Issuu

11 September 2026

Pickleball pivot Facing a drop in membership, Katikati Tennis Club has found a way to futureproof its existence. Behind the scenes, committee members Graeme Thomsom and Patrick Thorp, pictured, have been part of a sub-committee tasked with strengthening their club.

“We decided that, as our tennis numbers were declining, putting in pickleball was a way of reinvigorating the club, ensuring it remains financially secure and to just keep the club alive.” Within 12 months the club secured $286,000 in grants and its own fundraising

to undertake a redevelopment of the facility to include pickleball as a dual offering. The project, which will include replacing and extending the clubhouse deck, began last month and will be complete by Christmas. Two tennis courts will transform into eight pickleball courts, and four original tennis

courts will remain. “However, we’ll have a combined court among the new courts – that will be able to be used for tennis or pickleball, depending on what people want to use it for on the day,” Thorp said. Read more on page 3. Photo / Merle Cave

0 0 0 # 00 20 1 0#

0 , 00 2 20 0 0 #2 , # # ,

,0 ,

0 ) " ) &'*( *&() & %/ --- &'*( *&() & %/

+!"* &( &$ &(* +!"* &( ' ( &($ % +!"* &( .&+( &( (

2 Katikati News

Your Community Voice

Katikati

NEWS 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

Sep 11, 2026

Two incidences of people lingering around homes Police work occurred throughout the district from Katikati to Te Puna in recent weeks, with two separate instances of males found lingering at residential properties (see below).

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.

Burglaries

August 22: A burglary occurred at an unoccupied bach on Harbour View Rd in Ōmokoroa. Katikati August 23: Attempted Polley Crescent and Park police report burglary was committed at Rd reported that their car a James residential property Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh tyres were slashed. CCTV is at Te Puna. Someone tried being viewed at this stage and to gain access using a garden inquiries are ongoing. ornament. No items were removed from the scene. Inquiries are ongoing. August 26: Unknown male was seen August 28: A residential property on lingering at a property on Ōmokoroa Rd Ōmokoroa Rd was broken into while that was unoccupied. Inquiries were being unoccupied. A container of cash and made to identify the male. items of food were taken. Inquiries are August 26: Complaints were received of ongoing. a vehicle doing burnouts at the Clarke Rd August 28: Multiple fishing rods were and Te Puna Station Rd intersection. stolen from an unsecured garage on August 29: A window was smashed at a Henry Rd, Ōmokoroa. residential property in Kasey Josh Place, Katikati. Stones and marbles were thrown Other at windows around the area on a regular August 20: An unknown male driving basis. a white ute was seen lingering at a residential property on Ross Rd in Found property Whakamārama. No property was taken, August 24: An iPad with a green and or any items left behind. No motive was black case was found at the Ōmokoroa confirmed as to why he was in the area. August 23: Katikati residents from playground on The Esplanade.

Arrests and apprehensions

August 19-16: After multiple inquiries, police identified and arrested a 36-yearold male for a storage yard burglary that occurred in late July on Waterford Rd, Katikati. August 26: A 30-year-old Katikati female was arrested for breaching her bail conditions. August 26: A 34-year-old Katikati female was arrested for breaching her bail conditions. August 30: A 50-year-old Katikati male was arrested for accessing computer without authority and posting intimate recording without consent. August 31: A 47-year-old Katikati male was arrested for breaching his bail conditions. September 1: A 37-year-old Katikati male was arrested for breaching a protection order, assault on person in a family relationship and wilful damage.

Your Community Voice

Sep 11, 2026

Katikati News

Tennis club takes a shot at offering pickleball Katikati Tennis Club is futureproofing its existence by adding pickleball to the mix at its facility off Park Rd.

