Katikati News - 8 August 2025

8 August, 2025

More than a pool

Dave Hume Swimming Pool complex manager Daniel Wilks, pictured, is excited about the future the facility holds for its community and the wider district.

“The pool has been a central point of our community for the last 51 years and serviced the community on many levels –

from baby, learn-to-swim classes and local school competitions to elderly mobility classes and injury rehab, to name a few,” said Wilks, who also sits on the Dave Hume Swimming Pool Trust. “It was the trust ’ s vision to see that this is preserved and expanded going into the future.”

And expanded it would be. After an upgrade the complex would offer more accessibility to all types of users, an extended swim season, enhanced facilities plus the addition of an outdoor gym. Wilks said it’s been the trust ’ s number one focus for the pools to be a centre for

all ages, all walks of life and any physical ability “A totally all-encompassing facility for our community We look forward to welcoming all customers – current and new – back to the pool for what promises to be a great summer!” Read more on page 4. Photo / Merle Cave

Katikati NEWS

Police encounter fake notes and night-time theft

Katikati is keeping local police busy with occurrences of night-time thefts.

Plus, a few bits and pieces of crime are occurring in Ōmokoroa lately, with some good intel from their Community Patrol team

Burglaries

July 17: A large race car trailer was stolen from Marshall Place, Katikati A silver station was seen to back through a wooden fence to access the yard where the trailer was stored The vehicle is believed to have headed north on State Highway 2 with the trailer

July 21: Overnight a Matuku Place, Katikati, address was broken into while the owner slept Keys and a bag were stolen

July 22: During the day a Pioneer Crescent, Ōmokoroa, address was burgled and a JBL soundbar, iPhones, Samsung phones, smart watches and jewelry were stolen

July 22: A house under construction on Major St, Katikati, was entered but nothing was taken

July 24-25: A small hole was made in shop door on Main Rd, Katikati, but fortunately no entry was made.

July 25-26: Attempt was made to force a window at a new build unit on Major St, Katikati

July 25-26: Overnight a 2016 Honda CRX 200 motorcycle was stolen from a wood shed on a Canon Rd, Tahawai, rural property

Theft

July 18: Batteries were stolen from heavy vehicles parked at a work site on

Ōmokoroa Rd

July 18: A male who came to an Ōmokoroa address to collect an iPhone, which he was interested in buying, fled without payment once it was handed to him

July 19: Two 45kg LPG gas bottles stolen from behind shops in Katikati.

Other

The community needs to be aware that fake $50 and $100 dollar notes have been presented to retailers in the Western Bay of Plenty area. On close examination the solver strip on the notes are missing as is the hologram image on the clear window

Found property

An orange and blue BMX bike found on Main Rd, Katikati. We have three found bicycles awaiting owners to collect them.

Arrests and apprehensions

July 17: A 42-year-old Te Puna man arrested for escaping custody on Borrell Rd after running from a vehicle which Police had stopped He was caught a short distance away He also had warrants for his arrest for failing to appear in court.

July 18: A 61-year-old Tauranga woman charged with refusing to supply a blood sample after being stopped on Main Rd, Katikati

July 18: A 43-year-old Whakamārama man was charged with driving while his licence was suspended after being stopped on State Highway 2 at Whakamārama.

July 18: A 36-year-old Ōmokoroa man was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol and driving while

Katikati policereport

disqualified after being stopped on SH2 at Minden

July 20: A 35-year-old Katikati man was charged with obstruction.

July 22: A 20-year-old Katikati woman was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol and driving while disqualified. She had been involved in a minor crash earlier

July 22: –A 33-year-old Katikati man was charged with theft of plants from a nursery on SH2 on June 18. A search warrant located the plants at two Katikati addresses.

July 24: A 19-year-old Katikati man was arrested for disorderly behaviour on Park Rd, Katikati.

July 24: A 33-year-old man of no fixed abode was arrested on Main Rd, Katikati, and charged with setting fire to a rubbish bin and assaulting a firefighter who was in attendance to put the fire out. Fortunately, the assault was minor and involved pushing

July 25: A 61-year-old Katikati man was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court.

