnatural
Wilsonhaddoneprojectsmixingyoung students’workwiththatofadultpublished artistsbeforebutthiswashisfirstsince movingtoNZadecadeago.“WhenIgointo
schoolIthinkIlearnasmuchastheydo!” Wilsonsaidtheideasyoungchildrencome upwithare“free-minded”.“Thethingwith childrenagedfourtosixisthattheyhave noinhibitions–yousay:‘Doapainting ofme’andtheywon’tevenprobablylook atyou.They’lljustgoaheadandnoteven thinkaboutwhatthey’redoing,whatcolours they’reusingoranythingandsoit’sall natural.”
St.John-Ivessaid:“Wewonderedif thechildrenwouldloseinterestafterfive minutes,butwhatwesawwasincredible.
“Themomenttheypickedupabrushthey becamefocused,calmandabsorbedintheir work,andwerestillpaintinganhourlater.”
St.John-Ivessaidthemurals’theme‘What makesyourheartsing?’“istoremindus ofthesimplethingsinlifethatbringus joy,beforeitwasabouthousesandphones
andcars.”.RebeccaClarkewasexcitedfor herdaughterAstridCoombes,atKatikati PrimarySchool,toparticipate.“Forher,we canbringfamilyintotownandshowthem whatshehasdone.It’sawesomeandgoodfor herconfidence,asshelovesartandpainting.” ‘Incredible’
WaihiBeachSchoolYear1TayPooley enjoyedcreatingtheartwork–nowhe wantedtobringdadalongtoseeit.
“Itwasabsolutelyincredibletoseeallthe kids’faceslightupandhowproudtheywere toshowuswhattheyachieved,”saidTay’s motherKellyHope.
St.John-IvesthankedHarcourtsKatikati, CreativeBOP’sCreativeCommunityScheme andMenzShedKatikatifortheirsupport. ‘WhatMakesmyHeartSing’islocatedat 36MainRd,Katikati. MerleCave
LocatedclosetothetownshipofWaihi, WaihiLifecareVillageisoneoftheregion’s mostidyllicyetaffordablelifecarevillages.
Ourco agesaresetinapeaceful,ruralse ngwith extensivelawnandgardenareaswhichcelebratethe heritageofthesite.
Thevillageoffersarangeofoneandtwobedroom co agesaswellasa65bedcarefacilityproviding resthomeandhospitallevelcareforcon nuityofcare.
Wehaveco agesavailablesoonsopleasecontactus formoreinforma onortobookaviewing.
Welookforwardtohearingfromyou.
KatikatiOpenAirArtmanagerPeriSt.John-IvesandŌmokoroaartistJohnWilson withthechildrenandtheirmurals. Photo/MerleCave
Timecapsulediscoverytakestownbackto1987
AwindowintolifeinKatikatiback in1987hasbeenopenedwiththe discoveryofatimecapsuleinthe town’soldlibrarybuildingonthe mainstreet.
BuildersworkingonrepairingTheArts Junction–formerlyKatikati’slibrary building–at36MainRdfoundthecapsule onTuesday,June24,about10.30am.
SubcontractorbuildersAJColquhounand RajwinderPanesarfoundthetimecapsule whilepullingthewallfromthebuilding’s oldlibrarysection.“Wewerepullingoffthe cladding,”saidColquhoun.“Ipulledoffa sheetofHardiesandthetubefelloutand landedonmeandIthought:‘Ohwhat’s this?’AtfirstIthoughtitwasaventpipe.”
Thenhesawthewritingonthepipe: ‘1987-2087’withnamesscribbled,followed byamarkto‘CUTHERE’–andthought: ‘Cool!’Colquhounsaidhe’dunearthedold newspapersonjobsbeforebutneveratime capsule.“Theoldbuilding’splanswerecool, aswasseeingtheoldKatikatiAdvertiser’s front-pagepictureofwhatthissitelooked likewithnolibrarythere.”
62yearstooearly!
Thebuilderscalledononeofthe building’sresidents–KatchKatikati’s accountsandadministrationmanager KristinCrockett,whorangWesternBay ofPlenty’scommunityheritageservices co-orddinattorSSanddraHHaiigh h tocomeon-siite towitnessitbeingopened,aftergaining permissionfromDeneSkelton. Ontheoutsidethetimecapsulehadbeen markedwithblackpen:‘1987-2087’–signallingithadbeenfound62yearsearlier thanintended.Italsohadtheoriginal library’sbuilders’detailsscribbled–names OwenTippingandDeneSkelton–and whenthecapsulewasplacedinsidethe wall:10-6-1987.
WhenKatikatiNewscontactedDene Skelton,hesaidherememberedthe momentwell.“Iwastheonewhoput thetimecapsuleinthewall–butIput itoveronestudmore,about600ml out,thanitwassupposedto be.”
backin1987.“Iwasjusttheapprentice onthejob.Iworkedfor[thelate]Owen Tipping,whocontractedtodad.Another guywasthelateJohnBannister;hewasthe bricklayer.”
Skeltonwassurprisedthecapsulehadn’t beenfoundbeforenow.“I’veseenall theworkthat’sbeengoingonthereand thought:‘Iwonderifthey’vefoundityet..’.”
Onceopened,thecapsulerevealeda minefieldofinformationrelatingtoKatikati backin1987–withemphasisonthework togetthe1987 constructionofthe KatikatiLibrary overtheline. Whatwas inside… Amongpaperwork insidethecapsule werethefollowing. Architecturalplans forthenewlibrary thatwasbuiltat 36MainRdsite in1987.Tauranga CountyCouncil’s 1987council Directory,whichlisted councilmembers’ partylinephone numbers.
AfulleditionoftheKatikatiAdvertiser, datedMay12,1987,withthefront-page leadstorytitled:‘$50,000gifttolibrary’ d dettaiilinghhowMMrsEEdith Honeyfifielld handedachequetoTaurangaCounty CouncilchairHaroldCamerontobeused forfurnishingsandfittingsforthenew libraryat36MainRoad.
