You could hear the hubbub, the cacophony, before you reached Katikati Primary School last Friday
The sound of excitement, laughter, chit-chatting and squeals wafted as the entire school, from Years 0-6 and teachers
assembled around the concrete courtyard at 9am for the annual Book Character Parade, as parents watched Emceed by teacher Liz Woods, who made a fine rugby player – yes teachers were dressed up as well – each class of students
walked the perimeter of the courtyard in costumes they’d created to celebrate books and characters they love as music played in the background
There were no best-dressed winners –instead the day was about celebrating
books and engaging in the magic that is reading as part of the school’s annual book week. Pictured are Year 6 students Bennett Ballinger-Judd and Amy Hopkins, who went all out for the parade See page 2 for more images
Characters of all shapes, sizes, styles and genres took over Katikati Primary last Friday at the school’s annual Book Character Day
The entire school – from Years 0-6 – took part in the parade with many students – and parents – going to a lot of creative effort to bring each child’s chosen character to life. Teachers also donned funky, fabulous and fun-filled outfi and joined in the fun.
The event is held as part of the school’s annu Book Week, where all students participate a range of activities to celebrate books and engage in the magic that is reading. Other events included book swaps, book camps and a book fair, which is the school library’s annu fundraiser Each child went home with a ‘wis list’ last week of items that whanau could buy from the fair, with proceeds going back to school library to buy new books for all to en Katikati News reporter Merle Cave captured fun of the Book Character Parade.
Katikati is at risk of losing of a vital advocate role – that helps the community’s most vulnerable – if funding is not secured for it.
Katikati Community Centre (KCC) had employed a community advocate since October 2020, born from people’s need for assistance during Covid lockdowns
The role provides immediate, oneoff support, advocacy and advice and connects people to services and community resources. The work involves dealing with government agencies and online services, crisis and accommodation support, counselling and foodbank referrals, job-seeker support and more.
KCC general manager Nicky Austin said the role is focused on ensuring that all community members, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalised, can access the services and support they need to thrive.
“About 80% of cases just need a quick rescue, ” said Austin. The entre initially financed the ‘community connector ’ role from a Covid response fund via the Ministry of Social Development. “Initially, the role was to provide support for people trying to navigate self-isolation, particularly those living alone who had no-one else to turn to ”
MSD originally provided funding for two full-time equivalents and a part-time counsellor, said Austin.
When the MSD funding stream ran dry in September 2023, the counsellor’s contract ended – but due to demand KKC opted to keep the community advocate.
By then locals knew the centre was the place to come if they were in need, said Austin. “So the people have just continued coming through the door and the rate has not stopped – if anything, it has increased with the economic climate we ’ re now in.”
The centre has funded the role through its reserves since September 2023, said Austin.
“The reserves have now gone, so we ’ re faced with trying to raise enough money to keep the service running ”
The centre received funding for some of the cost of the role’s wage per week but it’s not enough, said Austin.
KCC business administrator Sally Goodyear said 13% of the centre ’ s total income is from grants and donations “We’re already applying for grants just to keep the place running.”
Asked if the centre approached MSD after the Covid-19 funding cut, Goodyear said: “They made it very clear that that funding stream had been all utilised and was gone”.
The centre now needs $100,000 to keep the community advocate role, said Austin. Otherwise, it would finish August 31, 2026. If cut, Austin said: “We won ’ t have the capacity to support people in the way we have been”.
The $100,000 would provide a wage, administration costs and a $10,000 emergency fund
The emergency fund would give people immediate fixes to help them access further support. For example, it could pay for a small fix on someone ’ s car so they can get to work and keep their job
Sjaan Rounds, who has been the community advocate for the last three years, said “it’s hugely valuable”.
“There are so many vulnerable in our community that don’t really have any other option. We’re really isolated here and it means people have to go to Tauranga to get the support they need, which is just not possible for many ”
Rounds found people now know to come to the centre for help “If they
don’t have that, it will mean more will be struggling Losing this role is huge We’re such a great community – but without this service it’s just another missing link. It’s just sad – because to be a strong community, if you want to go ahead you can only go as fast as the people at the back ”
Centre figures show Rounds helped 344 families in 2024. “Plus, she’s involved in many of our other projects as part of her role,” said Goodyear
More 2024 statistics show Rounds helped with: $18,609.83 of discretionary funding spent on immediate needs, 1445 breakfasts, 25 clients received counselling, 220 RSE workers welcomed to Katikati, 26 students helped with back-to-school costs, 128 gifts distributed to children at Christmas, 40 Christmas grocery boxes distributed, 20 Total Mobility & Accessibility Concession assessments, 300 beanies knitted by community for RSE workers, 85 Super Support meals given to elderly, and 306 Kura Kai frozen meals given to families
Goodyear said Rounds would help anyone in any immediate situation. “She’s non-judgmental, warm but firm, and she’ll do her best.”
Austin said many enquiries come from Katikati’s senior population “Many don’t
realise our elderly are really struggling.”
