27 February, 2026
When The Weekend Sun went to Matahui School last week, the kids were out of the classroom and in the outdoors, deeply immersed in their forest programme
Pictured is Matahui School students Alex, 7, and Gaige, 8, enjoying the
programme, which provides outdoor, nature-based learning experiences, as well as expanding literacy resources to support student learning
Tomorrow, February 28, the school is hosting a Community Fun Fair from midday-3pm, offering families across the
community an afternoon of fun, food, and entertainment
There will be market stalls and vendors featuring local artisans and producers, a dedicated kids fun zone, plus a neurodiverse-friendly area will be available, ensuring the event is welcoming and enjoyable for all children
All proceeds from the fair will go towards supporting the school’s forest school programme with equipment and literacy resources Find out more on page 7
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:
news@katikatiadvertiser.co.nz
Advertising Enquiries:
advertise@nzme.co.nz
The first event of Sustainable Backyards Month for the Western Bay – hosted by Envirohub Bay of Plenty – is a multibay coastal clean-up on Thursday, March 5
The Kororā Bowentown Bays Clean event is on next Thursday from 10 30am-1pm at Anzac Bay on Seaforth Rd, Bowentown Those interested should meet at the main entrance point Anzac Bay is home to a colony of endangered Kororā (little blue penguins)
The free event invites people to undertake a clean-up of Anzac Bay, Shelly Beach and Cave Bay – last time 92kg of rubbish was removed The event is whānau-friendly, with gloves provided Find out more on the ‘Sustainable Backyards Bay Of Plenty’ Facebook page
Waihī Beach, followed by Katikati, will be the first Western Bay of Plenty towns to host the district council’s Community Quest days.
The first Community Quest – an arcade-inspired adventure with family fun, free food, prizes – is at Waihī Beach Community Centre Reserve tomorrow, February 28, from 10am-1pm.
Katikati’s Community Quest is on Saturday, March 7, from 10am-1pm at Moore Park
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 have-a-go There’s also face painting, music, and a host of free games to enjoy WBOPDC interim general manager strategy 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, with the council developing spatial plans for Katikati, Te Puke, Waihī Beach/ Bowentown/Athenree, and Te Puna/Minden.
The events are one of several ways to join the quest For more information, visit: www yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz
Free movie for youth – register now!
A free movie is on offer next month to youth in Katikati – but those interested need to book now with limited seats available
An initiative of Katikati mmunity LED Development group, Moice Time will show ‘Bad Guys 2’ at The Arts Junction on Friday, March 13 at 4pm
Those who snap up free seats will also received popcorn and a drink All youth and parents and caregivers all welcome
To book seats, email: leticia@katikaticld nz or text 021 254 3310
Car boot sale coming up
Wanting to get rid of some of your un-used household items but don’t want to give them away? A Car Boot Sale will take place at the A&P Showgrounds, Major St, Katikati, on Saturday, March 7, from 8am-11am People who want to sell items from their car boot can register on the day – the cost is $15 for a trailer and $10 per car boot Cash only Terms and Conditions apply – read them at: katikatiaandpshow nz For more information, email: info@katikatiaandpshow nz or phone 027444 4649 Cancellations due to bad weather will be posted on the A&P’s Facebook page
Western Bay of Plenty District councillors have topped a national pay rise table with a jump of almost 57% in a year
The Taxpayers’ Union described the increase as “ so far out of touch”, but the district’s mayor says the factors the change reflects include there being fewer councillors, and a salary pool allocation that is out of the council’s control.
The average salary of Western Bay of Plenty District Council members for 2025/26 was $80,822, up from $51,525 the year before, according to the Taxpayers’ Union Council Pay Rise Dashboard.
This 56.86% increase was the highest of any council, followed by Queenstown Lakes, up 33.13%. The average increase nationwide was 9.81%.
The table used data from the Remuneration Authority, the independent agency that sets the pay for key public office holders.
