Katch Katikati is an Incorporated Society that plays a vital role in promoting the Katikati District and fostering community engagement.
With a team of dedicated staff, we hold several key contracts, including our primary one with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC). Our work focuses on promoting the district, organising community events, and managing the Katikati Visitor Information Centre. Additionally, we oversee the Arts Junction facility, which features a retail space, an art gallery, a cinema/theatre, and meeting rooms.
Since our inception, we’ve aimed to grow our operations and enhance community development, which in turn fuels economic growth—a key goal for us.
At Katch Katikati we pride ourselves on bringing people together for the betterment of the town.
Our Vision: To cultivate an active, creative community where locals love to live and visitors are eager to return
Our Mission: To inspire and support activities that actively engage and strengthen our community
Our team is based in The Arts Junction at 36 Main Rd, Katikati.
OUR STORY:
Katch Katikati was preceded by several business organisations.
The Katikati Progress League was formed in 1937 but went into recess during World War II. It was revived in 1946 as the Katikati Chamber of Commerce, with J.E.B. Warn as its first President, but went dormant again sometime after 1966. In December 1974 it resurfaced as the Katikati Businessmen’s Association and Chamber of Commerce, but disbanded before 2000. Katch Katikati was established in 2006 as a business-focused organisation supporting Katikati’s Main Street businesses. Its objectives included organising events to promote local businesses, serving as a communication hub for retailers, business owners, and community groups, and advocating for Katikati on local issues. It was a fresh initiative with a broader mission: to foster business growth, enhance community cohesion, and establish Katikati as a prime destination for both New Zealanders and tourists. The first coordinator was Tracey Cossey, and the first Chair was David Gardner. Jane Burke succeeded Cossey in 2007, and in 2008, the organisation launched its website, katikati.org.nz, and introduced the Business After Five (BA5) networking event.
In early 2010, Jacqui Knight became the Promotions Manager, and Eris Boyack took over as Chair. At that time, Katch Katikati employed two staff members: Jacqui, working 20 hours a week, and Kristin Crockett, the Administration Officer, working 15 hours a week. The office was located in the old Library building. The organisation evolved beyond event coordination, taking an active role in running local events and initiatives. In 2014 Katch Katikati revitalised the old Oskaar Awards, renaming them the Katikati Business Awards. By 2016, they had expanded to include Waihi Beach, becoming the Katikati and Waihi Beach Business Awards. That same year, Katch Katikati introduced Kati Chat, a meet-and-greet event for new residents.
When the new library opened in 2018, the old library building was leased to Katch Katikati and transformed into The Arts Junction. This space, which Katch Katikati manages, serves as a hub for arts and cultural activities. Grants from TECT, Trillian Trust, Bay Trust, NZCT, Katikati Open Air Art, Katikati Community Board and Katikati Twilight Concerts helped fund the setup. The Junction Theatre, created with assistance from Katikati Theatre and the Katikati Folk Club, staged its first play in 2018 before its completion. By 2019, a large screen was installed, allowing the venue to double as a movie theatre and lecture space. The theatre was fully completed in 2020 and operates partly through user fees. The Carlton Art Gallery was also created as the foyer to the theatre and features regular shows of artwork, mostly by local artists. The Arts Junction is now one of the spots where people gather on a regular basis. AS its role has expanded and its responsibilities have increased Katch Katikati now has a team of five led by Jacqui Knight (Promotions Manager), Kylie Watkins (Event Manager), Fiona Powell (Marketing and Membership Manager), Karen Gerrard (Information Centre Coordinator) and Kristin Crockett (Administration Officer).
Key activities include management of the Arts Junction, Visitor Information Centre and Arts Facility; community e-newsletters, social media and website management; development of walkways and cycleways, including the Waitekohekohe Recreational Reserve, and organising various events such as the Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival, Jazz Street Party, ECHO Walking Festival, Christmas Concert, Santa's Grotto, and the Katikati Festival of Arts. Funding comes from a service delivery contract with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, along with membership fees, grants from organisations like TECT, Bay Trust, Lotteries, and sponsorships. Katch Katikati has become the driving force behind business promotion, community engagement, and local events, ensuring Katikati remains a vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and visit.
Excerpt from Katikati: From First Peoples to the Present Day by Francis Young, Sandra Haigh, Pauline McCowan, Chris Bedford.
Hi to the Katch Katikati team. A quick note to say that what you are doing together as a team and what you are facilitating in the community is exceptional. This community is richer in spirit and more cohesive, inclusive and caring because of your efforts.
Xx
Ngā mihi nui
Elizabeth
