H l i i elping seniors to downsize Helping senio s
Katikati resident David Marshall, pictured, has been advocating for older homeowners who can ’ t downsize to smaller houses locally since the issue was discovered before the Covid-19 pandemic Marshall, Grey Power New Zealand’s new national president, said many elder folk own mortgage-free homes that were larger
than they needed and were difficult to maintain – but they can ’ t access bridging finance to subdivide, build, or commission a smaller home in their community Or they simply can ’ t find a suitable new dwelling to purchase
Now Katikati has been proposed to host a pilot programme aiming to help
older homeowners downsize to smaller, accessible houses in their community
Five senior Katikati homeowners were being sought for the pilot, and Grey Power facilitated a public meeting this week to gauge interest
The pilot would assist these homeowners to downsize to a safe, warm, home
designed for ageing occupants and that were close to their existing social and support networks
If successful, a community housing provider could roll out the model more widely across New Zealand Read more on page 3
Photo / Kelly O’Hara
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Small dog dies after attack by larger dogs
Katikati police attended a report of two small dogs being attacked by larger dogs while being walked by their owners between Pukekura Rd and Beach Rd.
One of the small dogs later died from its injuries and the other was treated at the vet.
The small dog’s owner suffered bite wounds to his hands trying to protect them. The owners of the large dogs were located later by police and the dogs were seized by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council dog control officers, who are investigating the matter further
Burglaries
July 2: Bulk horse-riding equipment stolen from a Canon Rd property, at Tahawai. See apprehensions.
July 5-6: A residential address in Katikati was entered, an iPad, MacBook and Air Buds were among other items stolen See apprehensions
July 8: An office on a Wairoa Rd construction site was entered as well as other empty building containers but there was nothing to steal on-site There was graffiti spray-painted on buildings
July 8: Overnight a gas bottle was stolen from a Fairview Rd property
July 9: A large outdoor chair was stolen off the deck of a Francis Drive house in Katikati
July 12: Copper wiring was stolen from the old RSA building on Henry Rd in Katikati
July 12-14: Two line trimmers were stolen from a carport on Mulgan St
eft
July 3: About 7 30pm-8 30pm a vehicle parked on Beach Rd in Katikati had a window broken and an Escort Redline radar detector was stolen.
July 10: Two large gates were stolen from the entrance of a State Highway 2, Minden address.
Arrests and apprehensions
July 4: A 29-year-old Whakamārama man was arrested in relation to the theft of about 350 litres of diesel from a digger parked on Woodland Rd at Tahawai on June 26 He was also charged with possessing methamphetamine
July 6: A 40-year-old Katikati man and a 37-year-old Katikati woman were located with stolen goods from a Carisbrooke St burglary in their vehicle
July 7: A 28-year-old Katikati man was arrested for receiving stolen horse equipment taken from a Canon Rd property at Tahawai
July 7: A 25-year-old Katikati woman
was charged with receiving stolen goods after property from a Carisbrooke Rd address was located during a search warrant of her address
July 8: A 35-year-old Katikati man who had breached his bail conditions was located at a Tauranga South address and arrested
July 10: A 39-year-old Katikati man was arrested and charged with burglary of a Main Rd, Katikati store in June
July 15: An 18-year-old Minden man was arrested for stalking and harassment
July 15: A 37-year-old Katikati woman was charged with shoplifting from Woolworths
July 16: In the early hours of the morning a 28-year-old Katikati was located in a vehicle on Sharp Rd He was arrested for breaching his court-imposed curfew and charged with unlawful possession of ammunition
July 16: A 39-year-old Katikati man was arrested for breaching his bail conditions
Katikati’s downsizing pilot for seniors
Katikati has been proposed to host a pilot programme aiming to help older homeowners downsize to smaller, accessible houses in their community
Grey Power NZ Federation is supporting the proposal in response to what it has identified as a growing problem for Kiwis aged in their late 70s and 80s. Katikati resident David Marshall, Grey Power New Zealand’s new national president, said many elder folk owned mortgage-free homes that were larger than they needed and increasingly difficult to maintain – but they could not access bridging finance to subdivide, build, or commission a smaller home in their community
He said the issue became apparent in Katikati during the Covid-19 pandemic, when a community development group found more than 200 single people aged 80-plus were living in three- to fourbedroom houses. “A survey done with about 90, which I was involved in, showed a significant number would like to downsize but they can ’ t because the banks won ’ t advance them the bridging finance – even if it makes financial sense ”
Costly, unsuitable
Living in large, older homes posed problems to ageing seniors because they were costly to heat, difficult to maintain, and increasingly unsuitable as people’s mobility levels changed, Marshall said. Like other Kiwis, they also faced rising costs of living, including rates.