In local government, the authority sets salaries for mayors and allocates each council a governance remuneration pool, which the council decides how to divide among councillors.
Western Bay’s pool was set at $566,779 in 2024/2025, to be divided among 11 councillors.
This was increased to $727,395 for 2025/2026, split among nine councillors after the district’s representation review changed its structure.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC) governance manager Robyn Garrett said the council was awaiting final approval from the authority for its proposed division of the pool
“The pool is proposed to be allocated with $100,000 remuneration for the Deputy Mayor, $85,000 for the two committee chairpersons and the remainder divided evenly between the other councillors, at $76,232.50.”
How pay is determined (sidehead)
Remuneration Authority chairman Geoff Summers said remuneration pools were determined through a review of sizing indexes, which are based on key factors including population, operating expenditure, asset value and socioeconomic deprivation.
“WBOPDC’s size index increased with this review, taking into account those four factors along with the fact that the authority increased the estimation of each councillor’s work commitment.”
Summers said the law required elected members’ salaries to be fair to both the councillors and the taxpayers
He said the authority was used to set the pay of councillors to protect them from local political pressure that could create a system where elected members were not paid fairly
Councils proposed how to allocate their remuneration pools, and must allocate all the money
“The authority does not automatically approve all proposals As long as the
proposal fully allocates the [pool] and all the other aspects appear reasonable, the authority will approve proposals.”
He said the system came from an extensive 2018 review of local government remuneration, which included wide consultation.
He said the system was complex because the local government sector was “extremely complex”, with extensive variability between even similar-sized councils.
New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union head of policy and legislative affairs, James Ross, said the councillors’ average pay increase was “about 22 times the rate of inflation”.
He said, in his opinion: “More than a 50% pay rise in a single year is so far out of touch with how most Kiwis are doing it at the minute.”
He said the problem was the system and ratepayers not having enough input into
the process.
“Theoretically, residents have no influence at all,” he said
“We’d like to see this approach, where councillors can wash their hands and say ‘this wasn ’ t our decision’, brought to an end.”
He suggested the council should set councillors’ salaries so ratepayers could have input.
“I don’t know a single ratepayer who thinks a 56% increase in salary in a single year is justified ” “If councillors think the increase is unfair, they can pay it back.”
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer said the pool reflected the size and complexity of the district and the responsibilities of governance
“Following the recent representation review, there are fewer councillors, meaning the same pool is shared among
fewer people
“We understand that cost-of-living pressures and wage negotiations in other sectors are front of mind for many in our community,” Denyer said
“These allocations are not set by [the council] – they are part of a legislated process designed to ensure all councils across Aotearoa New Zealand can attract and retain people to fulfil governance roles that carry significant accountability for community outcomes. ”
He said the authority’s process ensured consistency and fairness across all local authorities in New Zealand.
The mayor ’ s salary was also set separately by the authority at $164,382, an 8.82% increase.
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
A Tahawai woman was scammed out of thousands of dollars after she was cold called by a scammer pretending to be from her bank.
The scammer pretended to be from ANZ and claimed that her bank account had been compromised and remaining funds had to be moved to another account to protect it.
After quite some time on the phone the scammer emptied her funds into an overseas account.
This is a reminder to never engage with cold callers claiming to be from banks and getting you to carry out acts on your phone or computer while they are on the phone. The scammers are very convincing. Banks will not ask you to do this over the phone.
It is best to hang up and contact your bank on their official number to make sure your account has not been compromised after you think you have had a call from a scammer
February 5: Between 4.30am-5.30am offenders entered a commercial yard on State Highway 2 Tahawai They proceeded to steal numerous Makita tools, two Husqvarna chainsaws, battery pole saws and petrol.
February 7: Masked offenders attempted to break into a vape store on Ōmokoroa Rd but may have been disturbed and left in a Toyota Aqua stolen the previous day from Mount Maunganui. The vehicle was located in Waharoa at 3am on February 7. A police dog team tracked to an address
where a large party was in progress and a lot of uncooperative people.