JensGunthertakesacloseratplansforbuildingKatikatiLibrary at36MainStbackin1987,withXavierRadonick,AjColquhoun, ViriginiaGordon,andRajwinderPanesarpresent.
Left:KatikatiAdvertiser, datedMay12,1987, withthefrontpagelead storytitled:‘$50,000 gifttolibrary’was insidethecapsule.
Image/Supplied
muchoftheinformation detailshowalibrary committeepushedforalargerlibrary premisestobebuiltintown.“Itwasamazing tofindsuchahiddentreasureinourwalls.”
A
forKatikati.Inaway,itwasalsoatime whentheverybeginningsofthetownwere beingacknowledged,asKatikatihadn’thada dedicatedlibrarybuildingconstructedsince 1914,whentheveryfirstlibrarywasopened. AccordingtoWesternBayofPlenty DistrictLibraries’CommunityArchives, thetown’sfirstlibrary–namedKatikati PublicLibraryandReadingRoom–wasa smallbuildingbuiltjustinsidethegatesat theUretaraDomain.“Thatlibraryisstill locatedinthedomainandisalistedheritage building,”saidHaigh.
snnapshot
Skeltonsaidit washisfather, thelateKeith Skelton, whohadthe contractfor buildingthe newlibrary
Aspecialeditionprintofbook‘AnUlster Plantation’byArthurJ.Grayforthe1975 KatikatiCentennialwithapictureofthe LadyJocelynon thecover.A contractfor workbetween Tauranga County Counciland builderKeith Skelton forconstructionof thelibrary.Astreet map of Katikatiback in1986–missing manystreetsand developmentswe haveheretoday–andanold20cent coin. Crockettsaid
Butreadingthroughthecontentsalso gavea a goodsnapshotoflifeatthetime.The town’’sCaltexservicestationadvertisedinthe KatikkatiAdvertiserthatithadtwoeasyways topay y –withaCaltexCardPayavailable 24hoours,orEftposduringnormalbusiness hourss.Theadvertevenexplainedhowan Eftpooscardworked!
Thetown’ssupermarketFoodMaster advertiseditsspecialsoftheday.Chicken Breasttswere$5.70perkilogram,Hudson Shrewwsburybiscuitscost$1.35perpack, andyyoucouldgetatwolitreofTipTopice cream m for$2.99.
TheVillageButcherspecialsincludedlarge sidesofmuttonfor$9.95eachandrump steak$6.90kg.Anotheradverthadonelitre ofCooopersBrewDraughtat$8.95.
Intrrinsicvalue
Haigghsaidasanarchivist,she’dneverbeen apart t ofatimecapsuleexperiencebefore–“itwaasathrill!”“Theinformationhashuge intrinnsicvaluetoourtown,asitisasnapshot ofatiimeofenormouschangeandgrowth
Crockettsaidallofthetimecapsule’s contentswereingoodcondition,dueto beingkeptdryandfreeoflightinsidea sealedPVCpipe.
Haighsaidtheinformationhadbeen copiedanddocumentedintoWBOP DistrictLibraries’CommunityArchives–butwillnotbeaccessibletothepublicuntil shecheckscopyrightprivileges.
Backitgoes
Meanwhile,Haighhadaddedaletterto thecapsuledetailinghowthetown’slibrary hadshiftedtoanewly-builtfacilityat21 MainRoad,andtheoldbuildinghadbeen repurposedasTheArtsJunction,acreative hub,retailspaceandvisitors’centrerunby KatchKatikati.
Crockettplannedonaddafewthings tothecapsuletoo–suchascopiesofthe KatikatiNewsandinformationonhow thebuildingisbeingusedtoday–before placingitbackintothebuildingforittobe uncoveredagaininfuture.“Itwasintended tobefirstopenedin2087,andsowehope
Photo/SandraHaigh
KristinCrockettwith thetimecapsule.
Photo/MerleCave
Naumai,haeremai…
TeAraMātauranga-yournew
libraryandservicecentreat WaihīBeach-isnowopen!
Stepinsidetobrowse,read,create,connectandaccessservices. Whetheryou’reafteraquietspot,somethingfunforthetamariki, orneedsomehelpfromourteam,thisisaplacetocallyourown.
Thename TeAraMātauranga wasgiftedbyTeWhānau aTauwhaoandmeans‘ThePathwaytoKnowledge’. We’regratefulforthistaonga,whichreflectstheheartof thisspace–aplaceforlearning,connection,andcommunity.
Meettheteambringing TeAraMātaurangatolife
Ourbrand-newlibraryandservicecentreisstartingafreshchapter—andwehave afantasticteamtomatch.Whetheryou’reheretoexplore,learn,connectorgethelp withCouncilservices,thistima(team)isonthesamepageandreadytohelp.Popin, saykiaora,andhelpwritethenextchapterforourcommunity.
RhiannonMyers CommunityEngagement Librarian
Rhiannonstepsintoa newroleforCouncil, workingwithlibrary staffandcommunity partnerstodeliver programmesfor allages.Shebrings experiencefrom bothlibrariesand museums,helping createfun,meaningful opportunitiesforpeople toconnectandlearn.
OpeningHours
AnnaRickman CustomerService Representative Supervisor
AnnaisnewtoCouncil andsupervisesthe CustomerServiceteam atTeAraMātauranga, aswellasouramazing volunteers.Shehelps keepthelibraryand servicecentrerunning smoothly,managing dailyadministrationand operations.
Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm
Saturday: 9am–12pm
AlexCooper CustomerService Representative
AlexjoinsTeAra Mātaurangafrom
TheCentre–Pātuki Manawa,whereshe supportedcustomers attheHelpDeskand workedbehindthe scenesinthelibrary. She’shereatWaihī Beachtodothesame, helpingpeoplewith Councilandlibrary services.