Marshall said Grey Power then surveyed 2000 homeowning members nationwide. About 40% wanted to downsize within
the next five to 10 years, but only 5% expected that to be straightforward, he said.
The rest had two significant barriers: Wanting to stay in their community but finding there was no suitable housing, and not being able to access finance because they received NZ Superannuation.
Marshall said those who sold their home first, to fund a new build or purchase of a smaller home locally, risked not finding anything affordable or suitable.
“This is what’s happening to people in Katikati. They sell and then there’s nothing there then they’ve had to move to the Waikato to buy something with no social connections.”
Marshall said Grey Power had advocated on the issue to governments, but he did not see traction until he attended the Doors to Dignity campaign launch at Parliament in March The nationwide campaign focused on the escalating crisis of homelessness and housing insecurity among older Kiwis.
Marshall said he raised the issue with Community Housing Aotearoa chief
Greypower NZ is facilitating a pilot project to help Katikati’s older homeowners to downsize
executive Paul Gilberd. “I said what about this other group, where they don’t have accessible homes? They’re locking up rooms and not using them and the houses are not available for younger people who could occupy them.”
Practical solution
Gilberd connected him with project manager Sean O’Nuallain, director of Westincor EPC NZ, to help develop a practical solution and find funding.
Marshall said the result was the pilot project planned for Katikati, a rural town of about 5500 residents with close to 40% of the population aged above 60.
Five senior Katikati homeowners were being sought for the pilot, and Grey Power facilitated a public meeting this week to gauge interest. The pilot would assist these homeowners to downsize to a safe, warm, home designed for ageing occupants and close to their existing social and support networks The first stage would identify seniors whose section could potentially be
subdivided, and their new home built on the site. If initial valuations and costings were approved, the subdivision project would be managed without requiring any upfront financial contribution from the homeowner
Once completed, the retiree would move into a new, accessible two-bedroom, 70sq m dwelling and their prior home sold Any cash surplus would be refunded once the sale was completed. “The whole thing would be project-managed for them,”
Marshall said “That’s the ideal scenario –but not everyone can do that because their section doesn’t allow it.” An alternative model would be land where appropriate homes could be built in time for seniors to move into once their original home was sold, he said
Beneficial to community
Marshall believed the pilot would benefit the wider Katikati community because the township had little residential land left to develop “It could release these bigger homes that are under-utilised by their current older owners to larger and younger families. Plus all the services are there. It’s not as though you would be having to develop a greenfield site with no [utility] connections. This means utilising what we ’ ve got here and freeing up those places.” Marshall said Katikati had younger residents on lower incomes who could not afford to buy a new home in a new subdivision. “They need these older places that they can do up So we see it as a winwin – that’s why we ’ re keen to sponsor this pilot project here.”
Those interested in the pilot can call Grey Power Tauranga/WBOP on 07 571 2558 or email: taurangagreypower@gmail.com.
Brighten winter with music from around the globe
Katikati Concert Band’s second concert of the year is next month – and invites the community to come along and enjoy music that will brighten up winter.
