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Get crafty Katikati!

It’s thought that Egyptians were the first group of people in recorded history to use scarecrows, to protect their wheat fields along the Nile River

Next month Katikati will offer two separate scarecrow competitions – not only to protect the plots of their makers but to bring country charm and creativity back to people and their gardens

Katikati A&P Show’s Scarecrow

Competition this year has three categories – for children, adults, and community groups “Scarecrows can be any size or form but must have some straw inside somewhere,” said Katikati A&P Show secretary Sheryl Smith

The scarecrows will be displayed at Katikati A&P Show on February 1, with the overall winner chosen via people’s choice vote

On February 14 Grow On Katikati is hosting a free scarecrow-creating workshop and competition to offer a fun, creative activity connected to gardening

GOK’s competition has three categories – cultural, creative and team effort

Spokesperson Jizzy Green, pictured with her garden scarecrow ‘Josephine’, said it’s important to register for the event now –so her team can arrange to have enough scarecrow frames made

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Moth plant weeding bee near Te Puna

Those who look after weed control at the I’Anson Bush Reserve are having a weeding bee to rid of flowering moth plants that have grown well during the festive break

The public are invited to get stuck in next Thursday, January 29. The group will meet 9am at the Armstrong Rd end of the reserve.

Originally from South America, moth plant (Araujia hortorum) was introduced to New Zealand as an ornamental species and recorded as naturalised

in 1888. Bay of Plenty Regional Council state the pest plant can be found in any frost-free habitats including intact and disturbed forests and margins, tracks, cliffs, coastline, shrublands, mangroves and inshore and offshore islands.

The plant flowers twothree bell-shaped blooms from December-May

The I’Anson Bush Reserve group want to remove the pest plant before it gets the chance to mature and form seeded pods. Privet and cherry trees will be on their hit list too

All weeding be equipment

Poolparty on Saturday

Katikati’s newly-renovated Dave Hume Pools is having a pool party tomorrow, January 24 from 11am-2pm.

The whole community is welcome – general admission prices apply – with some extra fun planned.

A free sausage sizzle, pool toys and inflatable fun will make it a great family fun day out so people can see what the complex offers now upgrade work has been completed.

Dave Hume Pool is heated pool complex located at 32 Carisbrooke St owned by Western Bay of Plenty District Council and operated by Bay Venues. Entry fees apply

Find out more by searching ‘Dave Hume Heated Pool’ on Facebook or visit: davehumepool.co.nz

is provided, with baking supplied afterwards To attend, advise Kate Loman-Smith by phoning 021 657 344.

Right: Moth plants form large pods, which release wind-borne seeds

Below: Moth plants grow bell-shaped flowers from December-May Photos / File

Family festival for Waitangi Day

Western Bay Museum is hosting a free, family festival day on Waitangi Day, February 6, from 11am-3pm at the Haiku Park.

“Everyone is welcome to years Te Rā o Waitangi Whānau Festival (Waitangi Day Family Festival) so organise the whanau (family) for a last event of the school holidays,” said Western Bay Museum manager Paula Gaelic.

She said this year ’ s festival line-up is bigger, better, bolder – with the mihi (official opening) from kuia kaumatua of Ngāi Tamawhariua Te Rereatukahia

Marae starting the day

“A multi-cultural line-up of performers, live music, kai, craft

making, face painting and big games will make this a celebration that brings our community together

“You will be singing, dancing and enjoying cultural performances including Māori, Indian, Pasifika, Cook Islands and live music from cover albums.”

Gaelic advises people to bring along sun umbrellas, hats, chairs and sunblock. “We will take care of the rest Food is always what brings people together so there will be a variety of food vendors to purchase delicious food choices.”

For updates check ‘Western Bay Museum’ on Facebook.

Remembering Katikati’s Liz Ward – an unstoppable force

A courageous, determined, talented woman who smashed her goals, gave back to community and always cared for those around her is how Liz Ward will be remembered.

The 59-year-old Katikati resident died December 22, 2025, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour at the end of 2023

Liz was internationallyrecognised for her 40-year career in hairdressing, winning New Zealand’s highest industry accolade. She was a regional equestrian competitor and in 2022 revived Katikati Netball Club

Country kid

Carisbrooke St salon, ran from February 2017 to July 2024, stocking equestrian gear including show supplies and attire In recent months she’d taught horse ‘Rev’ to bring his feed bin to her, from a wheelchair

Elizabeth Rosemary Davies was born June 28, 1966, at Tauranga Hospital to Louellen (nee O’Reilly) and John Davies “She was brought up on my parents ’ – the late Rose and Lou O’Reilly – Lund Rd farm She had a calf, a lamb, a pony – she was a country kid.”

