Katikati News

13 February r , 2026

On ya bike!

Katikati – get ready to spin your wheels! February is National Bike Month and Katch Katikati has organised two events for the 2026 Katikati Bike Series.

The first event is a guided family bike ride around Katikati township on Saturday, February 21, with two guided options

The second event on February 28

is a unique, guided mountain biking adventure at the Waitekohekohe Recreational Park just south of Katikati, with two options.

“We’ve decided to host these events to celebrate our local environment, promote active and healthy lifestyles, and highlight the ongoing trails work done behind the

scenes, that help enhance and expand the region’s trail network,” said event manager Kylie Watkins.

Pictured are Katikati siblings Ella Royackers, 9, and Beau Royackers, 6, at the Vesey Stewart Recreation Reserve, near the Dave Hume Pools carpark, where the February 21 event will begin

A 14km guided urban ride for experienced riders will set off 10 20am; and a 4km guided urban ride for kids and families of all ages will begin 10 45am Find out more on page 4

Photo / Merle Cave

COPIES AVAILABLE FROM:

Barfoot & Thompson Waihi Beach

Beach Grocers

Beach Haven

Beachhaven Caravan Park

Flat White Cafe

G A S Waihi Beach

iSite Waihi

Seaforth Park

Seaside Store

Waihi Beach 4 Square

Waihi Beach Superette

Waihi Town Cats

BP Service Station

Woolworths Katikati

EVES - Katikati

Katikati 4 Square

Katikati Information Centre

Katikati Paper Plus

Katikati Primary School

Katikopy Print

Park Road Dairy

Raine & Horne

The Centre - Patuki Manawa & Library

Bower Real Estate Katikati

Caltex Service Station

Fresh Choice Supermarket Omokoroa

Omokoroa Superette

Omokoroa Minimart

Story Ideas:

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Advertising Enquiries:

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‘Community Quest’ family fun days on the way

The Community Quest is coming to the Western Bay – bringing an arcade-inspired adventure with family fun, free food, prizes, and a chance to create your town ’ s future.

Starting later this month, the Community Quest invites locals to join one of four family fun day events at Waihī Beach, Katikati, Te Puna, and Te Puke, or complete the quest online.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is hosting the events to help connect with the community as it plans the future of some of its key towns and places.

Coucnil interim general managerstrategy and community Emily Watton said the Community Quest is a fun way for people of all ages to get involved in creating the future of their towns.

“It’s not just about talking to council – it’s about bringing the community together, celebrating what makes each place special, and making sure everyone ’ s ideas are heard.

“We wanted to put on something fun and unique for our communities to help them enjoy the process and encourage them to get involved ”

The quest will involve missions for adults and children to complete, trading their feedback for free food, prizes, and entertainment in a relaxed, nostalgic setting.

Kids can try fun activities like rock climbing walls, parkour, and circus havea-go There’s also face painting, music, and a host of free games to enjoy Watton said the council is developing spatial plans for Katikati, Te Puke, Waihī Beach/Bowentown/Athenree, and Te

Puna/Minden and once complete they will help determine how these places grow and develop during the next 30-50 years –including where new housing goes, what infrastructure is needed, and what should be protected

“These are really important decisions, and we want to make them alongside the people who call these places home,” Watton said.

“We’re at the beginning of this process, so the quest is about bringing the community together, hearing their vision for the future, and checking our planning to date is on the right track – while having lots of fun together”

The events are one of several ways to join the Quest, starting the end of February For more information, visit: www yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz

Community Quest Events:

Waihī Beach, Bowentown & Athenree

Saturday, February 28 from 10am-1pm at Waihī Beach Community Centre Reserve. Wet weather option is Waihī Beach Community Centre.

Katikati

Saturday, March 7, from 10am-1pm at Moore Park. Wet weather option is Katikati War Memorial Hall.

Te Puna-Minden

Saturday, March 14, from 10am-1pm at Maramatanga Park. Wet weather option is Te Puna Hall.

Te Puke

Saturday, March 21, from 10am-1pm at Jubilee Park. Wet weather option is Te Puke Memorial Hall.

