Katikati News

Katikati – Moore Park is the place to be tomorrow, July 25. The Western Bay of Plenty Senior Men’s Competition rugby final will kick off 2.30pm, with the Katikati Stags taking on Rangataua. The game is set to be a ripper Since the season began in April the Stags have won 11 out of 12 games played against six teams, with only Eastern Districts

grabbing a 25-24 victory against them on June 20 The Stags have met Rangataua on the field once this season, on April 25, and won 33-24.

Stag coach and player Quinton Landman said the final will be “massive”. “Coming into this year ’ s competition, we saw them [Rangataua] as the biggest threat to us.

“We were meant to play them in round two but communication issues meant we never did and instead split the points.”

How do the Stags feel ahead of the game?

“We’re confident without being cocky,” Landman said. “We’ve gelled as a team and as a community – they’re supporting us more than ever which I think is a massive factor to

all the boys; they’ve got literally thousands of people behind them.” Pictured is Katikati Stags player Teuaki Tautuaa versing Arataki in last weekend’s semi-final. The WBOP Senior Men’s Competition rugby final at Moore Park from 2.30pm on July 25 is free to watch. Don’t miss it! Read more on page 4. Photo / Kylie Bertelsen

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Wetland officially opens in Ōmokoroa

A new wetland that blends environmental restoration, cultural storytelling and recreation has officially opened in Ōmokoroa.

Wāhi ō Waipapa Wetland, at the end of Prole Rd, was formally opened on July 9 after a blessing and ceremony attended by representatives from Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Pirirākau Tribal Authority - Incorporated and project partners.

Designed to manage stormwater naturally, the wetland would improve water quality, reduce flood risk and provide a new habitat for native plants and wildlife while creating a public space for the community

The project was developed in partnership with Pirirākau, whose cultural knowledge and connection to the whenua (land) helped shape the wetland’s design and identity

The name Wāhi ō Waipapa reflects the significance of the nearby Waipapa River, an important historic waterway and source of life for generations.

e Centre - Patuki anawa Library

Bower Real Estate atikati

Caltex Service Station

creating a place the community can connect with and enjoy for years to come. ”

Fresh Choice Supermarket mokoroa

Omokoroa Superette

Western Bay Mayor James Denyer said the project showed how essential infrastructure could deliver lasting benefits for both people and the environment.

A standout feature of the reserve is Te Hokinga Mai o te Kākā (The Return of the Kākā), a sculpture by artist Que Bidois, engineered by Teia Dunster

meaningful. Matariki is a time to reflect on those who came before us, celebrate where we are today, and look ahead to the generations who will follow

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“Wāhi ō Waipapa Wetland reflects our partnership with Pirirākau and a shared approach to designing infrastructure that works with nature, ” Denyer said.

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“This project is about more than stormwater management – it’s about restoring the health of our waterways, supporting native biodiversity, and

Inspired by the stories and aspirations of Pirirākau, the artwork symbolised the return of native species and the importance of kaitiakitanga Pirirākau representative Julie Shepherd said the wetland reflected the deep connection between people, water and whenua. “Opening Wāhi ō Waipapa on the eve of Matariki is especially

“This wetland reflects those values. It restores the mauri of the whenua and wai, honours the stories of this place, and creates something that our tamariki and mokopuna will enjoy and care for in the future.”

The reserve links to the Pahoia Cycleway and includes accessible boardwalks and shared pathways, seating, a shelter, drinking fountain, public toilets and bike stands, making it a welcoming destination for walking and cycling in Ōmokoroa

Jason Murray of Matakana Nursery, Heta Gardiner, kaihautū of Pirirākau Tribal Authority - Incorporated, Western Bay Mayor James Denyer and council’s infrastructure growth and delivery manager Annelie Badenhorst with a freshly planted Kauri tree donated by Matakana Nursery Photo / Supplied

PRE session reinforces water safety message

Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services

Inc plans to offer future Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) bouy sessions next summer after its first event on June 21 was well-received by participants.

In the meantime though, the club urges all Waihī Beach users – locals and visitors – to become familiar with the 12 new Beach Safety Signs, with PRE rescue buoys attached, along the 10km coastline. With support from Western Bay of Plenty District Council, in late 2025 the club installed the Beach Safety Signs and PRE buoys near beach access routes and carparks from the main beach to Anzac Bay, including Bowentown and Cave Bay

Each sign indicates the conditions at that part of the beach, the location of the sign for emergency communication, and how to use the PRE

Waihī Beach senior lifeguard

Lucy Scown organised and ran the June 21 education session to help people better understand what PRE is, where to find it, and how to use it safely in a surf emergency

The session included an introduction to PRE, a surf safety briefing covering rips, hazards, and what to do in an emergency, followed by a practical activity aimed at stronger swimmers using the PRE buoy

Visitor Carola Ferronato, a marine scientist from Argentina, gave the rescue buoy a go with Waihī Beach lifeguard Cora Barrett-Hodgson acting as the patient

Ferronato swam out with the buoy and practised floating with Barrett-Hodgson, as recommended in the session, before attempting to tow her in

Afterwards, she commented on how physically demanding it was

“I am exhausted. I thought I’d have a couple of goes, but once is enough!”

