There’s no better way to travel back in time and get a sense of what a place and time was like than with black-and-white photographs
The ‘Katikati: Portrait of a Town’ exhibition – which opens Monday, August 4, and runs until September 30 inside the town ’ s library – is going to do just that There will be lots and lots of photographs, plus books, maps, and paintings by local artists to transport people back in time to the district’s early days, then journey them through more modern times to about the 1970s The free exhibition is the brainchild of Western Bay of Plenty District Council community heritage services co-ordinator
Sandra Haigh, pictured, who has dug deep inside the Western Bay Community Archives to put together the event – which marks Family History Month in August, and the 150th anniversary since the Ulster Irish settlers arrived in Katik i hi September Haigh said the exhibition would u
show how the town had grown and evolved – using the precious taonga (treasures) items from the on-site community archives she cares for “What’s on display will be entirely visual S i ’ i f h i ”
Katikati NEWS
Changes ahead at SH2/Ōmokoroa Rd roundabout
Road widening is about to start on the Tauranga side of the temporary State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Rd roundabout, paving the way for the future four-lane layout
The work will start within the next couple of weeks and take about three months to complete, with two phases of traffic changes, according to Western Bay of Plenty District Council
In the first phase of works, traffic travelling towards Tauranga (southbound lane) will be moved further to the left side of the road, while the space in the middle – between the north and south lanes – is widened
While this work is being carried out, there will be no right turn into or out of Youngson Rd from SH2, however, vehicles will still be able to turn left into or out of Youngson Rd, the council said
The temporary roundabout will also be shifted slightly, but this change will be minor and drivers are unlikely to notice a big difference Weather permitting, this phase is expected to take up to six weeks to complete, with detour routes signposted
In the second phase, the northbound lane (vehicles heading towards Katikati) will be shifted towards the centre of the road, creating a space to the left for further road widening, the council said
Six weeks
While this configuration is in place, Youngson Rd will be closed to vehicles both entering and exiting the road, and a detour will be in place This work is also likely to take up to six weeks, and Youngson Rd residents will be contacted closer to the time to let them know what to expect
WBOPDC infrastructure growth and delivery manager Annelie Badenhorst said the works had been carefully staged “and we ’ re working hard to minimise disruption and keep people moving while construction is underway” “This road widening is a key step in delivering the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Rd intersection upgrade,” Badenhorst said
While there will be some short-term changes to traffic flow, it’s all part of getting us to a safer, more efficient network that supports growth in Ōmokoroa and the wider district ”
The temporary, painted roundabout layout was put in place in February and is a smaller and simpler version of the final road layout, Badenhorst said “It will remain in place, with adjustments as necessary, until the
SH2-Ōmokoroa Rd intersection upgrade has been completed in mid-2026 ” The SH2/Ōmokoroa Rd intersection upgrade is a minimum 10-year interim solution to address the immediate needs of the intersection, until funding becomes available to build a full interchange, Badenhorst said
Once completed, it will include a new interim roundabout at the SH2/Ōmokoroa Rd intersection with four-lane tapers and highway improvements; four-laning on Ōmokoroa Rd from SH2 to Prole Rd; and a new roundabout, servicing the industrial area, at the future Francis Rd intersection
For more information on the SH2/ Ōmokoroa Rd intersection upgrade, visit: yourplace westernbay govt nz/state-highway2-omokoroa-road-intersection-upgrade
Weaving at library holds powerful message
As people enter Te Ara Mātauranga, Waihī Beach’s new library, service centre and community hub, they are greeted by a large harakeke weaving with a powerful message.
Kairāranga (weaver) Marino Magee, who grew up in Athenree, said they made the piece to inspire the next generation of kaitiaki (guardians) “and get our whole community to learn, to practice our tikanga (traditional Māori values) and to advocate for our taiao (environment)”.
The piece is named ‘Ngā Tikanga o te Taiao’, meaning the rules or guidelines of how we could behave and interact with our natural environment, said Magee, who currently resides in Mount Maunganui. “And I’ve tied it all together with our connections as people to the taiao ”
Three aspects
Magee said the weaving is inspired by three aspects of tikanga. They believed it best represented “ our people when we come together and be in the natural environment (taiao)”.