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

Waihī Beach, which Western Bay of Plenty District Council is developing spatial plan for, will host a Community Quest on February 28. Photo / Supplied

Katikati enjoys its own Waitangi Day festival

Katikati came out in droves on February 6 to commemorate 186 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and to celebrate Aotearoa New Zealand today.

Organised by the Western Bay Museum, Te Rā o Waitangi Whānau Festival (Waitangi Day Family Festival) run from 11am-3pm at the Haiku Reserve.

Crowds of young and old enjoyed performances from Katikati College’s kapa haka group Te Kapa o Uretara ki Wharei, Tauranga’s Cook Islands group, and Katikati’s Indian cultural group

Interactive cultural activities included poi making, harakeke weaving, and Pasifika lei and crown crafting. Plus, there were delicious food options galore!

Katikati News thanks photographer Bridie Morris for catching some of fun and festivities of the day

Harjit Kaur, on behalf of the Bay of Plenty Sports & Cultural Club, delivered a powerful and inspiring speech.

Bay of Plenty Sports & Cultural Club members perform.

Tiki Bluegum, kaumatua of Te Rereatukahia marae, performs a karakia (blessing) and mihi (welcome) at the event.

More than 1800 people came to Te Rā o Waitangi Whānau Festival (Waitangi Day Family Festival) on February 6.

Katikati College’s kapa haka group Te Kapa o Uretara ki Wharei delighted the crowd.

Cultural interactive workshops including harakeke weaving and Pasifika lei and crown crafting were popular

Tia-Maraea Brown, 18, Manase Uilou, 17, and Inyamoka Toker, 18, are the Katikati Trio that performed at the festival.

The high-energy Tauranga Moana Cook Islands Group in action.

Photos / Bridie Morris

Bike events to cycle up enthusiasm for r town’s evolving trails

Two cycling events in n Katikati this month are aimed at spinning thhe wheels of all types of riders this National Bike Month.

In partnership with Katikati Trails Group and Waitekohekohe Recreational Park, Katch Katikati is hosting the 2026 Katikati Bike Series – on February 21 and 28 – to bring people of all ages and abilities together on their bikes, in the outdoors, for two fun, inclusive adventures.

Celebrate

“We’ve decided to host these two events to celebrate our local environment, promote active and healthy lifestyles, and highlight the ongoing trails work done behind the scenes, that help enhance and expand the region’s trail network,” event manager Kylie Watkins said

“Events like these help get local people excited about cycling, whether they’re regular riders or just keen to give it a go They offer a relaxed, welcoming way to connect with the community, learn about the trails, and build confidence on the bike We invite everyone to come along, spend the morning with us, and enjoy spot prizes for those who register on the day”

Urban ri es

Katikati Bike Series’ first event is a guided family bike ride around Katikati township on Saturday, February 21

Those interested should meet at the Dave Hume Pools carpark, off Carisbrooke St, at 10am to register A 14km guided urban ride for experienced riders will set off at 10.20am.

“Designed with accessibility in mind, these rides on February 21 will showcase our town ’ s existing pathways and demonstrate safe, enjoyable cycling routes that families can confidently use in the future ”

Mountain bike adventure

Katikati Bike Series’ second event on February 28 is a unique, guided mountain biking adventure at the Waitekohekohe Recreational Park just south of Katikati

“This event promotes health and wellbeing, highlights the natural beauty of Waitekohekohe Reserve, and strengthens the community’s connection to the stunning Kaimai Mamaku Ranges ”

Those interested should meet at mountain biking carpark at Waitekohekohe Reserve on Thompsons Track

A kids’ loop will set off at 10 15am “This is a loop everyone can do together and also can serve as a warm-up for the experienced guided track,” Watkins said

The experienced guided track will set off at 10 40am

“This is a technical track to the summit ”

Free barbecue

Entry both of these events is a gold coin donation too, with a free community barbecue afterwards, providing a relaxed space for participants to connect, celebrate, and learn more about the shared vision of the Katikati Trails Group and Waitekohekohe, Watkins said

“This will include showcasing completed trails, sharing updates on current projects, and outlining exciting future pathway proposals

At 10 45am a 4km guided urban ride for kids and families of all ages will set off Entry to both events is a gold coin donation, and a free barbecue will follow each ride’s completion

Watkins said the Katikati Trails Group is helping to host this event in an effort to show how cycling can be both fun and practical, while encouraging families to spend quality time outdoors together

How’s

We’re gathering feedback on how the Town Connector (Route 85) service between Waihī, Waihī Beach and Katikati is working

“By hosting these events during National Bike Month, we are not only encouraging community participation and wellbeing, but also supporting regional economic growth by inviting visitors to explore Katikati and its trails,” said Watkins

“Together, these cycling events offer a valuable opportunity to connect people with nature, highlight local achievements, and inspire continued community involvement in the development of the Katikati trail network.”