For example, an older man was left bewildered when his wife recently went into care. He’d never cooked and or managed household tasks.
“Sjaan worked alongside him to connect him with services,” said Austin. “Most work is connecting people with services they require.”
Another elderly man drove to a Tauranga bank to change his credit card only to return home and find he still couldn’t use his online accounts. With bill payments linked to the old card he’d received late payment notices.
“Sjaan called the bank, utility providers and showed him how to use online banking independently,” said Austin.
More work involves helping people with government departments
“Sjaan finds if she sits in with a client as an advocate, nine times of out of 10 the outcome is better than if the person went on their own, ” said Goodyear
English a second language
Being a multicultural community Rounds also worked with families for whom English is a second language. “Navigating forms, rules and regulations in New Zealand can be tough for these people ”
Rotarian John Bothwell said the community advocate, along with fellow KCC staff, are the go-to for help in Katikati. “They’re the hub of the wheel and everything else spins off them –without a solid hub they can ’ t do their job properly”
Bothwell said funding had long been an issue for the centre, and service groups such as Rotary and Lions helped where they could. He said the role had made a positive impact for years “and should continue to do so. ” He wanted a longterm funding solution found.
To donate, visit: https://givealittle.co.nz/ cause/help-the-helping-hand Austin planned to approach local businesses for support too “We have many benefits if a person or business wanted to sponsor the role,” she said To enquire, phone her on 021550409 or email: manager@katikaticommunity.nz
Goodyear said the community needed to know the centre is not fully funded by council “It was built by the community for the community – that’s how we come about – and we want this to continue,”
Goodyear said
From September 12-14 Katikati will mark 150 years since Ulster Irish settlers arrived in town with three days of community events. The programme starts September 12 with ‘Rugby Remembers – Lest we Forget’, which stems from Katikati’s famous Irish settler David Gallaher – who became the first captain of the All Blacks. Ex-Katikati rugby player Steve Graveson, who wrote ‘Seven Thousand Two Hundred & Eighty Saturdays: the 140-year history of the Katikati Rugby Football Club’ shares how rugby took root in the town.
Celebrating 150 years since a township was formed is a very special event. What makes Katikati’s so special is that the Katikati rugby club is almost able to share the same milestone, with it reaching 145 years in 2025 too
popular pastime in Katikati’s earlier days
When the Irish settlers arrived in 1875, they were Katikati’s second arrivals to leave a mark. The new settlers brought with them new cultures, religions, customs and lifestyles, and they were very keen to establish those life beliefs in their new homeland. For the Ulster settlers, their main focus was to establish their homes, schools and churches – and, of course, their sport teams So it was no surprise the game of rugby was to become part of the community for the next 145 years.
Something to enjoy
But, surprisingly, it was rugby rather than football that the early settlers would enjoy and support. Even though times were hard, money was tight and the infrastructure we take for granted now was still years away, the community needed something they could enjoy, use to unwind and take their minds off things. It was also something that would
bring them together every Saturday afternoon.
Sports has always been a great tool for bringing people together For Katikati, the local rugby club in its various forms has been one of those tools in this community The club has shared in the community’s highs and lows, tough and good times, and it’s brought the community together on occasions. From the 1920s though to the 1950s, Katikati was one of the leading clubs in the Thames Valley Union, before moving to the Bay of Plenty Union in 1965, where its greatest achievement was winning the Baywide Championship in 1986 It has endured economic changes, survived wars, a depression, and even a global pandemic. It has given the community numerous heroes and players to cheer for and support every Saturday, and it has lasted the test of time.
Another role the club has created is the
ability to bring cultures together It very quickly became obvious that not only the Irish men were passionate about rugby, but also the original settlers, the tangata whenua males who took to rugby like they were born to play it.
There have been generations of both Māori and Pakeha whānau that have contributed to the history of the club These days another new culture that arrived in our community, the Polynesian community, bring a new and exciting passion to the game.
The rugby club now looks forward to sharing and supporting the community of Katikati for the next 150 years.
The 150th anniversary events begin Friday, September 12, with ‘Rugby Remembers – Lest we Forget’ from 2pm-4.30pm at Katikati War Memorial Hall. All welcome. Find out more at: katikati150celebration.co.nz
Celebrating the connection and joy it brings to families – and some big anniversaries – Katikati Mainly Music is having a birthday party this Saturday, and the community is invited.
This year Mainly Music celebrates 35 years since its inception at Hillsborough Baptist
Church (now Hills Church) back in 1990 by Auckland mother Jo Hood.
The programme connects parents and caregivers with preschoolers through music and play Katikati Mainly Music (KMM) team leader Cheryl Harray said today her group is one of 207 clubs in New Zealand, 369 in Australia, 79 in the UK and eight in other places. “That’s more than 650 groups worldwide!”