February 16: At 4am an offender damaged locks to a residential garage on Waikaraka Drive West, Te Puna, before leaving without taking anything.
February 14: A black Harley Davison motorcycle failed to stop for police on Whakamārama Rd. Enquiries are continuing.
February 10: A Ford Fiesta vehicle was stolen from a rural Treholme Lane property at Te Puna. It was recovered abandoned about 500 metres down the road after it had been pushed through an orchard.
February 11: A Toyota Corolla stolen from Margaret Drive, Ōmokoroa (see apprehensions)
February 12: A silver Toyota Alteza was stolen from Park Rd, Katikati. Another vehicle was used to tow the stolen vehicle at around 5am.
February 6: Report of holes being made on the synthetic bowling green at the Katikati Bowling Club
February 10: A 20-year-old Tauranga man was arrested for assaulting police, speaking threateningly and obstructing
police after officers attended reports of vehicles doing burn outs at Minden Rd, Minden.
February 11: Two Tauranga youth, aged 16 and 17, were apprehended for stealing a Toyota Corolla from Margaret Drive, Ōmokoroa. The vehicle was road spiked in the early hours in Waihi and with the assistance of a dog handler the two were caught Both were charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
February 11: A 50-year-old man of no fixed abode was warned for unlawfully squatting in a vacant house on Albert lane, Whakamārama.
February 14: A 32 year old Whakamārama man was arrested for breaching his bail conditions after an
incident in Whakamārama.
February 14: A 17-year-old youth was referred to Youth Aid after being apprehended for doing burn outs on Youngson and Whakamārama roads. Several vehicles had congregated in the area with local residents complaining about the driving.
February 15: A 23-year-old Katikati man was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol after being stopped on Carisbrooke St, Katikati. 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.
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
Up to 50 people young and old spun their way around Katikati on Saturday, February 21, in the town ’ s first instalment of its 2026 Bike Series events
Katch Katikati hosted two urban events – a 14km guided urban ride for experienced riders and a 4km family ride –from 10am onwards
The events were aimed at getting local people excited about cycling – whether regular riders or just keen to give it a go –in a relaxed, welcoming way, learn about the trails, and build confidence on a bike Katikati News reporter Merle Cave snapped some of the fun
*Katikati Bike Series’ second event on tomorrow, February 28, offering a unique, guided mountain biking adventure at Waitekohekohe Recreational Park just south of Katikati
Those interested should meet at mountain biking carpark at Waitekohekohe Reserve on Thompsons Track A kids’ loop will set off at 10 15am The experienced guided track will set off 10.40am. To find out more about the events, visit Katch Katikati’s Facebook page
Rocky Horror madness took over
Hamilton on Valentine’s Day as Katikati’s Richard O’Brien made a dramatic entrance by vintage limousine, stepping onto the red carpet for the third unveiling of the iconic Riff Raff statue
Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe joined hundreds of excited fans, all gathered beneath the glowing lights of the city’s newly-opened BNZ Theatre, ready to launch into what some might say was an astounding Time Warp
Adding to the spectacle, Auckland’s Hot and Flustered Rocky Horror shadow cast formed a glittering guard of honour, setting the perfect tone for the celebration on February 14
Out stepped – O’Brien – a Katikati resident and creator of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the original Riff Raff. The Beatles’ All You Need Is Love played, a song requested by the 83-year-old to be on theme for Valentine’s Day and his own message of love
After days of rain threatened to dampen celebrations, O’Brien credited the “Rocky Horror gods” with holding off the weather, allowing the night to be “ w wonderful”
More than 50 years on, he was still “astonished” to be celebrating the show’s
enduring success
“There’s no good theory as to why it should be the longest-running movie in history,” he said
What continued to “wonder” him most was how the show had evolved into a “rainbow community event ” , built on “inclusion and kindness” and welcoming to everyone
“It’s an additional loveliness,” he said