Liz attended Katikati Primary School and Katikati College. She ran at the athletics club, went to Sunday School and fell in love with netball. “She was a very active child; she was always busy and always gave 110%,” said Louellen. “Even when she was little she was so determined She’d make up her mind about something and do it – or she’d find a way to achieve it.”

Horses

Liz’s first true passion was horses She was her family’s fourth generation to ride competitively She competed from a young age and with her hack won the DC dressage for the Bay of Plenty

When Liz’s daughter Kate Downes rode a pony from the age of four the duo were off each weekend competing in the lead rein together

Kate said her best memories was her mum taking her to pony club “I’d even get off the bus after-school and mum would be waiting with my horse to ride home ” Louellen said Liz rode well but as life went on she had less time for it. But she never stopped owning, training and loving horses.

Hairdressing

Louellen wasn ’ t sure how hairdressing appealed to Liz, but said her daughter began her apprenticeship at age 15. By age 21 she owned her own salon –Hairkraft in Katikati.

Molly Gent – who worked with Liz for 14 years – met Liz when she set up a Tauranga branch “She sold Katikati, then Tauranga Hairkraft and I moved with her when she opened Liz Ward Hairdressing salon on Carisbrooke St in 2008 ”

Molly said Liz trained many apprentices “and shaped the lives of so many people”. “I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without having her guidance and support in my life.”

Liz was “the best” to impart knowledge, Molly said. “She just made everyone feel so confident.” “She saw that something in people that perhaps others didn’t see, ” said Louellen.

Liz competed in hairdressing competitions nationwide. Her resume is impressive. In 1994 she was BOP branch president of New Zealand Association of Registered Hairdressers (NZARH). In 1996 she became a NZ industry assessor She did a 2000 Wella NZ Long Hair Tour with world renowned hairdresser David Shields.

Her business Bay Equestrian, next to her

Hairdresser of the Year

In 2012 she won the NZ Oceanic Masters, Overall Champion Styling, Cutting and Overall Colour Award In 2013 she was NZ Editorial Stylist of the Year (BOP)

Molly said Liz had “ so much skill, foresight and creative talent”. “When you ’ re doing that sort of work, you ’ re pre-empting fashion You’re creating styles that are out of the norm ”

As such, Liz was hugely respected in NZ’s hair industry “She was a competition judge, a steward and she did shows all over– everybody knew who she was, ” Molly said.

In 2001 she was a guest artist backstage at World of Wearable Arts (WOW) in Nelson. In 2002 she was nominated NZ Expo Hairdresser of the Year In 2003 she was appointed to Davines NZ artistic team. In 2004 she trained in Italy with 40 fellow stage artists from around the world.

In 2005 she was a stage artist for Davines In 2008 she worked backstage at NZ Fashion Week In 2009 she was international cutting competition judge at Hair Expo Australia In 2010 she won NZ’s highest hairdressing honour – NZ Supreme

As a person she was cheeky, funny, kind and giving “She’d give you absolutely anything even if she didn’t have it – she’d find a way to get it for you ”

Family

Louellen said Liz loved her family “Her idea of bliss was being at home in the garden She was always cooking meals for her sons and their friends ” Liz met her partner of 22 years, Scott Downes, at indoor basketball. Scott had two boys, Lochie and Jackson; Liz had two boys, Taylor and Logan, and together they had Kate.

treated everyone as her own ”

A big Katikati Rugby Club supporter, Liz encouraged one kid to play by paying him for each try he scored. She joked it became a big expense. Another wasn ’ t allowed to attend rugby on Saturdays. “She made the rugby bus stop and went inside his house and talked to his parents. He played every weekend after that,” said Kate.

“People respected mum because she was consistent; she turned up for everyone all the time She didn’t take any crap She was firm but fair”

Netball

Wildly competitive, Liz loved netball and played in school and community teams Kate began playing at age seven “She’s coached me my whole life ”

“She was a mum to so many more than just her kids,” said Kate “She made sure everyone was fed, safe and happy She

“One of mum ’ s ideas she kept discussing with friend Hayley Murray was reviving the town ’ s netball club,” said Kate.

It happened in 2022 The duo got the club associated with the rugby club, grants, a netball cabin, a van, and created a committee. “The first year, in 2023, there were four women ’ s teams ” Hayley said Liz was a solid support to her “As you can imagine, starting a new club is a bit of a logistical nightmare Liz helped with organising trials, coaches and made sure it was all possible” Kate said Liz gave people confidence just by being herself “Mum has given us all the skills in life to achieve anything we want. ” Liz’s funeral was held January 6 in Katikati.