Katikati siblings Beau Royackers, 6, and Ella Royackers, 9, are gearing up for the guided family bike ride around their township on February 21. Photo / Merle Cave

Merle Cave

Quiet times, watch out for school kids

It woulld be niice i if alll weekks were as quiet as a the recent one we ’ ve had. Just as well as because we have been down in staff numbers but are gradually coming back up

School is back

Classes for 2026 started last week at the college and this week at the primary school – so please be aware of the children walking to school and crossing the roads, especially the new primary school kids who may not have a lot of road sense yet

Apart from a lot of traffic there were no reports of anything untoward coming from the recent weekend of January 31-February 1 at the local twilight

Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh

Pathways to Recovery: Katikati

Severe weather support and information event

Join us for a presentation, and the opportunity to kōrero one-on-one with the agencies and experts supporting your recovery, including:

• Inland Revenue

Ministry of Social Development

• Health New Zealand

something, Katikati policereport

concert or the A&P show As always – if you see g, 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

Arrests and apprehensions

January 30: A 33-year-old Katikati woman arrested for breaching her bail conditions on Beach Road, Katikati

February 2: A 33-year-old Katikati man was stopped driving in Katikati and charged with driving with excess breath alcohol

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (temporary accommodation)

New Zealand Claims Resolution Service

• Council infrastructure staﬀ

Emergency Management Response Team

When: Where:

6.30–8.30pm, Thursday 19 February Pātuki Manawa –Boyd and McKinney Rooms

Police remind residents to watch out or children walking and biking to and rom school now class is back or 2026 Photo / George Novak

Surf Boat Spectacular at Waihī Beach!

One of the biggest surf boat weekends seen in New Zealand took place at Waihī Beach on Waitangi weekend.

Hosted by Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services Inc from February 6-8, the Surf Boat Spectacular attracted near record entries and brought a three-day showcase of power, precision and surf lifesaving tradition to the Western Bay of Plenty.

The event combined the Eastern Region Surf Boat Championships, the North Island Surf Boat Champs, and a Champion of Champions showdown to finish on Sunday

Event manager Natalie Lloyd said crews travelled from across the country to test themselves at the 26th North Island Surf Boat Championships

“We had 48 crews entered It was a fantastic weekend with nothing but praise and appreciation from all the visiting clubs and crews for everything that was delivered Exciting racing saw 310 competitors from all over NZ –including New Brighton in Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Omanu, Whangamata, Piha, Red Beach, Orewa an Sunset Beach – take part

Surf boat rowing has deep roots in surf lifesaving history, Lloyd said

“Long before modern rescue craft, large timber surf boats were among the earliest rescue vessels, launched through breaking waves to reach swimmers in distress

“People hauled from the water would be brought into the boat, laid on the hard wooden floor of the hull, and

rowed them back toward shore – a stark reminder of why strength, skill and teamwork have always been at the heart of surf boat rowing ”

As a result Lloyd said the weekend’s spectators got to watch some of the strongest and fittest surf lifeguards you’ll see anywhere “For spectators, surf boat racing delivers fast, physical and highly watchable action, with boats launching directly from the sand, punching through the surf, rounding the cans offshore and racing home toward the beach,” Lloyd said

“Rowing a surf boat through breaking waves takes explosive strength, timing and absolute faith in your crew ”

Across the weekend crews battled for Eastern Region titles, North Island Championship honours, and on Sunday the coveted Champion of Champions title finals brought the Surf Boat Spectacular to a thrilling close.