Band president Karen Goh said the 2026 Concert Series 2 event is at Katikati War Memorial Hall on August 16 from 4pm with guest conductor Brett Lowe
“We are delighted to welcome Brett Many local residents will remember him leading the All Stars Dance Band during Katikati’s 150th anniversary celebrations last year, ” Goh said “This time, he will guide the concert band on a journey through musical landscapes inspired by countries around the globe – from our neighbours in Australia to the UK and Europe, across the desert plains of Africa and Central Asia, through the vibrant rhythms of the Americas, and finally back home to Aotearoa”
Goh said the band is especially proud to present The Landing as the New Zealand feature piece “Written for the band by member John Kean, the piece received a special mention at the recent NZ Concert Band Association festival
“It was our first appearance at the festival, and together with our resident conductor,
Hiro Kobayashi, we were thrilled to receive a silver award for our performance”
The event will have raffle tickets for sale, to be drawn at closing, to help the band fundraise for venue hire costs
“Come along and support your local musicians, and enjoy an afternoon of music that will warm even the chilliest winter day”
Katikati War Memorial Hall doors open 3 30pm on August 16 and the concert begins 4pm Tickets cost $10 per adult; under-12s are free Cash door sales will be available, or pre-purchase tickets from the Arts Junction on Main Rd, Katikati, or online at: www theartsjunction org nz
Katikati Concert Band musicians performing at the recent NZ Concert Band Association festival. Photo / Supplied
locally
Photo / Merle Cave
Merle Cave
NEW GUIDE HELPS OLDER KIWIS TAKE CONTROL OF CONTINENCE HEALTH
Continence challenges affect up to one in four older New Zealanders, yet they are often not discussed openly. For some, concerns are accepted as part of aging yet can greatly impact confidence, independence, social connections, and overall wellbeing
The CHT Aged Care Fund has provided a grant to Continence NZ to develop a new free guidebook designed to help older people and their families better understand and manage continence issues by providing practical, easyto-understand information and encouraging people to seek support when they need it
By improving awareness and understanding, the guide strives to reduce the stigma often associated with continence problems, while reassuring older people that these issues are common, manageable, and with the right information and support, can improve to maintain their independence for longer
An online survey by Continence NZ of over 670 people revealed that feeling embarrassed to talk about continence issues was the leading reason most people said they hadn’t reached out for help before
“I meet people every day who assume that incontinence is inevitable with age”, says Hannah Orr, pelvic floor physiotherapist “It is so important to get the message out there that although incontinence symptoms are more common as we age, there is so much that can be done”
“Whether that is aiming for a complete cure, improving or managing symptoms so that everyone can thrive into older age without being limited by incontinence”
Continence NZ Executive Committee President Dr Anna Lawrence, MBChB, FRACS (Urol) says the organisation is committed to empowering people affected by incontinence to thrive
“This guide reflects our commitment by bringing together practical information, expert guidance, and support to help older people maintain dignity, confidence, independence, and wellbeing. We are incredibly grateful to receive funding to bring this resource to life ”
The partnership also reflects the ongoing mission of CHT Aged Care Fund to invest in initiatives that enhance the growing elderly population and the aged care sector by empowering older people to make informed decisions about their own health and wellbeing.
Feeling worried about continence issues is natural when it comes to older family members says CHT Care Homes Chief Executive Carriann Hall
“We understand bladder and bowel health can be a delicate subject This guide for older people is freely and easily accessible to help ensure no one feels embarrassed or isolated by continence challenges, and that everyone has access to the information and support they need to live well ”
CHT Care Homes established the CHT Aged Care Fund in 2019 with a dedication to continuous quality improvement and innovation, and its desire to support delivery of high-quality care across the entire aged care sector. Grants are given each year for projects across research, access to care, and workforce development
The guide is available to download at continence org nz
CHT Chief Executive Carriann Hall and pelvic floor physiotherapist Hannah Orr
Rangataua triumph over Katikati in wet conditions
Katikati Stags supporters endured a tough watch in cold, wet weather on Saturday as Rangataua snatched 2026’s Western Bay of Plenty Senior Men’s title in front of the huge home crowd
The Don Young Grandstand at Moore Park was full to the brim and the field’s perimeter dotted by umbrellas and gumboots as the Stags faced Rangataua in an anticipated finals match
This season the sides had only met once, with Katikati securing a 33-24 win back in April
With 11 wins from 12 games, the Stags were competition favourites at the final kickoff, but abysmal weather and Rangataua’s solid forward pack made it hard for them to make an impression
Rangataua’s tempo was high from the start – they scored a try early on and converted, putting