July 26: A 23-year-old Auckland man was charged with possession of methamphetamine in Te Puna.

July 29: A 41-year-old Te Puna man arrested for breaching his bail conditions.

ENDS 12TH AUGUST!

The girls behind Katikati’s youth punk band

The band’s name, sound and look is out there. It’s shocking, loud and inspired by 1980s-1990s punk

The three college-age girls behind Sewerside Rats have been gigging up a storm across the Western Bay of Plenty this year, but now they’ve turned off the mic.

“At the moment we ’ re focusing on putting out an album and writing more originals, and we ’ re probably gonna take a break from gigs so we can do that,” said Katikati College Year 11 student Sierra Prassinos

She is one-third of Sewerside Rats, along with fellow Katikati College Year 10 student Mia Robertson and Ōtūmoetai College Year 11 Georgi Gregory

The girls are self-professed “ out there” in terms of their punk-flavoured music and look. Think dark and daring clothing and hair, bright-coloured make-up and loud sound all round.

“Yeah, we enjoy doing stuff like that, because I think it’s always what we ’ ve felt we want to project. I think it’s really important to us to look the way that we feel in the music that we ’ re playing, so we use our clothes and our make-up to express that,” said Prassinos.

Quick following

So far this year Sewerside Rats have played at The Jam Factory with Stunt Clown in March; supported a Punktuation gig at The Jam Factory on May 23; performed at Bay of Plenty’s regional final of Smokefreerockquest

on June 13; and gigged at Totara St’s Loserpalooza festival on June 21.

Relatively new to the Tauranga scene, the girls had been described as having created a huge and loyal following of fans, who love their raw power, in a very brief window of time

How? Prassinos said the band began in 2024 as three Katikati College students and was called Drowners

When a student left Prassinos and Robertson looked further afield for a replacement. “We realised we needed a drummer so we reached out to a drum instructor, and he pointed us towards Georgie.”

Then came the name-change to Sewerside Rats. “I was talking with a friend, and we were thinking about what

to name a band that would like be the most offensive,” said Prassinos “We went with Sewerside Rats because it was meant to have some shock value and it was kind of creative.”

In the moment

Prassinos is on vocals and guitar, Robertson is on bass and backing vocals; and Gregory plays the drums. They’ve now been together for 12 months.

What kind of music do they play?

“We just play what we feel like in the moment, ” Prassinos said “We’re definitely influenced by the punk movements of the 1980s and 1990s. And I was, when we formed, really into Riot Girl, but my music taste has shifted to more metal and crossover punk. So we ’ re hoping to put

more of that into our music in future.”

Their first cover was ‘New Radio’ by Bikini Kill. “Then we started writing riffs we thought sounded good,” said Prassinos. “Eventually we got a few songs that came out of that, and once we’d done our first gig, we started setting in stone what we wanted our sound to be.”

Prassinos practises on Tuesdays with Gregory, and band gets together oncea-week. “We practise individually every day We’re really grateful to have had these opportunities.”

Their first big gig was at Band and Deliver’s first session of 2025, on May 16, at The Jam Factory Band and Deliver offer a series of free music gigs in Tauranga to provide a platform for young musicians to perform and gain experience in a supportive environment.

Live attraction

“The next night we had a gig with Stunt Clown, which we’d been following for a long time. That was really awesome and a lot of friends showed up ” Prassinos said the band was drawn to performing live. “I like being able to communicate with people, and building community and meeting new people Through this band, I’ve met so many cool people that I’m really grateful to have met. I think that’s my favourite thing about being on stage is just being able to look down and see my supporters. ”

The band, with four original songs, was knuckling down to write more music to form an album. “We’d like to pursue music professionally, but at the moment we don’t really have an idea of how we ’ re going to do that.”

Capture the heart ofKatikati!

Katikati is full of hidden gems, stunning scenery and moments that make our town truly special.

