Christmas magic comes to the Arts Junction
Katikati’s Arts Junction has become a festive hub this December, with ‘Christmas in the Junction’ – a reimagined Santa’s Grotto from previous years - bringing movies, music, stories, festive displays, and of course Santa, all under one roof. Running...
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Drone delivers breakthrough for Island healthcare
Ōmokoroa made aviation history on Thursday 27th November as a medical drone lifted off from the Domain and flew across Tauranga Harbour to Matakana Island. It’s the first trial of its kind conducted in New Zealand. VertiLink Advanced Air Mobility...
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Abbeyfield Katikati opens its doors
After years of community grit and heart, the sun shone through the clouds at Abbeyfield Katikati on Friday 14th November. Following all the planning, doubt from some, fundraising by others, and sheer volunteer determination, the community officially...
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The Resource Collective expands to Ōmokoroa
Change is coming to Ōmokoroa, and it’s greener than ever. The Resource Collective, in partnership with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, is proud to announce the opening of a brand-new Resource Recovery Centre at 7A Prole Road, Ōmokoroa, set...
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Gold Star for Glover
Ōmokoroa volunteer firefighter Warren Glover has been celebrated for a remarkable 25 years of service, receiving his Gold Star Medal at the brigade’s annual honours evening. The Gold Star, presented by the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA), is...
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Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services – 90th anniversary celebration
This November, Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services c ommsmuanavritnkygs. laivneesx, btruaioldridnignafriyenmdislehsiptosn, aen–d9se0ryveinagrsthoef NoOvveemr boenre, puansftoargnedttparbelseenwteemkemndbefrso,mwh7āthnatuo a9ntdh...
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A guide to voting in the local elections
Distinctive orange envelopes have begun arriving in mailboxes across Aotearoa. This time around, they’ll hold the voting papers for the local government elections. But what are the rules? And what do the strange acronyms mean? Read on for the...
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Colouring up Te Puna
Abold new mural has been unveiled at Te Puna roundabout, transforming the fence line of the adjacent motel into a splash of colour and community spirit. The artwork was created by Taurangabased graffiti artist and muralist Tautoko Matehaere, who...
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Local elections 2025: Who’s running in Western Bay of Plenty and how to vote
Eight people are vying for the top job at Western Bay of Plenty District Council, with some new and familiar faces in the mayoral race. Mayor James Denyer is running again, and former Western Bay of Plenty District Council chief executive John...
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Top toasties vie for crown
Surf Shack in Waihī Beach, Robert Harris in Katikati, and the McLaren Falls Cafe in Lower Kaimai are all having a tilt at the Great NZ Toastie Takeover, with McClure’s pickles the key ingredient in every entry. Surf Shack’s Taniwha Toastie features...
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New library weaves together people and place
Te Ara Mātauranga, Waihī Beach’s new library, service centre and community hub, opened on 1st July, a space interwoven with community, creativity and connection. From the harakeke | flax artwork displayed in the entranceway, to the hand-woven bags...
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Katikati’s Abbeyfield House nears completion
Along-anticipated housing project for older residents in Katikati is on track for completion later this year, thanks to the hard work of volunteers, generous community support, and a shared clear vision - offering new hope for independent...
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Proctor plays a starring role in centre champ of champs mixed pairs event
Glen Proctor, who operates the ferry between Ōmokoroa and Matakana Island, had waited a long 35 years. And on the day he finally won his first centre title, he was the star by producing stunning draw bowls at the Matua club. Proctor teamed with Sue...
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Council seeks feedback on proposed marine and parking changes at high-use boat ramp
If you’ve ever launched a boat, caught the ferry, paddled out on a kayak, or fished off the jetty at Ōmokoroa Domain, this one’s for you. Western Bay of Plenty District Council is moving into the next stage of the Ōmokoroa Domain Concept Plan, and it’s...