SundayandPublicHolidays:Closed TeAraMātauranga 106WaihīBeachRoad,WaihīBeach3611
Formoreinformationaboutourlibraryservicesvisit libraries.westernbay.govt.nz
What’sOn
Forourcommunity
JPServices
Tuesdays,10am–12noon
PopintoseealocalJustice ofthePeacewhoisavailable forallJPservices.
Knit&Natter
Tuesdays,10am, beginningTuesday5August
Doyoulovecreatinginthe companyofothers?Comealong toknit,crochet,seworquilt inthelibrary.
Scrabble
Mondays,10am, beginningMonday4August
Starttheweekwithafriendly gameofScrabbleinthelibrary. Justturnupandplay!
ForourTamariki
Headingintothesecondweek oftheschoolholidayswehave…
•Drop-inactivitiesandcrafts–Nobookingsrequired!
•AhoymeHearties Tuesday8July,10am–12pm Craftaseaworthypirateship outofapoolnoodle,makea ‘pegpirate’ordesignyour owntreasuremap.
•CaptainHook Wednesday9July,10am–12pm Makeafearsomepirate hooktowear,createaunique piratefaceonapaperplate, ordesignawantedposter forarascallypirate.
•WhānaumovietimeFriday11July,10am–11.30am
JuliaNewman CustomerService Representative
Afamiliarfaceformany locals,Juliawasthe oneholdingthefort attheoldWaihīBeach LibraryandService Centre,whereshewas thesolestaffmember. Shebringsawealthof localknowledgeand experiencetotheteam, asshecontinuestobe afirstpointacontact behindtheHelpDesk.
•Plus,Take&MakeKits, ScavengerHunt, 13+TeenCompetition, andColouringContest
Comingupnextterm…
Read,Sing,Move Wednesdays,10am–10.30am, duringschooltermtime. Aninteractivestorytimefor pre-schoolers,withstories, rhymes,songsandmovement.
BrickClub Fridays,3pm–4pm, duringschooltermtime. Comealongeachweekfor anewbuildingchallenge usingourLegocollection!
Volunteersneededfordisastersupportteam
TheKatikatibranchoftheNew ZealandRedCrosshasestablisheda DisasterWelfareandSupportTeam –butitneedsmorevolunteers.
BranchpresidentPhilParkersaidthe formerCommunityReliefTeam,which wouldprovidesupporttotheKatikatidistrict intheeventofanemergency,hadprogressed intoaDisasterWelfareandSupportTeam (DWST).
“Thismeansratherthanjustlocally responding,wecanrespondtolarge-scale emergenciesaroundthecountry,whencalled on,”Parkersaid.“Whatwe’relookingfor nowismoremembers,sowecanbuildup theDWSTteamatourKatikatibranch.”
TheKatikatiDWSTisoneof20 nationwidethatarepreparedtohelpintheir communitiesorfurtherafieldatshortnotice. Memberscouldbedeployedtoassistina flood,fireorotherlarge-scaleemergencies, andhelpwitharangeofactivitiesthatcould includesettingupandprovidingsupport inevacuationcentres;undertakingneeds assessmentstounderstandwhatsupport peopleneed;andprovidingpsychosocial support.“Weworkalongsideother emergencymanagementagencies.”
Respondfurther
ParkersaidKatikati’sDWSTcomprises sevenmembersbuthe’dliketohave15-20 signedupandundertakingtraining.“That wouldallowustorespondfurtheraround thewholecountryifweneedtobecauseyou can’talwaysguaranteethateverybodycan respond.”
Katikatiresidentsaged16-pluswhoare reasonablyfitandhealthycanvolunteer. “Wewilltrainthem.There’sa14-module trainingpackageweputthemthroughover
12months.Normally,wetrainonceevery twoweeksforafewhoursonaWednesday night[attheKatikatiRedCrossbranchon MiddlebrookDrive],”Parkersaid.
“Thecommitmentwewouldlikeisthat eachvolunteeratleastgivesus12months asamember,becausewedoputalotinto them–they’llgetfulluniforms,training,and theircomprehensivefirstaidcertificateanda psychologicalfirstaidcourse.Anditcoststhe volunteernothing–onlytheirtime.”
Inreturn,memberswilllearnskillstobe abletolookafterthemselvesduringadisaster andtheirneighboursandfamily;plusbuild moreskillsandfriendshipsaspartofa nationwidegroupofDWSTs.
HelpingafterGabrielle
Parkersaidthemostrecentemergency KatikatiRedCrossmembershadresponded towasCycloneGabrielleinFebruary2023. HewasonthegroundinGisbornesoon afterwards.
With35yearsofdisasterresponse experiencehereandinternationally,Parker becametheNewZealandRedCrossregional projectmanagerforTarāwhitiandWairoa, helpingtodistributefundingtocommunities rightupthecoastlinewhodesperatelyneeded ittorebuildtheirlives.
“Iworkedwiththosethatneededfinancial assistance,thosethathadlosteverything.”
Hewasthere12months.Whatdoesthe workfeellike?“It’sprettyawe-inspiring, really.”
Lastweekend,viainvitation,hereturnedto Gisbornetoseegroundpreparationforanew marae.Parkerhadsupportedthedestroyed maraeanditspeoplebackin2023.
“Yourinput[asaDWSTvolunteer]could belife-savingorlife-changingforsomeone who’sreallyataquiteavulnerablepartof
theirlife,”Parkersaid.“Thepsychological fi id i i d h h andmoredisasters.There’snoquestionon h ” P k id b j di
firstaidtrainingwedoteachesushowto helppeoplethatareabsolutelydistressed,and lookafterthemasfarastheirwelfareneeds go.Sothere’salotofjustsupportingpeople whenbasicallythey’vegotnothingorthey’re absolutelystressedtothemaxbecauseofa disaster.”