“The three tikanga are Korero, Karakia, and Koha, which each have important meanings and can guide us on how we interact in the taiao
“The top piece in blue represents Ranginui, our sky father, and the bottom piece in green represents Papatuanuku, our earth Mother In the world of Māori, these are our parents, who’ve been made to be apart so that we can exist, making us all connected to each other and especially to our environment.”
The middle Magee said the three middle pieces are the tikanga the community could practice to not just survive “but thrive sustainably for future generations to come”.
The first, korero, means to talk, said Magee “My interpretation of korero for this piece is before you enter the taiao, talk to people you trust about where you ’ re going, what you ’ re doing and most importantly, when you’ll be coming back.”
The second, karakia, is prayer in Te Ao Māori. “The reason we karakia for the taiao is to first give our thanks and acknowledgment to Ranginui and Papatuanuku for their existence and for the space we are gifted to live on today “We then thank our atua Māori for creating places like the Forest and Sea and all its creatures within Karakia connects us to our spiritual wellbeing; and gets us focused on the correct mindset of the kaupapa for our day”
The last, koha, one of the most important tikanga, roughly translates to gift, said Magee “When Kaitiaki (guardians) work or when they’re in the taiao, they always think of ways to give back – like picking up rubbish, water monitoring or planting trees
“Even when they collect kai from our taiao a kaitiaki will leave the baby and its parents of all creatures; they will leave the smaller pipi and mussels, give back their first fish or leave enough flowers and berries on a tree for the birds and the bees.”
This is to look after the taiao but also ensure creatures people rely on for kai (food) continue living alongside
airāranga (weaver) arino agee, who grew up in Athenree, with their piece named ‘ gā Tikanga o te Taiao’ at Waihī Beach’s new library. Photos / Merle Cave
them, Magee said
The plats in between represent all people and our connection to our taiao
“I’ve entwined muka, signifying our spiritual connection inside all of us, just like the muka you find inside the harakeke leaf I’ve extracted to show a beautiful white fibrous string, tying us all together as one. ”
Growing up
The weaving takes centre stage in the new facility for the community where Magee grew up “I went to Kōhanga at Ōtāwhiwhi, Waihī Beach for primary school and finished at Waihi College.”
The 24-year-old grew up around weaving. “Ever since you ’ re young at Kōhanga [Reo] you do weaving pieces. My mum [Kararaina Sydney] has also always been interested in a raranga [traditional Māori weaving].”
After college Magee donated a woven piece to their primary school. “It’s a bright yellow piece worn over the shoulders of the lead boy in the Waihi Beach school kapa haka group ”
This piece was worn by Waihī Beach primary student Hunter Wilson, 9, at the opening of Te Ara Mātauranga on July 1.
But Magee said it wasn ’ t until 2021, when they went studied Level 4 and 5 Toi Paematua at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Tauranga that their passion for raranga grew
“Level 4 covers weaving using harakeke to make kete [bags] and whāriki [mats]. Level 5 is pieces you see worn by kapa haka groups – the piupiu, keke, korowai.”
The opportunity to weave a piece for Waihī Beach’s new library had come about via community connections and luck, said Magee who with their sisters harvested harakeke from a spot near Bowentown under tikanga. It was a “massive” undertaking, said Magee, who
Everything
The weaving took Magee one working week – but first they had to create the design using different patterns and techniques. “I also cut out a draft model to have a visual.” All up the project took nearly three months.
Magee said raranga is now a very big part of them. “It’s one of my major passions – the other is Māori art. ” they described creating the symbolic piece for their community’s new space as “unreal”. “It’s amazing to be born and raised in this place, to grow up how I did and to be given these opportunities; and I feel very honoured to be given this experience to be part of the beginning of the creation of my own legacy Being allowed to imprint a piece of myself and give back in my own way to my own community, it was everything.”
harvested harakeke from five bushes.