All participants agreed that one of the biggest takeaways was PRE buoy education is just as much about knowing when not to enter the surf as it is about knowing how to use the gear

“It was a great real-life reminder that rescues are physically demanding, and that staying on shore, calling 111 and keeping eyes on the person in trouble may be the safest response for many people,” Scown said

“Strong, confident swimmers may be able to assist using flotation support, but conditions and personal ability must always be considered ”

Scown said the club urged people to read the beach safety signs and learn from them this winter Volunteer lifeguard patrols were scheduled to return at Labour weekend

To learn more about PRE buoys, watch a video at: https://tinyurl com/2yhuph48

Bentleyrecognisedforher workbehindthescenes

A volunteer credited with helping build a sense of community among Katikati seniors has been recognised for her dedication and service.

Jill Bentley received a Volunteer Star award from Volunteering Services after being nominated by Jan De Faye of the Katikati Community Centre and Jean Smith of the Wise and Wonderful seniors programme.

De Faye described Bentley as the “steady heartbeat” of the weekly group at Katikati Community Centre for the past seven years.

“What many don’t see are the countless hours she pours in behind the scenes, planning, organising, preparing and making sure every session runs smoothly”

Sharing recognition

She said Bentley’s care extended beyond running weekly sessions

“If someone who normally attends isn’t there, Jill will check in on them, especially those who live alone.”

De Faye said seeing people enjoy themselves kept the team motivated. “We do it because we love it. It gives us warm fuzzies.”

Bentley was quick to share the recognition with fellow volunteers when she accepted the award.

“It’s not all about me, ” she said.

“I’ve got Linda Groenewegen, who’s been with me for four years, and without Linda, I couldn’t do the job We also have about nine volunteers who help us.

”

Much more

Bentley was one of four people who helped establish the Wise and Wonderful seniors programme seven years ago It provides a weekly social gathering for people aged 65-plus, offering companionship, activities and support for Katikati seniors.

“I only wanted to do quizzes once a mont , ” Bentley said “But it turned into Wise and Wonderful ” The group attracts 35 to 45 people each week and has become an important social

outlet for many participants.

Bentley sai t e programme ’ s motto was fun, laughter, companionship and respect “That’s what we live by”

Fellow volunteer Linda Groenewegen said the

programme offered much more t an organise activities

“It’s the feeling in the room, the buzz,” she said “People have formed really strong friendships ”

ttendee Carola erronato an Waihī each li e uard

Cora arrett- od son.

Photo / Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services Inc

Team leader Jan De Faye, left, volunteers Jill Bentley and Linda Groenewegen, and general manager Nicky Austin of the Katikati Community Centre. Photo / Matthew Farrell

Stags on the hunt in

Katikati’s senior men ’ s rugby team is gunning to grab a Western Bay of Plenty championship in a home final against Rangataua tomorrow afternoon.

The WBOP Senior Men’s Competition final will kick off 2 30pm July 25 at Moore Park – and is set to be a cracker with the opposing teams meeting only once this season

The Katikati Stags has a squad of 35 players, coached by Quinton Landman, Gillies Kaka and James Dunlop, with manager Rob McLaughlan

Since the season began in April the Stags have won 11 out of 12 games played against six teams, with only Eastern Districts grabbing a 25-24 victory against them on June 20 But it is Rangataua who face the Stags tomorrow after beating Rangiuru 31-17 in last weekend’s semifinal while Katikati knocked out Arataki 31-5

Biggest threat

Landman said the Stags faced Rangataua on April 25 and won 33-24 “Coming into this year ’ s competition, we saw them as the biggest threat to us

“We were meant to play them in round two but communication issues meant we never did and instead split the points ”

Landman said the final will be “massive”

“They’ve got really good systems down pat. A lot of teams, you watch out for their forward pack because they dominate the game, or their backs will dominate or their wingers – but Rangataua has got a general sort of team chemistry like we do, and they’ve got great game systems which we’ll have to look out for and see if we can click onto what they’re up to ”

How do the Stags feel ahead of the game? “We’re confident without being cocky,” Landman said “We’ve gelled as a team and as a community – they’re supporting us more than ever which I think is a massive factor to all the boys; they’ve got literally thousands of people behind them ”

The atmosphere

Landman puts this season ’ s success down to the atmosphere of the team, club and wider community “Our players are obviously really good, we ’ ve got good coaches and we ’ ve got good social media

presence – it sort of shows the community what’s happening down at the club and what the atmosphere is like It’s just very welcoming for the kids, the families, the players and everyone just wants to be a part of it ”

Returnees and long-timers

Former players returning to the club combined with the skills and experience of long-serving Stags had also made for a strong 2026 run. “We’ve got heaps of boys that have played for other clubs the last few years that are originally from Kati[kati] They’re starting to come back to the club Then there’s those players, like Ilifeleti Mafi, Heremaia Murray and Gene Darvill, who’ve played for the Stags for close to 20 years