“So, we will still have five tennis courts and eight pickleball courts.” Thorp said if pickleball grows “fantastic – we do have more land we can utilise in future”. Costs had prohibited the tennis club from building standalone pickleball courts on its underutilised land. “There would have been additional fencing, drainage and all sorts of things to consider and pay for,” Thorp said. “We also thought that because club numbers were declining, transforming some of our current courts was a better use of the land.” Fellow committee member Graeme

A $286,000 redevelopment project began last month to transform two of the club’s six tennis courts into eight pickleball courts, and replace and extend the clubhouse deck. Other improvements would include a new bifolding door on the clubhouse’s northern end to open onto the deck, and a back wall and roof to create a sheltered area, with ceiling heaters and lights. Two pickleball shelters, plus cloth fencing along the back tennis court would also provide shelter from wind and sun. The project cost included netting structures for the new code’s courts.

Katikati Tennis Club committee members Graeme Thomson and Patrick Thorp want the community to know that from Christmas both tennis and pickleball can be played at the Park Rd facility. Photo / Merle Cave

Increase membership

The redevelopment, funded from grants and club funds, would be completed by Christmas, Katikati Tennis Club committee member Patrick Thorp said. The redevelopment was born from the need to increase membership at the tennis club, he said. “We had 124 members four years ago [in 2022] and we got down to 88 in 2025.” As a result, Thorp said the club’s committee tasked a subcommittee early in 2025 to come up with ideas to reinvigorate the club. “It took about four months. We talked to other tennis clubs, the local community and came up with the idea that pickleball was one of the fastestgrowing sports in New Zealand and Katikati didn’t have a dedicated pickleball facility. “We decided that, as our tennis numbers were declining, putting in pickleball was a way of reinvigorating the club, ensuring it remains financially secure and to just keep the club alive.” Thorp said the subcommittee recognised it needed to attract younger members to grow the club, and it hoped pickleball would do the job as a “sport for all ages”.

The existing site of the tennis clubhouse.

Phenomenal

Thomson said the club would soon target schools, senior citizens and other community groups to get people interested in pickleball. The club had raised the The proposed redevelopment of the deck of the $286,000 in about 12 tennis clubhouse. Photos / Supplied months. Grants included $50,000 from We Care Thomson said the beauty of the tennis Community Trust, $10,000 from club was it owned its land, so the Grassroots Trust Ltd, $142,000 from committee could make decisions about TECT, $10,000 from Western Bay of its use. Plenty District Council’s Facilities in the “The [Western Bay of Plenty District] Community Fund, $5000 from Hume council was supportive of the project. Pack-N-Cool Growers Community We’ve got letters of support from the Fund, and $20,000 from the tennis club’s Mayor [James Denyer] to the community internal fundraising and savings accounts. board.” “For us to have raised the money we The goal was to get word out about the have in the timeframe we have, has been tennis club and its new pickleball offering phenomenal. It shows the credibility of for the community to utilise it, Thomson people accepting the need to enhance an said. activity in Katikati,” Thomson said. “It’s not only about the activity of sport “We’ve sown the seed as an idea, but the but of social connections and needs … sponsors have made it a reality – they’ve many people live alone and are looking had the confidence in us for us to look at for the perfect excuse to get out [and other opportunities to secure the club for the future. socialise]. “It has also given our members the “This tennis club is particularly

Eight and five

Thorp said the redevelopment would see two tennis courts transform into eight pickleball courts. Four original tennis courts would remain. “However, we’ll have a combined court among the new courts – that will be able to be used for tennis or pickleball, depending on what people want to use it for on the day.

confidence that our committee has the capacity to do this and take it to another level. I think, by and large, our members have been supportive,” Thomson said. “Even the local pickleball club has supported us; there’s no conflict of interest. We want to work with them in tandem.” Thorp said the tennis club may receive a name change once the redevelopment is complete, but the land and facilities would still be owned and operated by Katikati Tennis Club committee.

Accessible

Thomson said some members know how to play pickleball, and the club would host pickleball open days and bring in mentors and instructors to help the community learn to play the sport. “We want it to be accessible.” Thorp said the pickleball courts would have a surface known as Laykold, which was multi-use. “It’s synthetic and can be used for pickleball and tennis. “Pickleball uses a different racquet, which they call a paddle, a different ball and has netting three-quarters the size of tennis netting,” he said. The tennis club has about 90 members, but Thorp believed pickleball would boost that number. “People will be able to pay a club membership fee to play both sports codes; or play both sports via casual attendance rate.” He also hoped as pickleballers came on board they would share their skills and ideas to grow the facility too. “The courts will go up and we think the Merle Cave people will come.”