Waihī Beach primary student Hunter Wilson, 9, wore the woven piece, donated by Marino Magee, at the opening of Te Ara Mātauranga on July 1.
Merle Cave
From the archives comes a town portrait
The community is welcome to view a visual portrait of Katikati through time, on display during August and September at the town ’ s library
Western Bay of Plenty District Council community heritage services co-ordinator Sandra Haigh has been digging deep inside the Western Bay Community Archives to put together the free two-month exhibition, which marks Family History Month in August, and the 150th anniversary since the Ulster Irish settlers arrived in Katikati this September
Titled ‘Katikati: Portrait of a Town’, Haigh said the exhibition – which opens
books, photographs, maps, and paintings by local artists The free event is her way, as town archivist, of “celebrating Katikati as a town and how it’s changed from when it was settled to more modern times”.
Static displays
The exhibition will feature two static displays – which will change by month – outside the library’s downstairs staffroom.
“The first will have photographs of George Vesey Stewart, Adela Stewart, a county map from 1914, etc…”
The second main display, for September, would be about the history of the Katikati bypass and other topics that have stood out, said Haigh. “The static displays will have QR e not leaning over others and ces of paper ” h encouraged people to can the QR codes with their martphones, which would ake them to the Western Bay Community Archives recollect te at: https://westernbay ecollect.co.nz – the district’s online archives website –where information will be held on what the item depicts. Haigh said QR codes enable people access the website and read about the exhibit in comfort at the library or at home and have a look or ead of the history in their wn time. “For those who are unsure how to access QR codes on their phones, our library staff will be hand to help; and y ur phone a vintage model, we can give you a laptop to use. ” Plus, a series of small exhibits around the
library will change fortnightly to encourage people to keep returning to view more of the town ’ s past.
“These will illustrate the industries that have fed Katikati’s economy, the look of the town itself and how it’s changed over time using aerial photographs, maps, items, objects...all sorts of things!”
Haigh said the exhibition would ultimately show how the town had grown since the time of pākehā settlement in 1875 – using the previous taonga (treasures) items from the on-site Western Bay of Plenty Community Archives “What’s on display will be entirely visual…So it’s a portrait of the town over time.”
Haigh said newcomers to town or those who’ve been residing here but not thought too much about the town ’ s history are her target “I really want to appeal to people who haven’t been here for a long time – I’d love to show what the history of this town is all about. There will be lots and lots of photographs.”
Haigh said the exhibition would be roughly chronological.” The first half will be the old, old stuff and it will gradually move to more modern times The 1960s-1970s will probably be where it stops”.
Haigh said while the exhibition can ’ t cover everything “I have certainly done what I can”. On offer would be an interesting mix of all the treasures that are preciously stowed away
in the Western Bay Community Archives Collection under her care. “It’s really fun look at the history of the town ”
Family archiving workshop
Haigh will also host a free Create Your Own Home Archive workshop next-door at the Pātuki Manawa Digital Hub on August 16 from 10am-12 noon.
The workshop would cover how to preserve precious family taonga – including old birth, marriage and death certificates and items such as hand-written letters up to 100 years old “ so it can be an inheritable collection you can pass down to future generations”.
Aidan Heaven of Katipō Creative Studio will speak about the digitisation and digital enhancement of photographs. “Everyone has got this stuff at home and many don’t know what to do with it or how to keep it and they just need a bit of help on how to keep it well for future,” Haigh said.
The workshop is limited to 20 registered entrants. Register at: sandra.haigh@ westernbay.govt nz
Nominate Great Mahi
The framed painting by artist Roy Cunliffe of the No.3 School on Walkers Rd.
Photo / Merle Cave
Frederick George Radcliffe of the Tauranga-Waihi Royal Mail coach crossing the Uretara bridge on its way to Waihi. Photo / Western Bay Community Archives Collection
Merle Cave
College’s GrowHubgiven the nodby Education Minister
Katikati College students who’ve studied in the school’s GrowHub facility got to share their horticulture learning experience with the Minister of Education last Friday
Senior students spoke face-to-face with Erica Stanford while showing her around the horticultural hub, which opened in May 2023.