Moredisasters... ParkersaidCycloneGabrielleshookNew Zealandersintorealisingtheeffectsof climatechange.“Thatwhyit’ssoimportant tobeprepared–becausewe’regettingmore
that.”Parkersaidbetweenmajordisasters, peopletendtoforgettheywillstrikeagain. “Andbecausewe’resuchasmallcountry, wedon’thavetheresponsecapabilityifit’s amajordisastertolookaftereverybody.So onethingwedoisweteachpeoplehowto lookafterthemselvesuntilhelpcancome.”
ThosekeentojoinRedCrossKatikati’s DWSTcanvisit:www.redcross.org.nz/ get-involved/volunteer-in-new-zealand/finda-volunteer-roleorcallParkerforachat abouttheroleon0212450557.
ENDLESS MUSIC. ALWAYS
‘Mistakes’leadtohigherratesrisefor
WesternBayofPlentyratesfor 2025willbehigherthanthecouncil initiallydraftedafter“mistakes” werefound.
WesternBayofPlentyDistrictCouncil adoptedits2025/2026AnnualPlanon Thursdayandapprovedan8.92%overall ratesincrease.Thiswashigherthanthe 7.42%proposedinthedraftplan.The councilhadtoadjusttheratesafter reviewingtheplanandbudgets.
Itmeanshomeownerswillpay$114to $206extrainratesoverallfor2025.
InFebruary,councillorsdecidednot toconsultontheAnnualPlan,because therewerenosignificantchangestothe 2024-2034Long-termPlanapproved lastyear,whichforecasta10.13%rates risefor2025/2026.
Rebuildratesreserve
WBOPDCgeneralmanagercorporate servicesAdeleHendersontoldThursday’s meetingthatforthelastfinancialyear, thecouncilhadageneralratesdeficit andneededtorebuildtheratesreserve.
Therewerealsochangestoloanlengths andrepaymentschedulesthatmeant another$2.3millionwasaddedtothe budget,shesaid.
Tooffsetthecosts,stafffound$1.4m insavingsthroughreducingdebt expense,personnelsavingsandother costreductions,Hendersonsaid.
Therewasareductionof13full-time equivalentstaffaspartofthepersonnel savings,shesaid.
CouncillorRodneyJoycesaidthere
were“anumberofmistakes”madethat ledtothebudgetchangesandasked foranexplanation.Hendersonsaidthe councilwasdealingwith“verycomplex” taxationforthelocalgovernmentsector.
Councilalsohad160targetedrates, whichprovidedchallengestoensure everythingwascorrect,shesaid.
Thefinancialsoftwaretheyhadused for20yearswasbeingupgradedtohelp withthesecomplexities,Hendersonsaid.
Joycesaiditwasan“interestingreport toputoutinanelectionyear”because politicianswereaccusedof“sweeping thingsunderthecarpet”beforeelections.
“It’salwaystemptingforanybodyto burytheirproblems,andwehaven’t donethat,we’veactuallybroughtthem outandshowntheworld.”
TheAnnualPlanneededtobe implementedbecausepeople’srubbish neededtobecollected,parksneededto bemownandworkdoneonroads,he said.“Canwebeparticularlyproudof this?No,thisisabitofaclean-up.”
Newmodel
Thecouncilneededtoworkoutanew modelforoperatingbecausethecurrent onewasnotaffordableforratepayers, Joycesaid.“Ifwecan’tdothat,then I’mconcernedforthefutureofour ratepayersandthebillsthey[will]pay.”
CouncillorMargaretMurray-Benge saidtheaverageincomesforsome councilwardswere$32,000,$39,100 and$41,900,sothecouncildidnot representa“high-income”community. She“regretted”theratesincreasewas notclosertothelevelofinflationbut
sortingoutthefinanceswasneeded, Murray-Bengesaid.
DeputyMayorJohnScrimgeoursaid itwasdisappointingnottodeliverwhat thecouncilputoutinitsdraftplanin February.“It’sappropriateforwhatwe’ve discoveredanduncoveredsinceandsoI thinkit’sverysensibletomoveforward withthis.”
Wouldbeangst
Therewas“considerablevariance”in theratesincreasefordifferentproperties sotherewouldbeangstfromsome inthecommunityandrejoicingfrom othersabouttherates,hesaid.
“Weneedtobepreparedforthose commentsfrompeopleasweruninto them.”
Justbecausetherewasasuminthe budgetdidn’tmeanitneededtobe
spent,Scrimgeoursaid.
Thereweremanythingsthatcouldbe budgetedaccurately,andheencouraged stafftoassessthevariablesand opportunitiestotrytobringthenext yearinunderbudget,hesaid.
Projects
Projectsthecouncilapprovedas partoftheplanincludedupgradesto theŌmokoroaandTePukeroading networks,improvementstotheMinden Lookoutandsurroundingfacilities, stageddeliveryoftheTahawaiandBeach Rdconceptplans,andstartingtheDave HumePoolupgradeinKatikati. TaurangaCityCouncilalsoadoptedits AnnualPlanonThursday,approvinga 9.9%rateincrease.
TheBayofPlentyRegionalCouncil approveditsAnnualPlanonTuesday
Katikati-WaihīBeachward councillorRodneyJoyce.
Kaimaiwardcouncillor MargaretMurray-Benge.
WBOPdeputymayorJohn Scrimgeour. Photos/JohnBorren
lastweekwitha3%generalratesincrease,reducedfromthe forecast8.2%.
Thiswouldmeananaverageincreaseperratepayerof$11,a statementsaid.
Thecouncilreduceditsbudgetsby$7.3mtoslashthe increase,withmorethanhalf–$3.95m–takenoutofthe publictransportprogramme.
A$48mdividendfromcouncilinvestmentarm,Quayside Holdings,reducedratesbyanaverage$400perhousehold.
OutgoingregionalcouncilchairmanDougLeedersaidthe planstruckabalancebetweenaffordability,managingdebtand infrastructure,anddeliveringservicesthecommunityexpected.
HowmuchwillWesternBayratesincrease?