On February 6 the ERC Surf Boats divisions contested “Sadly, due to the tragedies at the Mount this became the only part of the annual ERCs to be completed this season, ” Lloyd said “By bringing ERC Surf Boats into the Surf Boat Spectacular, we had significantly higher entries for ERC Surf Boats this year so it was great to see more competition for the local clubs

Having all three events over one long weekend also meant one lot of travel, accommodation and leave, so clubs felt more able to attend ” It also made for a festival-like atmosphere with a DJ/commentator

osting three competitions on the long weekend made or a estival-like atmosphere a ter a mihi whakatau opened the event

and music on the beach throughout the weekend, Lloyd said

“Local hāpū Te Whānau a Tauwhao representatives Reon Tuanau and Garston Smith from Otawhiwhi Marae provided a mihi whakatau that was equal parts moving, entertaining, inspiring and educational, welcoming our visitors and acknowledging the incredible mahi our surf lifeguards do in keeping communities and the beaches safe ”

The ERC Surf Boats’ short and long course had divisions for Open Male and

Female, Under-23 Male and Female, Under-19 Male and Female, Masters Male and Female The long course also had a relay division

Overall, the Eastern Region Surf Boat Championship title was won by Red Beach (Auckland), New Brighton (Christchurch) came second, and third was Titahi Bay (Wellington) Highest points in the Eastern Region went to Omanu and Waihī Beach

On February 7 the North Island Surf Boat Championships hosted divisions for

Open Male and Female, Under-23 Male and Female, Under-19 Male and Female, Masters Male and Female and a relay

The 2026 NI Surf Boats title went to Red Beach (Auckland), although event hosts Waihī Beach finished one point behind the Under-23 Male division winners, Titahi Bay, Lloyd said “Titahi Bay is also the NZ representative team heading to Australia for the Trans-Tasman clash this

weekend and have been the NZ reps for four years so Waihī Beach definitely chased hard and gave them a run for their money!”

On February 8, the Champion of Champions event was, as always an exciting finale with all teams fighting it out against each other for overall top honours, Lloyd said

“This year it was won by Paekākāriki The top female crew was the Piha Piranhas ”

Northern Ireland artist exhibits at local gallery

Northern Ireland-based artist John Baucher has brought his work to Katikati following a 2024 research visit funded by a Support for Individual Artists Programme award from the Arts Council Northern Ireland.

Baucher’s exhibition I Want To Be Nominated Not Kneecapped opened at the Carlton Gallery late-January and people have until February 22 to view it.

NationalsLawn BowlsChampsin Katikati

With recent recognition for his flag-based sculptural and assemblage works – now held in collections including the Ulster Museum’s Modern History Department and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland – Baucher felt it was the right

time to take this body of work further afield

With previous overseas residencies, exhibiting in New Zealand represented a natural progression, made especially meaningful by Katikati’s historical ties to Northern Ireland

Baucher brings 30 years ’ experience as a documentary photographer and socially engaged artist, working nationally and internationally across commercial and community contexts This exhibition continues Baucher’s exploration of identity, emblems, and national symbolism Visitors are invited to engage directly with the artist –Baucher will be present in the gallery 12-2pm Wednesdays and Fridays

STYLE NEVER SLEEPS

Katikati Bowling Club will host sections of the National Men and Women’s Fours Championships and the Nationals Mixed Pairs Championships this month

The National Men and Women’s Fours Championships will be held at the Park Rd club next Thursday, February 19, and Friday, February 20 The Nationals Mixed Pairs Championships will be held February 23-24, Katikati Bowling Club president Bryn Gradwell said “Representatives from Bowls New Zealand were impressed by what we had to offer with our facilities and the greens which were considered top class,” Gradwell said

“This will be our time to showcase our club to visiting bowlers from throughout the New Zealand and to any member of our community who

wish to come along and see the best in lawn bowls competition

“There is a ground swell of interest in lawn bowls throughout the country this year when events such as these nationals attract the players who seek to gain exposure for Commonwealth Games selection ”

Gradwell said behind the scenes the Katikati club’s volunteer members will be busy assisting the greenkeeper and supervisor to prepare greens and facilities for competition

“Members will also provide staff for catering and refreshments and liaison duties with officials responsible for umpiring, results, communication and control A number of Katikati Bowling Club members are also entered into these nationals and our club is hoping they do well ”