The afternoon began with a pōwhiri by the college’s kapa haka group, to welcome the minister and Coromandel MP Scott Simpson to the facility and school
Stanford met Katikati College principal Louise Buckley and her leadership team then chatted to students about the hub and its impact so far
“It’s great to be at Katikati College and to see the horticulture centre, ” the minister told Katikati News.
“Actually, the most impressive thing is how passionate the kids are about what they’re learning and how it seems to have influenced what they want to do in the future, and that’s what we ’ re here to do, right? Inspire kids and make them confident in their learning and give them future pathways.”
A testament
Stanford said it was also exciting to see “all the amazing equipment that they have in this amazing new building – so it’s a testament to the school”.
GrowHub was the brainchild of now-retired Katikati Innovative Horticulture project manager Hilary Johnson She designed a flexible, cross-curricular and future-focused horticulture programme where students could personalise their learning by picking their own subjects.
She then realised there were people who didn’t have access to this sort of training and education – and something was needed for the whole community
The result was Katikati Innovative Horticulture Trust – which fundraised to build the horticulture block on the college grounds to educate school students and local youth alike.
The trust worked heavily with local horticultural industry and businesses to support the concept and fundraise for the venue ’ s creation.
The minister said it was excellent that local industry and businesses played a part in creating GrowHub
“We need more of that, frankly, all around the country when we ’ re looking at vocational pathways; to make sure we ’ ve got businesses involved and setting what those standards are, what the knowledge and the skills are that are needed to work in their industry That really has to be driving what we ’ re teaching at school This is an excellent example of that.”
Proud
Buckley said hosting the Stanford at GrowHub “makes me really proud of what we ’ ve achieved”.
“And that’s the work of so many key people, and also reflected the support that we ’ ve had from local companies and local industries and just the community to put together this amazing facility with amazing opportunities for the young people of Katikati – so it’s great for it to be recognised at that national level”.
She said much work was done for GrowHub to stand there today
“You can ’ t talk about GrowHub without talking about Hilary Johnson, and the amazing amount of work she did to put the project at the forefront of people’s thinking and to get them behind to realise what an amazing opportunity it was for our school and our community
“Really, I have tautoko the work she did over a seven-year period.”
This term, 72 senior horticulture students, from Years 11-13, utilise the GrowHub facility led by teacher-in-charge Kate
Sutherland She said it didn’t matter what a student’s aspirations or passions were because GrowHub offered everyone a pathway to achievement – whether it be tertiary education, trade skills or employability via horticulture knowledge.
“That’s where we ’ re really lucky because we do have such great external support – so we get students out to local businesses, we get speakers to come in. From this they get a closer connection to industry”
Pathway for all
Years 11-12 and 13 – Levels 1, 2 and 3 –innovative horticulture students have the chance to choose what they study, just like Johnson designed, said Sutherland.