ResidentialratesrisesbypropertycapitalvalueintheAnnual Plan2025/2026:
Capitalvalue$650,000–$114(2.7%)
Capitalvalue$1.01m–$164(3.5%)
Capitalvalue$1.3m–$206.5(4.3%)
RuralratesrisesbypropertycapitalvalueintheAnnualPlan 2025/2026:
Capitalvalue$1.18m–$228.2(7%)
Capitalvalue$1.36m–$242.60(7.6%)
Capitalvalue$2.09m–$472(13.9%)
Seasonwrappedup,now off-seasoneventsbegin
KatikatiRugby&SportsClubheadsintotheoffseasonaftertheStagsjustfellshortinasemi-final showdownagainsttheAratakiMakosonJune21.
TheStagsmettheMakosatAratakiParkandafteraseasonfull ofhardwork,heart,andteamspirit,theboysgaveiteverything inwhatturnedouttobeanexcitingandhard-foughtmatch. Theteamarrivedfocusedandreadytotakeonthechallenge. Buttheyweren’talone–animpressivecrowdofsupporters madethejourney,outnumberingthehomefansandcreatingan electricatmospherethatshowedjusthowstrongourcommunity trulyis.
TheMakosstartedstrong,puttingpressureontheStagsand scoringthreequicktriesinthefirst20minutes.ButtheStags ralliedbackwithpowerfulscrummaging,dominantlineouts, andbrilliantteamplaythatresultedinfiveoutstandingtries. Stags’tryscorerswereBayleiPeckham(twotries),LoganWard, LouMokofisi,andPoluteleTavite.Conversionsweresuccessfully slottedbyWillyVarleyandLitiUilou.Despitethestrong comeback,thefinalscorewas27-37infavourofArataki. WiththeStags’2025seasonfinished,KatikatiRugby&Sports Clubthankseveryonewhoplayedapartthisyear–fromour playersandcoachingteamtoourvolunteers,supportersand sponsors.Wecouldn’tdoitwithoutyou.Yoursupportonthe sidelines,inthekitchen,behindthebar,andinthebackground keepsthisclubrunningandthriving.
Nowtheclubisplanninganactiveoff-seasonofevents.Itwill hostschoolholidayTouchRugbySkillsandDrillseventsfor kidsagedsix-12onJuly3and9from9am-1pmatMoorePark. Participantsdon’tneedrugbyboots.Theeventscost$25each, perplayer.Email:katikatirugbyclub@gmail.com
AcombinedRugbyandNetballSeniorprizegivingison Saturday,August2,from6pmattheclub.Sponsors,supporters andmatesarewelcome–andunder-18sarewelcomeuntil 8pm.Therewillbeabandandkai(food).Ticketscost$30each. Email:katikatirugbyclub@gmail.com
AlsointhepipelineisaCommunitySummerTouch Tournament,andaStagsMuster–sokeepaneyeonthe KatikatiRugby&SportsClubFacebookpage.Welookforward toseeingyoudownattheclub.
Local Classifieds
PōtitangaKawanatangaāRohe 2025LOCALGOVERNMENTELECTIONS
Localgovernmentelectionsareheldeverythreeyearsandthisyearisanelectionyear.
CALLFORNOMINATIONS
Belowarekeydatesandcontactpointsforthisyear’striennialelectionforWesternBayofPlentyDistrictCouncil andBayofPlentyRegionalCouncil.Eachoftheseauthoritiesnowrequirecandidatenominations,whichopen soon.Referbelowforthenominationperiodandwhereyoucanaccessnominationforms,candidatehandbooks orfurtherinformationontheelectionprocesses.
ElectoralRollsareavailableforinspectionattheWesternBayofPlentyDistrictCouncilofficeduringtheelectionperiod.
yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz
•1484CameronRoad,Greerton
•0800926732
•elections@westernbay.govt.nz
Boprc.govt.nz
•5QuayStreet,Whakatāne
•1ElizabethStreet,Tauranga
•1118FentonStreet,Rotorua
•Elections2025@boprc.govt.nz
•0800884880
•WesternBayofPlentyCouncil
•BayofPlentyRegionalCouncil
Thecandidateinformationpresentation forWesternBayofPlentyDistrictCouncil washeldlastmonth.Formoreinformation contactdeputyelectoralofficer,Robyn Garrettatelections@westernbay.govt.nz or0800926732.
Thecandidateinformationpresentation forBayofPlentyRegionalCouncilwas heldlastmonth.Thepresentation wasrecordedandhasbeenmade availableontheCouncil’swebsiteand YouTubechannel.Formoreinformation contactthedeputyelectoralofficerat elections2025@boprc.govt.nzor 0800884880.
QuintonLandman,Stagscoach
to $206 more in rates for 2025 Photo / Mead Norton
TeRereatuka¯hiMaraeCommittee
Date:Sunday20thJuly2026-10am Venue:TeRereatuka¯hiaMarae 52TeRereatuka¯hiaPa¯Rd,Katikati.
1.OpeningTime
2.OpeningKarakia
3.Mihi #1AnnualGeneralMeeting AGENDA
AdhereCharterRuleNo#12(2023)
4.Present/Apologies
5.PreviousMinutes(AGM)21/07/24&PreviousMinutes (SpecialA.G.M)25/8/24,Corrections/MattersArising/ Approval
6.ChairpersonsReport
7.AccumulusAnnualFinancialStatementofAccounts 2025-2026Corrections/MattersArising/Recommendations &Approval
8.Nominationof‘26/‘27AccountantServices&Auditorfor 2026(TGM)
9.Charter-ReviewofSubmissionsofRecommendationsto beApproved.
i.Marae‘Walkin’SubmissionDate:Thurs26June10-11.30am.
ii.ClosingDateforAllSubmissions:Thurs10July@4pm.
10.ReconveneDateforTriennialGeneralMeeting(T.G.M)2026 -(FullElections).