Now, resident photographers have a chance to showcase their vision of Katikati and feature their work in the Katikati Calendar 2026

Organised by Katch Katikati, and supported by an anonymous sponsor, the calendar also doubles as a competition – and invites people all ages to submit photos that capture the essence of the community, said Katch Katikati marketing manager Fiona Powell.

To enter, Powell said photographers must complete the online entry form at: katikati org nz and upload their photos Each entrant can submit up to three photos that reflect the theme of ‘Love Katikati’

“A panel of judges will select 12 images to be featured in the calendar, with one additional image chosen for the cover, ” said Powell “Photographers whose images are selected will receive a free copy of the calendar and be credited in the publication.”

The Katikati Calendar 2026 will be available for sale at The Arts Junction and other approved outlets, providing an exciting opportunity for photographers to share their work with the community, Powell said

“Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of something special Whether you ’ re an experienced photographer or just someone with a love for Katikati, your perspective matters ”

The deadline for submissions is August 17.

For more information and to enter, visit: katikati org nz

Upgrade to extend season and open up complex to all

Come December an upgraded Dave Hume pool complex would give more accessibility to all types of users, an extended season, enhanced facilities plus the addition of an outdoor gym.

Dave Hume Swimming Pool Trust had worked tirelessly to bring changes to the community facility to expand its offerings and secure a solid future for all of Katikati to enjoy, said pool manager Daniel Wilks, who sits on the trust.

“The pool has been a central point of our community for the last 51 years and serviced the community on many levels – from baby, learn-to-swim classes and local school competitions to elderly mobility classes and injury rehab, to name a few

“It was the trust ’ s vision to see that this is preserved and expanded going into the future ”

The trust runs the facility on Western Bay of Plenty Council land. The council also contributes to the cost of running the complex

Escalating costs

Wilks said the trust earlier developed a concept of an enclosed pool – via new roof But due to escalating costs, council agreed last October to focus their attention on a bulkhead, pool upgrades and a new liner system instead

In May, council’s reserves and facilities manager Peter Watson said the improvements would be funded via existing budgets from council’s 2023/2024 financial year and Dave Hume Pool Trust funding The trust would fundraise for 30% of the upgrade, while council would fully fund the renewal work

Watson said the trust ’ s commitment and community fundraising efforts had been instrumental in making the upgrades possible. “These improvements will help futureproof the facility, ensuring it remains a safe, welcoming and sustainable facility for the next generation of swimmers.”

remain around the 26-27 degree mark.”

Wilks said the trust had only run swimming lessons in Terms 4 and 1 –“but we ’ re hoping to be able to run lessons through September, April and May, making use of the new 7m learn-to-swim pool being warmer when outside is still cold”.

The existing learn-to-swim pool would be upgraded to meet current pool safety and water standards A new disability hoist would be added to the main pool to enhance accessibility – and the previous stairs would remain useable. “The hoist is so we can get people who are paralysed into the pool because that part of the community has been asking us for this so they can use the pool too We’ll also have other swim aids to help more people with disabilities to use the pool – we ’ re trying intently open the pool to all user groups and community groups. ”

pool has not been unanimous but there’s not enough pushback that we would not go ahead with it,” said Wilks

This complex’s last season [2024-2025] had record entry numbers from the last decade, said Wilks.

Wilks said the 25m pool would be deepened, by building up the sides by 20cm, to enhance swimming

The season was six months’ long, with one month funded by the trust itself, he said “Adding another three months’ operating budget from council, the pool will soon be operational for nine months of the year ”

Upgrade work

The deep end would go from 1.14m to 1.34m. The shallow end from .94m to 1.1m. “You will still be able to walk end-to-end in the main pool, and walk across the top end,” said Wilks.

The pool complex was heated with thermal water from a bore, via heat exchange systems into the pools

Asked if the trust could turn up the dial and leave the pools open year-round, Wilks said practically “yes”. “If the nine-month season is successful I see no reason why we couldn’t look at extending to 12 months – perhaps at shortened hours.”