Merle Cave

Katikati’s Liz Ward wanted everyone to be warm in Katikati in winter, inclludding Barry, wiith h her b blankket appeal l in 2 2012. Photo / File

Liz Ward, in action at the BOP Hair Design Fashion Awards in 2011. Photo / File

Daughter Kate Downes, 4, riding Charmarama, with mum Liz Ward, prepare for the demonstration in 2012. Photo / Carol Darling Photography

Liz Ward, nee Davies, pictured as youngster. Photo / Supplied

Liz Ward, pictured in 2012, adding to her mounting stash of hairdressing trophies. Photo / File

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B Banded rail sighted near walkway

Volunteers undertaking predator control work around Katikati’s Beach Rd coastal walkway for more than four years were thrilled by the sighting of a Banded rail (moho pererū) last Friday

Renaturing Katikati spokeswoman Sharon Strong said volunteer Dave Smith had spotted and taken a photograph of a juvenile Banded rail while checking traps on the walkway on January 16.

“We’ve never seen banded rail in this area before,” said Strong. However, the group did find a dead Banded rail on the beach in a similar location more than a year ago “which also was a complete surprise”

Strong – who coordinates Renaturing Katikati volunteers to restore healthy habitat for wildlife in the urban part of the township via weeding bees and predator control – said the sighting is an exciting discovery “This is such a great success story and shows that the commitment and hard work of our volunteers is really paying off ” Strong said Smith thought he may of

disturbed a Banded rail a few months back while checking traps. His suspicion was now confirmed – later the same day of his spotting of the juvenile, a member of the public spotted an adult Banded rail. Banded rail (moho pererū) is classified an at risk–declining species by the Department of Conservation. Found sparsely throughout New Zealand mainly in mangroves and salt marshes of the upper North Island, the bird’s main threats were habitat loss, predation, road-kills and human disturbance, according to DoC.

Strong said Banded rail are territorial birds most often spotted at dawn or dusk, or after heavy rain.

“They love saltmarshes, mangroves and reed beds – so we ’ re thrilled to see them returning to this area, ” Strong said.

To help the Banded rail thrive here, the public is asked to keep dogs on a lead while walking nearby “A small action can make a big difference for our wildlife.”

Renaturing Katikati is looking for more volunteers to help with predator control work. Those interested, or wanting to know more, should email: kea@projectparore.nz

Located close to the township of Waihi, Waihi Lifecare Village is one of the region’s most idyllic yet aﬀordable lifecare villages

Our co ages are set in a peaceful, rural se ng with extensive lawn and garden areas which celebrate the heritage of the site.

The village oﬀers a range of one and two bedroom co ages as well as a 65 bed care facility providing resthome and hospital level care for con nuity of care

We have co ages available soon so please contact us for more informa on or to book a viewing.

We look forward to hearing from you

Three more Constables for Katikati area

I’m pleased to announce that due to recognition of the ever-expanding population and increasing workload for our district New Zealand Police is employing three more constables at Katikati to service the area

Katikati policereport

Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh

These recruitments will bring the staff number on each section to three –currently it is two From this I envisage that we will have much more flexibility and responsiveness to the public requirements. It also recognises our ambition to always have a two-person unit on duty because one-person patrols can be unsafe at the best of times This is often the case at present with staff requiring leave, training, court and sickness days. The new staff are expected to commence duties in February all going well. At a later date I will introduce them through the newsletter

Burglaries

January 1: A garage on a Sharp Rd property was entered and a number of Milwaukee tools were taken among other things (see apprehensions)

January 5-6: An attempt was made to steal a trailer from a Snodgrass Rd address. Vehicles were also rummaged through.

January 7: A green Masport mower was stolen from a shed on McMillan Rd, Katikati.

January 8: A 2002 silver Harley

Davidson VRS V-ROD road bike was reported stolen from a Te Puna address on Paparoa Rd

January 9: A 1990

Bonito Pro Fisher boat was stolen from a Wright Rd property at Aongatete. Padlocks on a gate at the entrance to the property were cut to access the boat. The boat went missing during a 10-day period prior to January 9.

January 9-12: A heavy machinery trailer was stolen from a Rea Rd address. If anyone saw this being towed, get in touch with us

Theft

January 4: Clothing stolen off a clothesline in Boyd St, Katikati (see apprehensions)

Arrests and Apprehensions

January 2: A 59-year-old Te Puna woman was arrested and charged with two counts of assaulting a person in a family relationship, assaulting a police officer and wilful damage after an incident at a Te Puna address. She was remanded in custody until March 2.

January 5: A 36-year-old Katikati woman was arrested after running from a vehicle stop in Katikati. She was breaching her curfew bail conditions.