ObtainCharter&allemailsubmissionsto: chair.terereatukahia.marae@gmail.com
S.G.MElectionVotingRules: 1.NoProxyVotes.
2.AlleligibleElectionsinpersonoffthefloor.
3.01Voteperperson(R18+)
4.Votingby‘ShowofHands’.
5.In-laws(hu¯naonga)areeligibletovote.
6. CharterClauses10,11&12werestooddowninApril2025 HuiaHapu¯forthisElectiononly #2SpecialGeneralMeeting(S.G.M)Elections AGENDA:
7.DeclareElections/Nominations&Motionsfor: i.Secretary ii.Treasurer iii.x3CommitteeMembers iv.x1Ka¯huiKauma¯tua(Ka¯huiForum) v.Declarenominationsaccepted&closed SharedKai-BringaPlate #3Hui-a-Hapu¯ AGENDA
1.Standard&PracticedAgenda
2.TableChairperson'sA.G.MReport
3.FinancialReport/MattersArising
4.AccountsPayable
5.NotifiedBusiness(Emaillist)
6.KaahiaClubElections/Nominations&Motions i.Secretary ii.Treasurer iii.x4CommitteeMembers
iv.Chairperson
7.Reconveningdate
8.ClosingKarakia
9.ClosingTime
Allinquiriesto:HoneWinder-Murray,Chairperson TeRereatukahiaMaraeCommittee NgaiTamawhariuakiTeRereatuka¯hiaHapu¯ chair.terereatukahia.marae@gmail.com
KATIKATI TWILIGHT CONCERTS
AGM
Wednesday9thJuly 7.00pm CommunityCentre BeachRoad, Katikati AllWelcome Helen02108261376
Personal
AloneIsNoFun! ♥♥♥ Joinourcommunityof peopleseeking friendship/love!Connect viapersonalphonecalls notacomputer.City/ Rural&Outback membersofallages (seniorswelcome) Call0800315311 tomakecontacttoday! www.newbeginnings network.co.nz
Gardening& Landscaping
KERBIES Concrete GardenEdging.Phone 0272855884or5493344.
StockAuctions
LIVESTOCK REPRESENTATIVES
ForBuyingand Sellingallclasses oflivestockand feedercalvesfor theupcoming season,privately orthrough saleyards.
PleaseContact BradStrange 0274908450 YourNewKatikati LivestockAgent
ServicingWaihi,Katikati,Whangamata&WiderAreas
NewListing
OpenHome
EasyOnThePocket!
Spaciousfourbedhomeonaprivate726sqm(approx.) sectionwithhugeupstairsrumpus,officenook,andloads ofstorage.Open-planlivingflowstoalargegardenand coveredporch.Minutestotownandschools.Auction31 July(unlesssoldprior)–actnow!
eves.co.nz/ekt20361
Katikati 50MatahuiRoad,Aongatete
Auction Thurs31July,from1pm
247CameronRoad,Tauranga (unlesssoldprior)
View 1-1.30pm&1-1.30pmSun6July
orbyappointment ManjuSaini 0211058787 manju.saini@eves.co.nz
FruitTrees,FreshAirandFreedom Attheendofalongdrive,this1.15ha(approx.)lifestyle havenoffersprivacy,charm,andself-sufficiency. Characterthreebedhome,office,sunnydecks,mature fruittreesandstunningKaimaiviews.LivetheKiwidream onsought-afterMatahuiRoad.
eves.co.nz/ekt20247
AskingPrice $920,000
View 1-1.45pmSun6July orbyappointment
KassarndraClark 0273283305 kassarndra.clark@eves.co.nz
JadeSmall-Kohu 0273477951 jade.small-kohu@eves.co.nz
ActionNeeded–Owners’NextMoveSet Ignoretherateablevalueandallpreviouspricing,the vendors'nextmoveisset,andtheywantthisthreeyear oldcontemporarytownhousesoldyesterday!Low maintenanceandstilllookingfresh,it'stimetomakethis stunning,easycaretownhouseyours.CallColintoview.
eves.co.nz/ekt20321
Katikati 603BStateHighway2
IdealEntryLevelLifestyle
Auction Thurs17July,from1pm
247CameronRoad,Tauranga (unlesssoldprior)
View 12-12.30pmSun6July
ColinStewart-Rowe 0274548080
colin.stewart-rowe@eves.co.nz
KellyExelby 0275501851 kelly.exelby@eves.co.nz
Thisperfectentrylevel,1.17-hectare(approx.)lifestyle propertyofferscompleteprivacyandtranquility,withthe soothingsoundsoftheTuapiroRiver.Thegorgeoustwo bedroombungalowisfullofcharacterandanadded bonusisthefourbayshedand.2ca/haofkiwifruit.
eves.co.nz/ektc19693
EnquiriesOver $890,000+GST(ifany) View byappointment
DurrelleGreen 0279493725 durrelle.green@eves.co.nz
EVESRealtyLtd,LicensedundertheREAA2008
PerchedhighonthecrownofprestigiousTohoraView,thisintelligentlydesignedhomeoffers theperfectfusionoflocation,lifestyle,andpossiblythebestoceanviewsatWaihiBeach.This two-year-oldbuildhasbeennominatedfortheprestigiousHouseoftheYearAward!Fromthe momentyouenter,you'regreetedbylight,space,andseamlessflowovertwolevels.
RosinaDonnelly
0273983620 r.donnelly@barfoot.co.nz
DiLynds 0274743555 d.lynds@barfoot.co.nz
HOMESELLERS GUIDE
Choosinga realestate agenttosell yourhouse
Havingtheright realestateagent canmakeallthe difference.
Choosingagoodrealestateagent couldbethedifferencebetween sellingandnot,gettingatopprice, orjustscrapinginoverreserve.Thinklong andhardbeforechoosingtosellprivately. Itcanwork,butdoyouhavethetimeand skillstodoagoodjob?
•RealestateagentsinNewZealandneed alicencefromtheRealEstateAuthority andmustadheretoastrictsetofrules toadhereto.