Wilks told Katikati News back in May, when the upgrade began, that the goal to open the complex year-round was still alive with the roof still within council’s 2021-2031 Long Term Plan. “If that roofing project does go head, it would certainly push out our season to 12 months, Ultimately, that’s been what the trust has wanted.”

The new 7m 30 degree pool would accommodate water walkers, senior swimmers and people with disabilities when not in use by learn-to-swim participants.

“In the afternoons it will primarily be used by learn-to-swim but we ’ re looking into all options to ensure different users can use this pool during the day”

The pools would be relined with PVC material and a safer sand filtration system would be installed Heating and insulation in changing rooms and reception area would be added, as would a new entrance and changing room doors, new pool covers and upgraded CCTV cameras

Asked why this hadn’t been done yet, Wilks said the trust runs the pools via service agreement with council. “If we stay open longer than nine months the trust would have to fund this itself ”

TECT recently pledged $400,000 to the upgrade, the Lotteries Commission $250,000, and further funding was received from Katikati Lions Club and the trust itself

Wilks said the trust thanked the organisations for their contributions “ as without their funding this project would simply not have gone ahead”. Most exciting was the addition of an outdoor gym “With the modern outdoor gym equipment, this will be become not only a pool but an entire wellness centre.

A centre for all

For now though, the upgrade work included the main 33.3m pool being reconfigured to create two pools – a 25m pool and a new 7m learn-to-swim pool. The bulk head between the pools would allow the new learn-to-swim 7m pool to be heated to 30 degrees. “The current learn-to-swim pool and main 25m pool would

Wilks said upgrading changing rooms was to make the spaces warmer in colder months “ to extend the season as much as we could at each end”.

Most happy

Wilks said all user groups – from aquarobics, Masters, a swim squad group and surf club members – were happy with the extended season. “Support for shortening the

“It’s been the trust ’ s number one focus for Dave Hume swimming pool to be a centre for all ages, all walks of life and any physical ability A totally all-encompassing facility for our community We look forward to welcoming all customers – current and new – back to the pool for what promises to be a great summer!”

With upgrades to finish mid-December, Wilks hoped to host an open day before Christmas. So while the upcoming season would be cut short by the upgrade, the long-lasting benefits to the community would be worth it, said Wilks.

Candidates named for Local Body Elections

Eight people have thrown their names into ring to vie to become the Western Bay of Plenty’s next mayor when voting opens next month.

The candidates are Suaree Borell, Grant Dally, James Denyer, Danielle Faa’soo, John Holyoake, Rodney Joyce, Margaret Murray-Benge and Don Thwaites.

The race is a mix of familiar names returning and new faces stepping forward Denyer is the incumbent Dally, Joyce, Murray-Benge and Thwaites are current WBOP councillors Holyoake is former CEO of the Western BOP council Borell has ran in previous Local Body Elections in the WBOP and Faa’soo is new to local politics

Nominations for the Western BOP District Council closed midday last Friday, August 1, with 55 people putting themselves forward for the 33 positions available, to represent their communities

The district will elect a mayor and nine councillors from three general wards and the district’s first Māori ward, Waka Kai Uru

Two community board areas only had as many candidates as there were seats Bevan Rakoia and Keith Wisnesky have been elected to the Kaimai East subdivision of the Ōmokoroa-Kaimai Community Board, and Sally Benning and Manvir Singh Mann to the Eastern seats of the Te Puke-East Community Board

If Mann won the councillor seat he was also standing for, there would be a byelection to replace him in the Eastern seat, electoral officer Warwick Lampp said All other wards, boards and subdivisions of boards had enough candidates for a contest

Katikati-Waihī Beach ward

There are six candidates for the two Katikati-Waihī Beach General Ward seats, nine candidates for the three Kaimai General Ward seats, and six candidates for

the three Maketu-Te Puke General Ward seats. The district’s first Māori ward, Waka Kai Uru, has three candidates standing for one vacancy

In Katikati, there are eight community board candidates, Maketu has six, and Waihī Beach has six

The new community board subdivisions have attracted 14 candidates – three for Ōmokoroa, three for Kaimai West, four for Te Puke; and two each for Eastern and Kaimai East (as above)