“For Level 1 students, it gets them into the vein of what we do here. It’s a big change for them because the learning structure is self-led, and it’s delivered through an online portal – so the teaching resources are all there
from the start. They work in a digital space as far as their Achievement Standards go ” Sutherland said Level 2 is a big course “with lots to choose from for Achievement Standards and Unit Standards”. Unit Standards are achieved using workbooks supplied by the Horticulture & Agriculture Teachers Association, Sutherland said. “For those, students do things like growing from seed, monitoring germination and it’s lots of note-taking, photo-taking etc. By the time students get to Level 3, they usually have to decide between Unit Standards, Horticultural Standards or Agribusiness Standards ”
A smorgasbord
Buckley said students have “ a real smorgasbord” of topics to choose from, which they can follow down whatever pathway they enjoy “There’s something for everyone. ”
New battery recycling bins for WBOP libraries
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has installed new firesafe battery collection units at its district libraries
The new collection units, in Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, and Te Puke, and at council’s main office at Barkes Corner, Tauranga, aim to make battery recycling in the Western BOP both safer and more convenient, said WBOPDC solid waste planning and behaviour change lead Ilze Kruis “These new units make it easier for people to do the right thing Batteries contain harmful materials, and when they’re thrown in the rubbish or recycling bin they can cause fires, especially in trucks and at waste facilities
“By recycling used batteries, you ’ re helping protect our environment, reduce fire risk, and support safer waste collection across the district ”
Designed for small-to-medium-sized household batteries, the units can take common household batteries, including alkaline (AA A , AAA, C, D, 9V), lithium (coin and cylindrical), rechargeable NiCd and NiMH, button/coin cells, and other rechargeable types typically found in devices like cameras and small power tools Car batteries (lead-acid), large industrial batteries, or damaged Lithium batteries are not accepted – but people can still drop off larger batteries for free at council’s three recycling centres, at Athenree, Katikati, and Te Puke, during open hours Funded by the Waste Minimisation
Levy and provided by Phoenix Recycling Group, the units are equipped with advanced fire safety features and monitored remotely for added security
The batteries collected will be shipped to approved recycling facilities These facilities are equipped to safely process and recycle the batteries, recovering valuable materials and minimising environmental impact, said Kruis
“To recycle batteries safely, both terminals should be taped before they are placed in the bins, to help prevent short circuits and potential fires Regular sticky tape is fine, and you can also use clear snap lock bags ”
Taped batteries should be kept in a cool, dry place until you can drop them off at a recycling unit, Kruis said
Katikati College senior students talk to Education Minister Erica Stanford outside GrowHub on July 25. Photo / Merle Cave
WBOP C customer service representative elen Elyashiv with solid waste planning and behaviour change lead, Ilze ruis, and one of the new battery recycling units Photo / Supplied
Merle Cave
273A Lund Road
Wowee - Look at the views
Stunning panoramic views and total privacy on 9313sqm (more or less) of premium lifestyle land This elegant home features a renovated kitchen, open-plan living, sunlit conservatory, and flourishing gardens A rare opportunity to secure quality, space, and serenity at exceptional value. Motivated vendor ready to sell so don’t miss out, call Grace or Kate today.
Grace Anderson M +(64) 27 472 2301 D 07 549 3102 E grace.anderson@tremains.co.nz
Kate Scott M 027 858 1492 D 07 549 3102 E kate.scott@tremains.co.nz
10G Church Street
Its Gotta Go
This home set on a large flat 649sqm (more or less) section, has been renovated throughout with country views CCC received in 2020, some updates include a new roof, new cladding and large open plan kitchen. Double bedrooms offer built-in storage, with a family bathroom and separate WC. This home must sell, the motivation is reflected in the price, selling way under RV. Contact Grace today.
At OneRoof, we know Kiwis love their homes for all kinds of reasons. It could be the view. Or the space. Or because it’s been the scene of so many magic moments. Or because the kids are over the moon about it.
Whatever you’re looking for in your new home, you’ll find it at OneRoof. With thousands of property listings right across the country, there’s sure to be one to give your heart to.
HOME SELLERS GUIDE
What are the different ways to sell a house?
Your home, the market and your circumstances will all determine which method is best.
There are four main methods of selling a home in New Zealand: negotiation, auction, tender and deadline sale Your real estate agent will help you choose the best option
Auctions are a popular way to sell property in New Zealand But they’re not the only option You need to understand how the different sales methods work in order to choose the best for your property. It’s one of the first steps to selling your home
Common methods of sale in New Zealand
• Auctions: Auctions pit buyers against each other in a competitive environment and can result in a quick sale
• Negotiation: Negotiation opens the sale up to buyers who have conditions such as finance or a building report who can’t bid at auction
• Tenders and deadline sales: Tenders and deadline sales are more private and encourage buyers to make their best offer first because they usually only have one chance to get the price right
1 Auction - pros and cons
Auctions pit buyers against each other They bid the price up until they pass the reserve price and one wins. Auctions are one of the most popular methods of sale in New Zealand because they often result in a quick, unconditional (cash) sale Sellers and agents like auctions because they create a sense of urgency,
and buyers sometimes pay more than they might have without the competition of other bidders Winning bidders are committed to purchase the property If the auction doesn’t exceed the reserve price, the auctioneer will negotiate with the highest bidder
Watch out for:
• The home may not sell at auction if there is only one bidder, or the reserve price is too high.