“There’s also a group of us who’ve played rugby together since we were in under-7s About six of us

“We know how everyone plays, what their styles are, what they’re good at and what they’re not so good at, you know, so it works pretty well ”

Another boost had been former New Zealand National Sevens player and Hawkes Bay representative Gillies Kaka investing the last four seasons in Katikati rugby “Gillies and his wife Shiray [former B Black Fern and d Olympic golld meddallist] ] both bring expertise to the team, ” Landman said He and Gillies coach and play, while

James Dunlop rounds out the coaching squad “We all have our own roles, so it’s not one person worrying about everything Split between three people means we can do everything just a little bit more thoroughly I cover forwards, Gillies covers backs and James is the technical side He’ll analyse games and explain what we need to improve on, what we ’ re doing good; then he’ll analyse opposition teams, what we need to do to match them.

“James also does player development. He’ll pick up what one player needs to improve on and spend a session with them working on that skill ”

Social media presence

Landman said another support-booster had been drone footage, taken at the Stags’ home games by Dunlop, being posted online regularly “We definitely get a lot of feedback about it People enjoy it because when you ’ re watching a senior rugby game and you miss a good moment, you ’ re never going to see it again There’s no big screen replays, so the drone footage is awesome because you can replay the highlights

“It also means supporters who can ’ t make a game can still watch some of it ”

Former player and long-time Katikati rugby supporter Rollo Dunlop said the S Stags l last won a WBOP Senior M Men’ ’ s Rugby Championship in 2022

“That’s when Katikati defeated Marist St Michael’s 13-12 in a Bay of Plenty

n home final

promotion-relegation final The victory earned them a spot in the top-tier 2023 Baywide Premier competition ” The Stags had returned to play in the WBOP senior men ’ s competition in 2024 Last year they lost a semifinal “The final this weekend will be a ripper,” Rollo said

A carnival

He is confident that Katikati will win “The fact we ’ re playing at home – it’s worth nearly 10 points and there’s such a great vibe going on at the club this year

“The opposition teams that come to play us at home can ’ t believe how much support we have It’s like a carnival You can ’ t get a carpark nearby on game day, it’s packed!” Landman said the final was a massive moment for the community and the club

“We want to thank the massive support we ’ ve had from the club There are a lot of volunteers this year that have been going hard We’ve got awesome managers, the club has good management; many people volunteer to help clean up, in the kitchen, and run events We can ’ t really do anything as a team without the club, and there’s been massive community support as well, and we thank all our sponsors –we can ’ t do it without them either” Katikati Stags verse Rangataua in the Western Bay of Plenty S Senior Men’ ’ s Competition final at Moore Park tomorrow, July 25 Kick off is 2 30pm

Merle Cave

Katikati Stags player Sositeni Tautuaa in action in last weekend’s semifinal against Arataki. Photo / Kylie Bertelsen

The 2026 Katikati Stags squad. Photo / Kylie Bertelsen

Katikati Stags player

Tyler Mitai Sykes being lifted by Quinton Landman, le t, and Heremaia Murray Photo / Kacey Diggelmann

Dogs delight in park’s ne equipment

Katikati dogs and their owners now have agility equipment at their town ’ s dog exercise area to play with e area at Donegal Reserve was fenced by estern Bay of Plenty District Council in July 2024, but there was no funding available at the time to furnish it with equipment

Katikati resident Phil Christophersen and his heading dog Emma put a call out last year to begin fundraising for equipment – and under the guidance of Katch Katikati, the community rallied to make it happen

On June 27 a special community event was held to showcase the park’s new agility equipment, with four-legged friends enjoying the chance to test the new obstacles, meet other dogs and enjoy a fun day out with their humans e day featured ‘trick training’ with Aongatete resident Bex Tasker, of Positively Together, a certified trainer who has been training anim l f 20-plus years ere was als and Seek’ zone, ‘doggie-cam the fun, and spot prizes

Council reserves and facili Peter atson said the proje a wonderful example of wh

a s or o a ‘Sniff ’ to capture ties manager ct had been at can be

achieved when council and community come together “ e agility equipment and landscaping of the space have been made possible through the generosity, encouragement, and hands-on support of many people and organisations who believed in the vision and helped bring it to life ” P j i l d d R

and expertise to build the dog agility equipment, which includes balance beams, sit/stay platforms, a dog see-saw and bench seats

Local businesses and individuals also donated plants and rocks for landscaping, and spot prizes “ hether through sponsorship, fundraising, donated materials, practical

ro ect sponsors nc u e aw

Pawz, Franklin Vets and Katikati Vets Fundrasing included a Katch Katikatirun dog tricks workshop facilitated by Tasker and a Givealittle page. Funds paid for materials, and Katikati MenzShed donated time

help, or simply getting behind the project, every contribution has played an important part in reaching this milestone,” atson said “ e are incredibly grateful for all the support given ”