New Office, New Opportunities: Join Ray White for Business After Five

BUSINESS AFTER

FIVE

IN KATIKATI

Date change

Celebrate with us as David and Grace embark on their latest adventure Complimentary Refreshments Supplied

friendly – it’s got a lot of members that rely on it for its communication and wellbeing. Pickleball will also cater to that.” The deck extension would also provide more opportunity to sit and gather to watch and enjoy both codes, Thorp said.

FREE Event Join Us! HOSTED BY:

23 September 5:15 PM |

Everyone Welcome Ph 07 549 5250

Free event

by 5pm 21/09/26

Ray White Katikati, A2, 15 Talisman Drive Let’s support local and succeed together

4 Katikati News

Your Community Voice

Sep 11, 2026

Council opts to retain FPP – but could change Western Bay of Plenty District Council will continue using the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system for 2028’s local body election. Councillors looked at the two electoral systems available to local authorities under the Local Electoral Act: First Past the Post (FPP) and Single Transferable Vote (STV). Under FPP, voters select their preferred candidates and those with the highest number of votes are elected. Western Bay has used this system for previous local elections. Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer said for most residents retaining the status quo would mean they would continue voting using a system they’re already familiar with. “First Past the Post is straightforward and well understood by many voters. Councillors felt retaining the current system would provide clarity and certainty ahead of the 2028 election,” Denyer said. “Local elections play a vital role in shaping the future of our communities. While the voting system is only one part of the picture, it’s important people feel confident participating in the democratic process.” Councils are required to review their

voting system every six years and could choose between First Past the Post and Single Transferable Voting. Local government is navigating significant change through the Government’s reform programme. The council noted that the decision provided certainty under current arrangements while broader reform discussions continue. “If a successful Head Start proposal results in the creation of a new local authority, representation arrangements – including the electoral system used for the 2028 election – would be determined through the detailed design phase of that new entity. “However, if council remains within the Government’s Back Stop reform process, its decision to retain the FPP electoral system would continue to apply for the 2028 election.” The Head Start pathway was central government’s initiative under the Simplifying Local Government reform programme that gave New Zealand councils a 90-day window to voluntarily propose their own structural amalgamations and form larger unitary authorities before a compulsory ‘backstop’ process is enforced after the 2028 elections. Under the Local Electoral Act, electors also have the right to demand a binding poll on the electoral system used for

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer said for most residents retaining the status quo would mean they would continue voting using a system they’re familiar with. Photo / File

future local elections. To trigger a poll, a valid demand must be supported by at least 5% of enrolled electors.

What is First Past the Post (FPP)?

Under First Past the Post, voters select their preferred candidates and the candidates receiving the highest number

of votes are elected.

What is Single Transferable Voting (STV)?

Under Single Transferable Voting, voters rank candidates in order of preference. Votes can be transferred between candidates as counting progresses until all positions are filled.

Katikati seawall to receive $576,000 upgrade Work will start next week on a W $576 6,000 project to renew sections off the rock seawall at Katikati’s MacMillan Reserve.

MacMillan Reserve seawall. Photo / Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Acord ding to Western Bay of Plenty Districtt Council, the exisiting seawall had deteriorrated over time. The neew sections of seawall will be designeed and constructed to modern bestpracticee standards, helping protect the surroun nding coastline for future generations, the cou uncil said. The w work was scheduled to start September 14 and is expected to take six-eight weeks, depend ding on weather and tidal conditions. Due too the movement of trucks, machinery and heaavy rock materials, the reseve, footpath and half of the carpark would be closed d during working hours – from 7am to 6pm weeekdays, excluding public holidays. The tw wo freedom camping parks would be completely closed for the duration of the work,, h however the boat ramp would remain

open. Council reserves and facilities assets manager Janine Field said to keep everyone safe, the site would be securely fenced and clearly signposted, with traffic and pedestrian management in place. People are asked to follow temporary access restrictions and take care around the work site. “MacMillan Reserve is an important space for the Katikati community, so it’s important we invest in protecting it for the future,” Field said. “Renewing the seawall will provide stronger coastal protection and help ensure the reserve can continue to be enjoyed for years to come,” she said. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of reserve users and neighbouring residents while this work is happening.” For more information and project updates, visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/ macmillan-reserve-sea-wall-renewal