•Theyknowyourmarket,havebuyers ontheirbooks,andaretrainedin negotiationandsalesskills.
Theagentworksonbehalfofyou,notthe buyer.
•Sellingprivatelycansavecommission, butisalotofwork.
ThevastmajorityofhomesinNew Zealandaresoldusingarealestateagent. Realestateagentsaresalespeople whosejobitistosellhomes.Agents advertiseandmarketyourproperty,and theynegotiatewithpotentialbuyers.A goodagentwillhelpyouwithstrategy, presentation,marketing,pricing,buyer engagementandnegotiation.Realestate agentsmusthaveagoodknowledgeof theRealEstateAgentsActandalonglist ofotherrelevantlaws.
1.Howtochoosearealestateagent Mostsellerschooseagents,ratherthan theagencytheyworkfor.Butit’sworth investigatingtheagency’strackrecord inthelocationyou’resellingin,andto consideritsfees.
Allagentswilltellyouthey’rethe best.Askfriendsandneighboursfor recommendationsofagentstheyhave
Oneofthebiggestdecisionsyoufacewhendecidingtosellyourpropertyischoosingwhoisgoingtosellitforyou.Photo/GettyImages
used.Yourquestionsshouldincludeif theagentcreatedagoodmarketing plan,ishonestandprofessional,agood negotiator,communicatesfrequently,and doesn’tpressuresellers.
Oneofthebiggestdecisionsyouface whendecidingtosellyourpropertyis choosingwhoisgoingtosellitforyou.
Photo/GettyImages
Agoodagentwillhelpyougetthebest priceforyourhomeandwillknowwhere itsitsinthecurrentmarket.Photo/Ted Baghurst
AlwayschecktheRealEstateAuthority’s publicregistertoensuretheagenthas acurrentlicence.Theregisteralso highlightsanydisciplinaryactionagainst theagentinthepast.
Onceyouhavedonethat,createa shortlisttheninterviewtheagentstoseeif youcanworkwiththem.
2.Howmuchdorealestateagents charge?
Itcancostmorethanthepriceofabrandnewcartosellyourproperty.Mostcharge tieredcommissionsaskingforaninitialcut onthefirst$300,000,forexamplesuchas 3%to4%,thenalowerpercentage,such 2%,overthat.
Someagentschargefixedfees.Youcan negotiatetheagents’rates.Beaware thatsomeagenciesincludecostssuch asmarketing,advertisingandauctioneer inthecommissionpackage.Withothers youpaythisinadditiontotheagency commission.
Oneofthebiggestdecisionsyouface whendecidingtosellyourpropertyis choosingwhoisgoingtosellitforyou.
Photo/GettyImages
Trytofindanagentwhohasahistoryof strongsalesinyoursuburb.Photo/Getty Images
MostKiwisusuallychooseoneagency toselltheirhome.Ifyourhousedoesn’t sellafterthemarketingperiod,youmay choosetoswitchagents,orevenopenup
thesaletoamulti-agency.
3.Sellingahouseprivately Thereisnothingstoppingyoufromlisting yourhomeforsaleprivately.Youcanput yourownsignboardup,advertiseon privatelistingssites,doyourownopen homes,andnegotiate/signwiththebuyer. Youwillstillneedalawyer.Manyprivate salesarebetweenpeoplewhoalready knoweachotherorfamilymembers. Inthatcasethesellerdoesn’tneedto domarketingandnegotiation.They’re effectivelysellingtheirownproperties. Fewerpeoplemarkettheirproperty privatelythanthestatisticssuggest becausea)thenumbersofhomessold “privately”areskewedbynewhomes soldbydevelopers,whichfallunderthe privatesalecategory,becausedevelopers donotneedarealestatelicenceandb) salesbetweenfamilymembers,divorcees andothers,wherebothpartiesknoweach otherarerecordedasprivatesales.
DianaClement
Modernkitchenwithquality appliances&breakfastbar
Bright,openplanliving&dining
Masterwithwalk-inrobe,ensuite& privatedeckaccess
Familybathroomwithseparatebath
Heatpump+doubleglazing
Covereddeckarea-perfectforallseasonsenjoyment
Carpeteddoublegarage
Tidylawn&lowmaintenancegarden
10yearstructuralwarranty-2018
Abronbuild
EasystrolltoKatikatiTownship
Scenicwatersidewalkwaysnearby
Light-filledopen-plankitchen,dining& livingarea,greatforfamilies
Spaciouskitchenwithbreakfastbar
Waterfiltrationsystemthroughout
Threegenerousbedrooms,including masterwithJackandJillensuite
Doubleglazingandheatpump
Coveredpatioarea-idealfor entertainingorrelaxing
Doubleinternal-accessgarage
Extraoff-streetparking
Easy-caregardens&lawnarea
Perfectlock-up-and-leaveoption
Greatlayout&open-planliving
Modernkitchenwithbreakfastbar
Woodburner&heatpump
Threecomfortabledoublebedrooms
Familybathroom+separatetoilet
Ensuite&doublerobeinmaster
Covereddeck&patiowithArchgola
Spaciousoutdoorentertainingarea
Separatelaundry&outdooraccess
Extrashedforhobbiesorprojects
Dedicatedcaravanpadwithoutdoor plug&off-streetparking
Easyaccesstoshopsandamenities
Buildingreportavailable
Great firsthome
Lowmaintenan
eorinvestment
cebrickandtile withgenerous ndbench psandelectricheat oundcomfort
Modernkitchen storageand isla Twoheatpump panel foryear-ro Lovely conserva Spaciousmaste wardrobeand e Internal access d Porch areaover Easyaccess tore andFootball/R
toryforrelaxation
rsuitewithwalk-in nsuite
doublegarage lookinggarden eserve,MoorePark ugbyClub
ConvenientlylocatednearKatikati schools,shops&medicalcentre