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“You OK, Bro?” the mobile mental health drive packing a punch in kiwifruit work
Here in the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit country, a quiet revolution is reshaping how seasonal workers access mental health care, led from the front seat of a truck and a couple of picnic chairs. Scotty Harvey, a registered social worker and...
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Ōruarahi Marae celebrates re-awakening
Ngai Tamawhariua hapū and Matakana Island celebrated the re-awakening of the wharekai, Pukai, and wharenui, Te Rangihouhiri at Ōruarahi Marae on Saturday 3rd May. Discussions for renovations began approximately ten years ago as the wharekai was in...
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Residents: Wright Road done wrong way
Residents of Wright Road in Aongatete, appealing for a restoration of right hand turns at their State Highway 2 intersection, have taken their case to the House of Representatives. A petition was lodged asking for the removal of new barriers blocking...
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ECHO Walking Festival
Walking is one of the best ways to explore, connect with nature, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being outdoors. Whether it’s a forest stroll, a guided bush walk, or a chance to learn about the land, the ECHO Walking Festival has something for...
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Community Awards winners
On Thursday 20th March, our dedicated community groups and volunteers were recognised at the 2025 Western Bay Community Awards. Hosted at Holy Trinity Tauranga, the annual awards offer an opportunity to honour our unsung heroes and their inspiring...
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Affordable housing with a community emphasis
In an effort to make home ownership accessible for first-time buyers and families who have long struggled with the rising property market, a not-for-profit charitable entity - the New Zealand Housing Foundation - has launched a new development in...
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Go ahead for Bowentown Rescue Hub
The team at Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services Inc is fizzing to have a building permit and be ready to start constructing a new Bowentown Rescue Hub. A milestone event was held on-site at 509 Seaforth Road on Sunday 23rd February, blessing the ground and...
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Te Rā o Waitangi
Te Rā o Waitangi Katikati 2025 was so special in many ways. Everyone really came together to celebrate as a community. Mana whenua really demonstrated manaakitanga, hospitality, kindness and support and the workshops were overflowing and busy the whole...
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Rowing Club makes history with Dewar Shield victory
Bay of Plenty Coast Rowing Club has made history by winning the Dewar Shield for the first time in the club’s 33-year history. The win came after an unforgettable weekend at the Tikitapu (Blue Lake) Regatta. The Dewar Shield, awarded to the club with...
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Katikati A&P centenary
Acentury of Agricultural and Pastoral Shows in Katikati will be celebrated in style on 2nd February when the 100th show day plays out on Katikati’s Major Street showgrounds. The past will be honoured with a luncheon attended by past presidents and a...
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Lizard News asks for Katikati business backing
Lizard News is confirming its commitment to continue printing a local, community-driven news and information service for the Kaimai Coast between Waihī Beach and Te Puna in the Western Bay of Plenty District for as long as possible. In November, NZME...
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Community rec centre awaits funding and consent
The Katikati Community Sport and Recreation Centre (KKCSRC) is excited to announce that the first stage of this new community building is soon to be submitted for building consent. This first stage is a 400m2 building facing the new sports oval and...
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Creative calf fundraiser
When Fraser and Ange Shallue enrolled their children into Junior Surf at Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services back in 2015, fundraising was far from their minds. Fast forward a few years, and they recognised that in a club run by volunteers, fundraising...
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Plea for living donor
An Ōmokoroa man suffering from late-stage kidney failure is appealing to the local community in the hope a living donor can be found to save his life. Truck driver Jase Saunders has about 8% kidney function and faces dialysis. “I have one kidney, and...
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Changes to median barrier plans on SH2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa
The installation of a median barrier on two sections of State Highway 2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa is being re-examined by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). Chief Executive, Nicole Rose, says this corridor has had a significant number of deaths...
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New OPS sign unveiled
Our tohu | sign stands at the front of our school as our pou. It welcomes us all and reminds us that this is where we belong. The kuaka | godwit is front and centre, representing the characteristics of the kuaka that we want to grow in our students....
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