January 5: A 33-year-old Katikati man was arrested at a Katikati address and charged with burglary of a Sharp Rd property, theft of clothing from a McMillan St property, escaping police custody and multiple breaches of bail. He’d previously been bailed by the courts

to another town but unfortunately breached his release conditions and made his way back to Katikati. He was remanded in custody to next appear in the Tauranga District Court on February 10, where Police will continue to oppose his bail.

January 10: A 46-year-old Katikati man was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol after being stopped driving on Main Rd, Katikati.

January 11: A 41-year-old Katikati woman was arrested at a Katikati address and charged with assaulting a person in a

family relationship and wilful damage She was also charged with shoplifting and was remanded in custody until January 30.

January 12: A 25-year-old Whakamārama man arrested for wilful damage, possession of a pipe for drugs and breaching home detention after an incident at a Whakamārama address. He was remanded in custody until March 6. Please remember – if you see something, say something! Look out for your neighbours – and if you don’t lock it, you could lose it Call 111 if an incident is happening now, or call 105 after the event

A proposed new Waihī Beach Medical Centre

He aha ō whakaaro

Primary Health Care (PHCL) has asked Council to lease part of the Beach Road Recreation Reserve so a new medical centre can be built to meet the growing needs of the community PHCL is a charitable organisation that operates the Waihī Beach Medical Centre on Wilson Road Council has agreed in principle to explore this proposal, which will include reclassiﬁcation of the reserve However, before a decision is made, we want to understand what you think

Join the kōrero

Online, wānanga ipurangi – For more information and to provide your feedback, visit: yourplace westernbay govt nz/ proposed-new-waihi-beach-medical-centre

Hard copy, pepa mārō – feedback forms are available at the Te Ara Mātauranga – Waihī Beach Library & Community Hub

Feedback closes 11:59pm, Sunday 8 February 2026

Artist Impression View from Marine Avenue

Katikati gets creative with scarecrow contests

Forget Egypt*, Katikati is the place to be next month if you want to enjoy some creative outdoors fun constructing scarecrows – with two separate competitions in town!

First up is the Katikati A&P Show’s Scarecrow Competition, which this year has three categories – for children, adults, and community groups.

Entry is $2 per scarecrow – drop off creations at showground’s Home Industries Hall by 2pm, January 31.

“Scarecrows can be any size or form but must have some straw inside somewhere,” said Katikati A&P Show secretary Sheryl Smith.

The scarecrows will be displayed at the Katikati A&P Show from 9am, February 1. The overall winner will be via people’s choice vote. “Let’s fill the showgrounds with colour, character and plenty of country charm,” said Smith. “We can ’ t wait to see what our creative Katikati community dreams up!”

community a more fun-filled activity connected to gardening

GOK – a project that inspires food resilience, one backyard at a time, in the community – had previously hosted workshops that covered topics such as how to preserve, or save seeds “which are in the serious side of growing food”.

“Last year we hosted a wine and sign event –which encouraged participants to be a little bit more creative in the garden,” said Green. “This year we thought it would be great if we could again host something creative – to bring a sense of fun into the backyard.”

To find out more about Katikati A&P Show from 9am, February 1, at Uretara Domain, turn to The Weekend Sun page 31 this week

Meanwhile, Grow On Katikati is planning its own free scarecrow-creating workshop and competition on February 14.

Spokesperson Jizzy Green said the vent at the GOK shed on Beach Rd was to offer the

GOK’s Scarecrow Workshop and Competition has three categories –cultural, creative and team effort.

The cultural category is for those who want to theme their scarecrow around their culture or family roots. “We’re thinking if you hail from Scottish heritage you may add items such as a bagpipe or kilt.

If you ’ re Māori you could use a piu piu or add a moko ”

The creative category will enable participants to let loose with their creativity in any form, while team effort is for those who want to participate as a family or a group of work colleagues etc “Or this could be for Valentines, since the event is on February 14.”

Turning Point Trust Tauranga had donated excess clothing for the event and Green had approached local op shops to source un-saleable clothing too “However, if you plan to enter the cultural category you will need bring relevant resources with you. ”

Thanks to sponsors, gardening-themed hampers will given to winning entrants from each category chosen by judge Steve Graveson of Katikati Open Air Art. Spot prizes will be handed out too

Green said it’s important to register for the event before February 1 – so her team can arrange to have enough scarecrow frames made. “Katikati Menz Shed is building the scarecrow frames – so we need to know numbers early so we don’t want to run out of frames on the day” GOK’s Scarecrow Workshop and Competition is February 14 from 10.30am-12.30pm at the GOK Shed, next to Katikati Community Centre at 45 Beach Rd.

To register, email: membersgrowonkatikati@gmail.com

*It is thought that Egyptians were the first group of people in recorded history to use scarecrows, to protect their wheat fields a along the Nile River