Wellpresented&sunnyhome
Open-planliving,dining&kitchen
Threebedrooms&familybathroom
Heatpump&HRVventilationsystem
Dedicatedlaundryarea
Sunnyprivatepatioarea
Fullyfencedeasy-careflatsection
Raisedvegetablebeds,established fruittreesandflatlawnarea
Detachedsinglegarage
EasyaccesstoKatikatitownship
Move-inreadyfornextowner
SetinpopularFairviewEstate
ExclusiveaccesstoCaféNineteen,the gym,indoorpool,spa,tenniscourts, andaworld-classgolfcourse
Easy,open-planliving&dining
Modernkitchen&generousstorage
Heatpump&doubleglazing
Masterensuite&built-inwardrobes
8solarpanels+SonnenBattery
Privatepatioandgardenarea,withan electricawningforshade
Internalaccessdoublegarage
Relaxed,low-maintenancelifestyle witheasyaccesstotown
Stylishlyrenovated&relocatedhome
Spaciousmodernkitchenwith breakfastbar&qualityappliances
Threebedrooms,modernfamily bathroom&convenientensuite
Open-planlivinganddiningarea withabundantnaturallight
Heatpump,fulldoubleglazingand gaswaterheating
Slidingdoorstothefrontdeckfor easyindoor-outdoorflow
Cleverlyconcealedlaundry
Flatlawnareaforkids&petstoplay Spacetoparkaboat,RV,orcaravan
2CarGarage
Stunningwaterviews,closeto walkways,reserve&areastoplay
Generous915sqm(approx)section Spaciouslivinganddiningareas
Patioareagreatforentertaining Doubleglazing&heatpump
Modernstylekitchenwithstorage
Office/studynookandwindowseat
Masterbedroomwithwaterviews,a privateensuite&walk-inwardrobe
Largelawnandestablishedgardens
Roomforkids&petstoplay
Ampleoff-streetparking—bringthe boat,caravan,orRV
MethodofSale:$895,000 View:ByAppointment
All-seasonentertainingareawitha pristinepoolandspacetorelax
Modernkitchenwithabutler'spantry
Light-filledfamilydining&livingareas Cosywoodburnerforwarmth Mastersuiteonaprivatelevelwithits ownlounge,ensuiteanddeck
Solarpanelsforenergyefficiency
198sqmofshedding,includingtwo spaciousshedswithseparatedriveway access.Oneshedincludesabuilt-in office,whilebothofferversatilework andstorageoptions
Off-streetparkingforclients/guests
Easyaccesstoschools&boatramps
MethodofSale:PriceByNegotiation OpenHome:Sun2.00-2.30pm
Separatelivingroomwithbifolddoors
CoveredpatiowithArchgola
Open-plankitchen/dining/family roomwithcentralislandbench& stunningbifoldwindows
Doubleglazing&threeheatpumps
Threedoublebedrooms,plusoffice
Masterbedroomfeaturesanensuite, walk-inrobe&slidingdoorstopatio Familybathroom&separatelaundry
Internalaccessdoublegarage
Fullyfencedsectionwithaflatlawn Spaceforcaravan/boatparking
MethodofSale:$895,000 View:ByAppointment
Openplanliving,diningandkitchen
Generousstorageinkitchen
Woodburnerandheatpump
Generousstorageinthekitchen
Sunnydeck,wrappingaroundtwo sidesofthehomeforentertaining
Dedicatedseparatelaundry
Double,internal-accessgarage
Fullyfencedbackyard
Lushlawns,vegegardens&fruittrees
Locatedinapeacefulandfamily
friendlyneighbourhood
Spaceforacamperorboat
MethodofSale:$775,000
OpenHome:Sun10.00-10.30am
1.83ha(approx)elevatedsectionwith panoramicharbour&Mountviews
Stunning,solidfive-bedroomhome
Open-plankitchen/dining/family
Separateloungewithgasfireplace
Underfloorheatinginkitchen& bathrooms,plustwoextratoilets
Mastersuitewithensuite,walk-in robe&outdoorpatioaccess
Tripleinternal-accessgaraging 10mx7m(approx)separateshed Expansiveoutdoorentertaining Fivefencedpaddocksforgrazing MinutestoKatikati&Waitekohekohe RecreationPark
MethodofSale:$1,625,000 OpenHome:Sun3.00-3.30pm
Quality2015buildwithgreatappeal
Openplanliving,dining&kitchen
Beautiful,modernkitchen
Threecomfortabledoublebedrooms
Mastersuitefeaturesawalk-in
wardrobe,ensuite&accesstospa
Doubleglazing&twoheatpumps
Slidingdoorstooutdoorpatio
Idealindoor-outdoorflowforalfresco diningorentertainingguests
Privatespaareaforrelaxing
Doublegaragewithinternalaccess
Setonacornersiteinquietcul-de-sac Handytosportsgroundsandtown
MethodofSale:$825,000
OpenHome:Sun1.00-1.30pm
1940sweatherboardhomewith characterandmodernupdates BeautifuloriginalRimufloorboards Newmodernkitchenandappliances Twospaciousbedroomswithrobes
Stylish,modernbathroom Doubleglazing,gaswaterheating andheatpumpforcomfort Cleverlyconcealedlaundryarea Largefrontdeckforentertaining Smallreardeckandflatlawnarea Move-inreadyandavailablenow ClosetoKatikatischools&shops
MethodofSale:$629,000 View:ByAppointment
2317m²(moreorless)flat,private sectionwithfruitandavocadotrees
Character-filledhome,originally relocated,idealforfamilies
Open-plankitchenandlivingarea
Cosywoodburneranddoubleglazing Fourgenerousdoublebedroomsplus versatilefifthroom(office,treatment room,orguestspace)
Solarpanelsconnectedtothegridfor energyefficiency
Largeseparateshed–perfectfora workshop,storage,orextravehicles
MethodofSale:$875,000 View:ByAppointment
2CarGarage
2CarGarage
1CarGarage
