Katikati is recognising the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of Ulster Irish settlers in 1875. Travelling from County Tyrone, they arrived at the Landing on Uretara Stream on 16th September. The Anniversary will be held on the weekend of 12th – 14th September 2025; the theme is “Travel Through Time” with events focused on the town’s history, the present and the future.
The settlement was established by Irishman George Vesey Stewart, who led two groups of settlers aboard the Carisbrooke Castle (1875) and Lady Jocelyn (1878). Māori and the new settlers worked closely to build the thriving community that we have today.
One of the town’s first residents was Dave Gallaher, Captain of the 1905/1906 “Originals” rugby team who toured the UK and France achieving legendary status in the rugby world. Thought to be referred to as “all backs” due their speed and fitness, rumour has it that a typographical mistake called them the All Blacks. Whatever the truth, we will recognise him and many others who lost their lives in war – local and New Zealanders.
The settlement managed to withstand early economic problems and developed into a thriving town, based around farming and agriculture. Katikati is a service town to a successful horticulture sector. While avocado and kiwi fruit dominate, with a large number of packhouses, it has diversified into the berry industry, and has also produced some great value-added food producers. For many years, Katikati has provided all the root stock for strawberries produced throughout New Zealand.
The town has always had a vibrant community and over 80 volunteer groups provide activities, entertainment and support for the locals. The town commemorated the 100th Anniversary in grand style with the Governor General in attendance.
This strong sense of community exists today and the town welcomes all in recognising a significant landmark.
To find out more about Katikati yesterday and today, you can visit the local Katikati Archives office in the Library or the Western Bay Museum.
Katikati is situated 30 minutes drive north of central Tauranga, which boasts New Zealand’s largest shipping port; and only two hours from Auckland and Hamilton. Katikati’s commercial and industrial sector hosts some leading manufacturers as well as a number of small, unique businesses.
https://www.katikati.org.nz
With some of the best scenery New Zealand has on offer, combined with a temperate coastal climate, many people from around the country and the world are considering Katikati an ideal place to live, work and play.
Known as New Zealand’s Mural Town, dozens of colourful murals are painted on walls and commercial buildings, while impressive sculptures, carvings, mosaics and tapestries are also on display right across town. The murals started in the 1990s as a project to regenerate tourist interest in the town and district. Come and share in the ambience of this historic town along with the planned festivities. The town has also claimed Avocado Capital of New Zealand – avocados grow exceptionally well in Katikati. In 1968 local man Arthur Honeyfield planted our first avocado trees and we have never looked back.
Whether it’s the tastes of the area’s renowned horticultural products or spending time strolling the many unique walking tracks, the Katikati area offers something for everyone.
Stroll down the acclaimed Haiku Pathway which weaves alongside the Uretara Stream in the heart of Katikati. This pathway is the only one of its kind outside Japan and features over 40 haiku poems which are carved onto river boulders. Each short poem has been chosen to reflect its location and provides a novel way to reflect on the peaceful surroundings. This pathway also links up with the popular Bird Walk. Explore the Uretara estuary and wetlands on the outskirts of town – home to many native birds and several more interesting sculptures.
Nestled into the foothills of the Kaimai Ranges there are stunning walks through the native and regenerating bush; thirty minutes to a giant Kauri or enjoy the trails of the area, overnighting at local huts. There are many cycleways and walkways criss-crossing the area, offering stunning views of Tauranga harbour and a great opportunity for you to stretch your legs. Or bring your mountain bike and ride through the Waitekohekohe Reserve. It’s all on our doorstep.
We love Katikati – and we’re sure you will too! The 150th Anniversary – September 12th to 14th – is an opportunity to experience the beauty of Katikati. For more information https://www.katikati.org.nz/about-katikati