“There was a current of warmth and friendliness everywhere,” O’Brien said, describing the crowd as “delightful”
The statue itself came about after a television feature of O’Brien filmed in Hamilton Local Mark Servian suggested immortalising O’Brien as Riff Raff in bronze
Core message
“I wasn ’ t going to argue with that, was I?” O’Brien said “I do like bronze ”
Servian, a Riff Raff Public Art Trust representative, described the night’s atmosphere as “ very joyful, very positive and very queer ” , adding the crowd was “ very intergenerational”
The statue was first unveiled in Embassy Park, on Victoria St, in 2004 Servian said O’Brien worked as a barber on the site in the early-1960s, often daydreaming while cutting hair before heading next door to the Embassy Theatre to watch late-night double features, experiences that later shaped The Rocky Horror Picture Show Riff Raff – the statue – left Embassy
Park when it closed in October 2021 to allow construction of the aikato egional eatre w s unv led
Regional Theatre It was unveiled for a second time outside Waikato Museum, where it remained from March 2022 to July 2024
“For the last 18 months, he’s been in hiding completely,” Servian said In January this year, the $80 million BNZ Theatre opened, allowing the statue to return to its original home
He said the statue represented the core message of Rocky Horror of diversity, queerness and accepting people for who they are, summed up in the show’s famous line: Don’t dream it, be it
Another highlight of the night was the return of the hidden Riff Raff Cam Installed beside the statue, the camera allows fans to watch live through the Riff Raff Statue website as visitors dance the Time Warp beneath statue
it from something to simply look at into a playful, participatory experience
People ring friends and family from around the world and dance in front of it so they can watch live, he said Servian said the return of both the statue and the camera symbolised more than nostalgia, marking the revival of a cultural space that had been missing for several years
He said Riff Raff had become one of Hamilton’s most recognisable popculture landmarks, with community feedback described as “fantastic”
People were glad to have the statue back on display
The celebrations continued with a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, accompanied by a live performance from the Hot and Flustered shadow cast
Annabel Reid
Matahui School is hosting a Community Fun Fair tomorrow, February 28, from midday-3pm, promising something for everyone at the school grounds
Principal Mary Woods said families across the community are invited to enjoy an afternoon of fun, food, and entertainment, with all proceeds from the event supporting the school’s forest school equipment and literacy resources.
“This event is a wonderful way to bring our community together while supporting resources that enrich our children’s education,” Woods said.
Taking place on the school grounds, at 117 Matahui Rd, the event will offer something for all ages.
A range of market stalls and vendors will be present – including Janine Penberthy Jewellery, Ian Matthews Art, Tracey Taylor Personalised Gifts, Cuddle and Stitch Handmade Toys, Toby’s Kindling, Nui Thai Food, Bee First Honey, Happy Hens Waihi, Browns Organic Avocados and Archie’s Coffee Van.
There will be a dedicated Kids Fun Zone with laser tag in the bush with Laser Tag Hire, interactive activities with Circus in a Flash, face painting, balloon animals, and a giant bubble show with Jen’s Fun Faces, a Toddler Zone, hands-on activities with bubble wands and rock art, and a wide range of market and food vendors.
“A major highlight of the day is a raffle featuring a 2026 jersey from the New Zealand Warriors, valued at $700, along
with tickets to their upcoming match against the Sydney Roosters on March 6.”
Local author Talia Evered will present a special book reading at 12.45pm and had generously donated a full set of her books, valued at more than $100, as part of a
raffle that will have ticket for sale.
“A neurodiverse-friendly area will be available, ensuring the event is welcoming and enjoyable for all children,” Woods said. “The event is proudly supported by Veros and Durrelle & The Green Team
The
further information contact Steve Graveson kkpsproperty@katikati.school.nz
A CV covering the last 5 years, letter of application and the names of 3 referees need to be received by the school no later than Monday 9th March 2026 – email to kkpsadmin@katikati.school.nz