Access in-depth news, analysis and expert opinion with Herald Premium.

nzherald.co.nz/subscribe *T&Cs apply.

Your Community Voice

Sep 11, 2026

Katikati News

New mural ural for the Arts Junction

Katikati Open Air Art is appealing to the community to support its new mural project, which will see fresh artwork painted on the exterior of The Arts Junction building. The need for a new mural stemmed from building repairs undertaken last year, funded by Western Bay of Plenty District Council. The council owns the building – formerly the town’s old library – and leases it to The Arts Junction. According to the council, the building had weather-damaged areas repaired and improvements made. This included removing the old glass entranceway, dismantling the southern wall and adding a small retaining wall to keep the building dry. The leaking roof was also repaired and repainted. Katikati Open Air Art (KOAA) manager Peri St John-Ives said the Te Wao Tapu Nui O Tane Mahuta mural – painted on The Arts Junction façade by artist Shane Katikati Open Air Art manager Peri S St JohnIves outside The Arts Junction, which h will receive a new mural next year. Photo / M Merle Cave

The mural Te Wao-tapu-nui-a-Tane - The Domain of Tane was commissioned by DOC in association with KOAA in 2019 for The Arts Junction. Photo / Anna Menendez

Walker – sadly couldn’t be saved. The mural was a joint project between KOAA and the Department of Conservation in 2019. “It was painted directly on to the building, not on panels ... it literally crumbled in the builder’s hands. We tried everything to save it, but it could not be restored,” she said.

strengthens local identity and pride; reflects The Arts Junction’s creative spirit; visually energises the space, creates a welcoming experience; encourages connection between people, place, culture and environment; balances bold impact with meaningful storytelling; and becomes a recognisable town landmark,” St John-Ives said.

Community survey

Artists chosen

Since then, St John-Ives had conducted a community survey on what local people wanted to see in a new mural. She then brought together mana whenua, Katch Katikati, the Department of Conservation, Project Parore, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and KOAA representatives for a creative workshop led by Tauranga muralist Millie Pidwell on May 21, to explore the vision, purpose and creative direction of a new mural. The group agreed it needed to be vibrant, bold, welcoming and full of Katikati identity, St John-Ives said. The building’s whole exterior would be painted. “We considered putting the mural on panels but the council don’t want us to drill new holes into the building. So it will be painted directly on to the walls.” The creative goals are to make a mural that celebrates Katikati’s uniqueness,

“Millie will be the project lead, and

artists Marino Magee and Richard Samuels will work on the southern wall, which will have a mana whenua focus.” The southern wall previously displayed KOAA’s Sunday in a Bush Camp mural painted by Matamata artist Anne de Silva in the early 1990s. “That mural had rotted and couldn’t be saved either,” St John-Ives said. She said it was exciting to continue growing Aotearoa’s largest communityowned art collection in Katikati – and KOAA’s focus had pivoted to increase the amount of artwork from different cultures of residents that live in the community. “There are 92 murals and only a small percentage are from mana whenua [local Māori], so we’re trying to create a bit more balance. “We’re very passionate about Māori art at the moment, then we’ll look at Pasifika art and then Indian – and eventually try to look at the cultures of all people who live here. “The community survey said that is what the community wants.”

Youth involvement

For the back and northern walls, St John-Ives planned to involve Katikati College students.

