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.
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 since 2016.
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.
James is a Councillor for Western Bay of Plenty District Council and a member of the Katikati Community Board. He was appointed to represent the Board on Katch Katikati after the elections in 2019. He is involved with a number of organisations in Katikati, including being Chair of Whirihia Te Ara Ki Mua, Chair of Aongatete Forest Project, and a member and past president of Katikati Rotary. He has also been Vice President of Katikati Open-Air Art.
His professional background is in corporate finance.
James likes to go tramping in his spare time and has led walks for the Echo Walking Festival. His two children attend Katikati College.
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
Henry is a Senior Consultant at OpusXenta, providing solutions for death care organisations. 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.
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