• First-home buyers are often locked out because banks require conditions such as getting registered valuations on the property
• It can be more difficult to get the price you want, if buyers are aware of the price the property has passed in at
• If the reserve is too low, you may sell too cheaply
Your real estate agent will advise you as to which method of sale is best for your property Photo / Getty Images
When the hammer comes down at an auction the property is sold Photo / Fiona Goodall
2 Sale by negotiation - pros and cons
With a negotiated sale, buyers make offers via the real estate agent You counter-offer until a price is agreed. Properties can be offered for sale with or without a fixed price Some negotiated sales start with “offers over” a certain figure. It’s quite common to turn to negotiation and put a price on the property after it fails to sell by other sales methods
Watch out for:
• It can be hard to pick the right price to market the property at
• If the asking price is too high, buyers may not come forward
• With no fixed auction or tender date, the sale can get drawn out
• Buyers are not subject to the same urgency as an auction
• When prices are listed, buyers may
assume the house failed to sell by other methods, encouraging them to make low offers
3 Tender - pros and cons
With a tender, buyers are invited to submit formal written offers before a deadline and provide a 10% deposit, which is refunded to unsuccessful bidders The property can be listed “for sale by tender unless sold prior”, meaning the seller can accept offers early The seller has five working days after the tender closes to choose which offer, if any, they want to accept. The vendor can choose to negotiate with the buyer whose offer is accepted, should the buyer agree Tenders have specific sale and purchase terms set out in the ADLS/REINZ Sale & Purchase by Tender agreement
Watch out for:
• If buyers are unaware of what the competition is prepared to pay, they may offer lower prices than at auction
• Some buyers may be put off because they have to pay a 10% deposit with no guarantee of winning
• If the property doesn’t sell at tender you could end up in a long negotiation process
• Buyers may miss the tender date
4 Deadline sale - pros and cons
A deadline sale (AKA “deadline treaty” or “private treaty” ) is half way between a negotiated sale and a tender The property is marketed without an advertised price and buyers submit confidential offers by a fixed date The seller chooses between the offers, but is not obliged to accept them Unlike tenders, you can accept an offer and sell prior to the deadline date. This is a good option where the price is uncertain A key advantage of a deadline sale is you don’t have to stick to all the terms and conditions of a tender Watch out for:
• Buyers are not subject to the same degree of urgency as in an auction.
• The sale process is often longer than an auction
5. Other sales methods
• Multi-offer process Where there is more than one offer on a property by negotiation, a “multi-offer” sale takes place This encourages buyers to make their best offer The vendor can choose an offer based on price, conditions or other factors, or to negotiate further Real estate agents are required by law to treat all buyers fairly Find out more about multi-offer sales here Find out more about the best time to sell your house
• Mortgagee sales. If homeowners default on their mortgage payments the bank will eventually sell the property to recover the money it is owed Buyers sometimes get a bargain with mortgagee sales But there are risks that the former owner will damage the property or remove fixtures and fittings including bathrooms and kitchens
6 Sole agency or multi-agency?
Most properties in New Zealand are sold by one real estate company exclusively (AKA “sole agency”) If you choose to have the property sold by multiple agencies (“multi-agency” or “general agency agreement”) you sign agreements with more than one. The advantage of sole agency sales is that agents say they work harder, knowing only they can sell the property On the other hand, a multi-agency sale puts your property in front of more buyers in theory and the agencies may compete against each other for the sale. If a sole agency agreement expires and you sign with other agencies it’s important to review both agreements carefully If you sell to a buyer who was introduced by the first agency you may have to pay double commission Find out more about multi agency sales.
Your real estate agent will advise you as to which method of sale is best for your property Photo / Getty Images