“I’m really keen to get them to be part of the mural’s creation. “We want it to feel like a real community effort – so people can walk past and say they’ve painted a little bit themselves.” She said while the artists worked on the mural concept plan, she was busy finding the $80,000 required to make the project happen. “We’ve raised about $30,000 [so far]. We’re very grateful to OceanaGold, TECT, Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Matching Fund and the Acorn Foundation for their support.” With the artists booked to begin work at the start of February 2027, St JohnIves needed to secure the remaining $50,000 to bring the vision to life. “If you’d like to support this project, donations will be gladly accepted. Email info@katikatiopenairart.co.nz.” Future plan (sidehead) St John-Ives said KOAA had future plans to recreate Walker’s mural. “I’ve spoken to [the] council and we’re going to look at recreating it in a location that makes a bit more sense. That’s in the pipeline but we haven’t got a location yet, but it’s something we Merle Cave want to do.”

The Sunday in a Bush Camp mural, painted by Matamata artist Anne de Silva in the early 1990s, was rotten and couldn’t be salvaged. Photo / Anna Menendez

Your Service Professionals

Local Classifieds Vehicles Wanted

Direct ry

# ! " !

Public Notices

Annual General Meeting Thursday 17th September 2026 3.0pm Katikati Memorial Hall Lounge New Committee members welcome

FREE MEASURE & QUOTATION

Phone: 027 233 7277 | 07 863 5723 Email: sales@owensﬂooring.co.nz www.owensﬂooring.co.nz

Katikati Memorial Hall Committee

Flooring Sales and Installation Carpet, Vinyl, Wood & Laminate Flooring SHOWROOM: 5/57 Wilson Road, Waihi Beach Open 8.30am-4.00pm Monday to Friday Saturdays by Appointment

OWENS FLOORING

SOUNDS LIKE YOU

DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP

We’re your local heat pump experts FREE QUOTE 07 863 4328 www.lithgows.co.nz

Need Plastering?

Drywall Plastering Fibrous Plastering Cove & Cornice Vacuum Sanding

Residential & Commercial 20 years experience Quality workmanship

We will travel: BOP and Further Phone/Fax 07 542 1563 or Scott 021 879 339 Email: always.complete@actrix.co.nz

www.alwaysplastered.co.nz

N eed S tump Need Stump G rinding? Grinding?

Four machines - for every need From a lemon bush to a shelter row, we do them all

TREE SERVICES

TREE PROBLEMS? • Dismantle • Pruning Prruning •R emoval • Stump grinding grrinding Removal Q ualiﬁed, insur Qualiﬁed, insured, red, exper experienced rienced B ig or or small small w do them them all all Big we e do Call today for a free quote

0274 390 367

www.sho www.shortbacknsides.co.nz ortb backnsides.co.n nz

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! " ! ! " ! !

E L E C T R I C A L S E R V I C E S LT D

• Domestic Installation and Repairs • New House Wiring & Renovations • Stove and Whiteware Servicing • Irrigation, Frost Protection, Pumps • Heat Pumps Supplied, Installed & Repairs

•Commercial • Industrial • Underground Cabling • Thermal Imaging • Test & Tag

PHONE 07 549 0042 4 Marshall Place, Katikati

TILER

www.switche.co.nz

Tiling & Waterprooﬁng Services Servicing the Western Bays, Waikato & Coromandel Areas

Contact James Lyell Ph: 021-535-799 • jdltiling@gmail.com

• General Earthworks and Digging • Mulching • House Foundations • Tree/Greenery Removal • Trenching • Waterwayys + Drain Cleaning • Concreting

• Driveway Prep • Retaining/Rock Walls • Site Clearance • Faarm Earthworks • Augering Holes • Cartage/Clean Fill • Demoliotions

Audiences likenoother. Capture the attention of yours

Ph: 027 269 7144 or 07 863 8208 Email: mearesearthworks@gmail.com

If you wish to be part of the service professionals directory, contact your local classiﬁed team on 07 577 7770 or email classiﬁedsbop@nzme

ADVERTISE WITH

More than $70 million in high-value property sales last year_ Planning your next move? Give me a call today on 021 463 213

Clark Mazey Orchard, Lifestyle & Residential Specialist clark.mazey@bower.co.nz *2025-2026 Financial year. Bower Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA 2008