them in front 7-0
The greasy ground conditions suited the visitors, and they dominated the first half, scoring a second try and converting it to flick the scoreboard to 14-0 at half-time
As the second half got under way Rangataua snatched another try, this time with no conversion, bringing the tally to 19-0 as Stags supporters slumped in their seats but remained doggedly hopeful Katikati could claw their way back to victory within 80 minutes
The Stags worked hard, gained more field possession and started making decent runs - finally speedy Katikati centre Sosetini Tautuaa got over the line to put Katikati on the scoreboard With Gene Darvill’s conversion, the Stags began their comeback at 19-7
With the ball to-ing and froing between both sides, it was lock Quinton Landman who scored a second try for the home
side With Darvill’s conversion, the game tightened to 19-14 as Katikati fans roared the roof off the grandstand
Katikati kept its momentum up but couldn’t transform their efforts into points – two penalties awarded to them weren ’ t utilised
Rangataua dug deeper and scored another try, but didn’t convert, edging away 24-14
Time melted away and Rangataua claimed a 24-14 victory and the 2026 WBOP Senior Men’s title as the fulltime whistle blew
Katikati coaches Gillies Kaka, Quinton Landman and James Dunlop thanked their team, saying they were “ an awesome group of fine young men who put it all on the line”
“They gave it everything for the club and town The weather was hand-made for the bigger team from Raungataua and they played a game to suit and took the win And well done to them ”
Whānau Hauora Day draws record crowd, strengthens community
Katikati’s second annual free Whānau Hauora Day has been hailed a resounding success with an estimated 250-plus people enjoying the July 8 event inside the war memorial hall
The event connected people with vital health, wellbeing and social support services in a welcoming, stigma-free environment, said Valarie Uilou of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tamawhariua, which organised the event
Uilou said the turnout demonstrated just how valuable accessible events such as Whānau Hauora Day, centred on community, connection and collective wellbeing, were
“The day was about opening doors, starting conversations and making it easier for people to access the incredible services available throughout the Western Bay
“Sometimes the biggest barrier isn’t whether help exists – it’s knowing where to find it or feeling comfortable enough to take that first step
Remove barriers
“We wanted to remove those barriers and create a space where people could simply
come along, have a chat and realise there are amazing people who genuinely want to help ”
More than 20 organisations came together under one roof, providing free information, resources, health advice and practical support at the event Visitors could learn about bowel and breast screening, diabetes management, healthy eating, emergency preparedness, smoke
alarm safety, mental health, family support services, voting enrolment and much more
Representatives from Civil Defence, You OK Bro?, Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade, Oranga Tamariki, Katikati Community Centre and many other organisations spent the day speaking directly with whānau, answering questions, booking appointments and connecting people with ongoing support
Free resources, food, fun
Free health resources, screening kits, toothbrushes, toothpaste, information packs and educational material were distributed, ensuring families left with practical tools they could take home and share with others
The event also offered plenty of entertainment, with free kai (food), games, spot prizes and activities keeping tamariki (children) and adults engaged while naturally encouraging conversations with service providers
Uilou said the relaxed atmosphere was one of the event ’ s greatest strengths.
“When people get the chance to meet the faces behind these organisations, they quickly realise they’re talking to some of the most caring, compassionate and
generous people in our community Those conversations can be the beginning of someone getting the support they need ”
She said the success of Whānau Hauora Day was made possible by support from numerous community organisations and sponsors Many contributed prizes, food and resources that helped make the event more accessible and enjoyable for local families
Where to begin
“The support we ’ ve received has been incredible,” Uilou said “It shows what can happen when everyone comes together with the same goal – supporting the health and wellbeing of our community.
“Every year the event continues to grow, and that’s a reflection of the generosity and commitment of everyone involved ” The event ’ s growth also reinforced the importance of bringing services directly into the community, creating opportunities for connection, education and early intervention, she said
The rūnanga hoped the event ’ s success would continue to inspire more conversations around health and wellbeing, proving that sometimes all it takes to change a life is knowing where to begin.
Rod Calver on the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ stand. Photo / Supplied
The soggy field suited Rangataua’s solid forward pack Photos / Merle Cave
The Don Young Grandstand at Moore Park was packed with Stags supporters watching theWestern Bay of Plenty Senior Men’s final Merle Cave
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