Our Committee
The Katch Katikati Committee are enthusiastic about the Katikati community and work to ensure the efficient operation of the Katch Katikati organisation.
The Katch Katikati Committee are enthusiastic about the Katikati community and work to ensure the efficient operation of the Katch Katikati organisation.
Henry is a partner of KRUVAN Digital Marketing, specialising in enhancing online visibility for businesses.
He was born in Namibia, and moved to New Zealand in 2012.
He likes kayaking and walking trails. Henry is a Rotarian who does a lot of community projects.
On the Katch Katikati committee, he likes to give support where ever he can, specifically in the IT space.
Bringing more people to Katikati, giving back to the community and meeting likeminded individuals are what motivates local businesswoman Kate Pfennig. Kate has been a member of Katch Katikati’s board since 2012, and chair from 2016 - 2024.
She has lived in Katikati since 2011, when she moved back to Aotearoa after 18 years running a sheep and beef farm in North Dakota, USA.
She bought the Katikati Motel in January 2011, operating it for four and a half years before selling it and moving on to a series of new ventures in the form of ND Kiwi Tours, Kate’s Kabs, Disability Vehicle Rentals Bay of Plenty and most recently Honeycomb Hideaway – Katikati’s first glamping experience.
Kate is a keen advocate for Katikati and any projects that bring vibrancy, fresh energy and inquisitive visitors to the town. One of her current passions is the Katch Katikati project with Western Bay of Plenty District Council, local iwi and other interested parties to build a bridal trail and mountain bike track in the 89-hectare Waitekohekohe Reserve, between Lund Road and Thompsons Track.
Julie Hayes has been a committee member of Katch Katikati since 2019.
She is co-owner and General Manager of BeeNZ Ltd, a honey brand, packing facility and exporter based here in Tetley Road, Katikati.
Julie and her husband David have also been involved in the Kiwifruit industry for over 30 years, with orchards located in Rea and Tetley Roads.
The couple have three children whom all attended Katikati Playcentre, Kindergarten , Matahui School and Katikati College. They are all now adults and have each based their homes and businesses here in Katikati also.
Julie feels fortunate to live in this area where the nearness to the ocean, harbour and native bush allows for pursuing the many outdoor activities they enjoy. They love to spend weekends in Waihi beach enjoying the ocean and the village community.
Dianne is an orchardist who has lived in Katikati for over 40 years and has raised two boys who live locally with their own families. She helped develop and run the family kiwifruit orchard and packhouse.
Dianne has an extensive background of involvement in Katikati. She taught at Katikati College in her early years while also running the Katikati Gym Club. A foundation member of the Katikati Squash Club she held positions of junior coach, committee member, ladies club captain and is now a life member. She also taught at the Museum, and worked in the Katikati archives.
She is President of the Katikati Floral Art Group and has been a Katch KatiKati board member since 2016. As liaison she has organised her group to run community workshops, decorate venues, help put up the Christmas tree, and set up Santa’s Grotto.
Donna, originally from Tauranga, relocated to the Katikati area with her family in the early 1990s. Over the years, their family has grown from 5 children to an impressive count of over 17 grandchildren, emphasizing the significance of family ties, especially as her grandchildren attend local schools. Donna and her husband Graeme are the proud owners of Reptile World, which has evolved into a major breeding centre for reptiles in New Zealand's pet industry. Initially situated on the outskirts of Katikati township, its rapid growth necessitated a move to a larger property just beyond the township's borders in 2019.
During the initial years of their relocation, Donna commuted daily to Tauranga for work, where she witnessed the dangers posed by reckless drivers on the roads. Motivated to support her local community, she chose to join St John as an Emergency Medical Technician. Presently, Donna remains actively involved as an Area Committee Member.
With a diverse range of expertise spanning 24 years, Donna has focused on IT. She has held roles as a technician, Microsoft server engineer, tutor, account manager, and IT & project manager, excelling at translating technical jargon into easily understandable language for all.
Deeply engaged in numerous local organizations and groups, Donna is dedicated to enhancing services in Katikati and its surrounding areas. She serves as a proactive advocate for the community, identifying areas of need and advocating for support for the most vulnerable members.
Ross brings a wide range of experience to the Katch Katikati Board/Committee. Ross moved to Katikati in 1995 with his wife and young family after purchasing an orchard close to town. Family ties brought the family back to the Western Bay of Plenty after time spent working in Wellington and overseas in the human resources profession.
Ross holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree from Waikato University and a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies from Massey University.
Recently retired after 25 years in financial services Ross now gives time to Renaturing Katikati, is a volunteer researcher for Western Bay Museum and is actively involved in the sailing community. Over the years Ross has given time to a diverse range of professional and community organisations ranging from sailing, scuba diving, and passionfruit growing to financial services. He looks forward to further contributing to a vibrant and caring Katikati community.
Jacqui has been with Katch Katikati since January 2010 and brings with her 20 years of hospitality and event experience.
Jacqui has passion for her local community and is keen to see it develop and grow. There is so much value in working together and supporting each other in the community.
Jacqui can be found walking along Waihi Beach on her days off, on her bike or hanging out with friends or family
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