KMM meets Fridays during school terms from 9.30am-11am at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, with a 30-minute music session followed by eat/play/chat
To mark the programme ’ s 35-year NZ anniversary, 25 years in Australia, 20 in the UK – plus KMM’s 22nd birthday y – Harray’s team of volunteers will host a birthday party from 3pm-4.30pm August 23 at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church “It would be great to see ‘old faces’, and whole families come and celebrate with us ” Harray was team leader for her church in Dunedin for 10 years before moving to Katikati What keeps pulling Harray back into the fold is the connecting she witnesses “It’s about creating a joyful community of belonging You see it at all levels, from the children knowing what’s to be sung next and making friends, to parents joining in and talking to each other, to our volunteers loving the young ones running around ”
KMM has 20 families attend weekly “Lots have more than one child, so we have about 40 children on our roll ”
Harray said Mainly Music is held in churches worldwide but people should know that everyone is welcome
The morning begins with children picking out their entry cards to receive a sticker Then families dance to 30 minutes of music, led by Harray, with props used frequently to entice imaginations “Today we used scarves, bean bags and the rainbow ring – a big stretchy loop of material, which the kids love to stretch out and let go! Parents – once they know the songs come out of their shells and start
dancing and singing too ”
Afterwards, families are served a light morning tea Harray has a team of 15 volunteers “They serve in the kitchen, help in the session, give out props, man the entry desk k etc you need quite a few people ” Connections are made orgganically y “Children dance and play together, parents chat, get to know one another, or share parenting tips ” Harray said volunteers also get a lot back “One newbie said: ‘This is my happy place!’ They love serving, being able to help, and talk to parents They also love to watch the children learn and grow – it’s a place for them to belong and serve with their own skills and personality”
Parenting is not an easy gig – sometimes parents turn up in despair, Harray said “We’ve had people come almost in tears and they haven’t had time for breakfast We’ll get them a hot drink, something to eat and look after their children to get them on the steady again And yay for them for coming! Because sometimes it is too hard We’re real, they’re real and we can help in practical ways if they need it ”
KMM was started by Jane Cross and Sue Macauley “Following them families pastor Kate Burton took over but Rae Buchanan is stalwart of KMM,” said Harray, who took over from Kay Frith “I’ve invited all past volunteers and leaders I could contact for Saturday’s party and we invite present and former MM families to join the fun too!” Find out more at: https://mainlymusic org nz/pages/join-us-for-mainly-music
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Public Notices
Aongatete Outdoor Education Centre
2025
PUBLIC NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR ON LICENCE Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
AMATIS LIMITED has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Western Bay of Plenty for the grant of an ON LICENCE in respect of the premises situated at 270 MATAHUIROAD, KATIKATI and known as MATAHUI DISTILLERY
The general nature of the business to be conducted under the licence is a ON LICENCE - OTHER PREMISES NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is currently being sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 09:00a.m. to 09:00p.m.
The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Western Bay of Plenty District Licensing Committee at Barkes Corner, Greerton, Tauranga.
Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the grant of the application may, not later than 25 working days after the date of the first publication of the application in a newspaper or newspapers in accordance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Private Bag 12803, Tauranga.
No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
This is the second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on Friday 15 August 2025.
With shower and toilet, requiring repairs
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Please
1 83ha (approx) elevated section with panoramic harbour & Mount views
Jill ensuite
Double glazing and heat pump
Covered patio area - ideal for entertaining or relaxing
Double internal-access garage
Extra off-street parking
Easy-care gardens & lawn area
Perfect lock-up-and-leave option
Dramatic tiles, evoking a moody ambience, are teamed with curved, high-end accessories.
This bathroom was designed specifically for the homeowners’ overnight guests.
They felt that the previous bathroom had been too light and sparse looking and asked for a more intimate and moodier look for the new design.
Given the existing concrete floor and walls, there were restrictions with plumbing. The main challenge was to ensure the reinvented bathroom looked and felt totally different, even with these restrictions
A moody and textural material pallet was specified – this is comprised of dark burnished metal-look porcelain tiles and lighter grey rock salt porcelain tiles which were specified to flow from the hallway into the bathroom and up the back wall
The freestanding bath has its own tumbled natural stone wall with a longrecessed shelving niche behind it Photo / Jono Parker
The mirror, tapware and bathroom fixtures have all been chosen for their soft, gradual curves which create a flow on effect to each other – even the tiles were chosen for their flowing patterns
The smoked bronze lighting and door hardware (including doorstops) were specified to work with the gun metal tapware
A two-metre row of deep storage drawers floats above the floor – the drawers are stained in a custom inky blue colour while the interiors are in Indian Ink Melamine
The existing entrance door has also been stained in the same dark blue timber stain to provide continuity and give a purposeful design look to the room
I wanted to give the toilet a more private look (and downplay its prominence when someone walks into the room) so designed a full length partition wall – the depth restricted by the confinements of the structural bulkhead depth above
The freestanding bath has its own tumbled natural stone wall with a longrecessed shelving niche behind it – the smooth tiles for the internal surrounds are mitred to the rough outer tiles – all carefully planned to ensure the best and most practical solution was achieved
The vanity top is also a feature element, made in Bengal black stone with specially designed grooves creating a