During coming weeks WBOP residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the candidates – with written profiles published on council’s Your Place Tō wahi website at: www.yourplace. westernbay.govt nz/elections on August 19, followed by 90-second candidate videos uploaded to council’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/wbopdc and Your Place Tō wāhi, on August 25.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s governance manager Robyn Garrett congratulated everyone who made the decision to stand for their community

“We know putting your name forward isn’t a small thing For many, it can feel like a bold or even daunting step – so regardless of what happens next, you ’ ve already shown courage and commitment to your community”

Following a recent representation review, WBOP district council’s structure changed for the 2025 and 2028 elections This year, most residents will vote for a Mayor, their ward councillor(s), and their community board representatives Matakana and Rangiwaea Islands residents will vote for a mayor and their ward councillors, as they are not part of a community board area

Western Bay of Plenty District Council uses the First Past the Post (FPP) voting system – which means voters simply tick the name of the person they most want to represent them in each category the candidate with the most votes wins

If not enrolled, residents can still able to enrol and vote in the election by way of a special vote To cast a special vote, a person would need to come into any of council’s five library and service centres, complete a declaration and be issued special voting papers to complete and return

Regional council

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council had also released its finalised list of candidates for the Local Body Elections

In the Western Bay of Plenty Regional Constituency four candidates would run for two vacancies. They were Cathi Barker, Neil Parker, John Scrimgeour and Ken Shirley

For the Mauao Māori Regional Constituency – which covers Waihī Beach through to and including Tauranga and Te Puke – three candidates would contest one vacancy. They are Matemoana McDonald, Paora Stanley and Ange Webster For the full candidate list for BOPRC’s elections, see: www boprc govt nz/elections

BOPRC governance manager Steve Groom said he was really pleased with the number and diversity of nominations, and that there would be an election in each of the regional council constituencies

“We have more nominations than we received in 2022 and I really applaud everyone who made the call to put themselves out there,” Groom said

“Now that people know who is standing in their constituency, it’s time to learn more about them and what they are standing for”

Voting

For both Western Bay of Plenty and Bay of Plenty Regional councils’ elections, voting packs would be in the post from September 9, and voting closes midday, October 11. The suggested final day to post voting forms in a NZ Post box is October 7.

Groom said there would be information

about where and how to vote in the voting packs, and a booklet with each candidate’s short profile

“We’ll also have a list of known Meet the Candidate events available on our website for people who are looking to find out more about who is standing ”

Event funds available

For community groups thinking about hosting events for the BOPRC election, the regional council has a small amount of funding available to help with costs involved, up to $500 for each event

“Good information is the enabler of democracy, so we want to support these events If you are planning one, check to see whether it’s eligible for this funding. There are criteria which must be met, so not all will be eligible, but it’s worth taking a look.”

Information about this funding is available at: www boprc govt nz/elections

Learn about candidates

Groom said the focus for the regional council will now move to the voting space

“We want to make sure people have as much information as possible around how to vote and where they can do that, so closer to voting packs being sent out we’ll have an interactive map available on our website where people can find a post box or voting bin near to them

“Depending on where you live, this may include supermarkets, council offices and libraries ”

Groom said the decision-making now shifts to the people of the Bay of Plenty

“This is your chance to influence who sits around the table, and what you value in the people who represent you

“We encourage everyone to now take the time to learn more about the candidates so that they can make an informed decision about who will represent them for the next three years ”

•

•

KATIKATI BOATING CLUB

3A Cresta Drive, Katikati

4 bed | 2 bath | 3 car

Our seller’s instructions are clear: this brick beauty must be sold Located in a quiet cul-de-sac near scenic walkways, this immaculate four-bedroom home offers open-plan living, a study nook, master with ensuite, internal double garage, and space for the motorhome Fully fenced with veggie gardens and shed LIM report available, call Grace today.

For Sale

By Negotiation

bower.co.nz/rx4638161

Grace Anderson 027 472 2301

11 Holyoake Terrace, Omokoroa

4 bed | 2 bath | 2 car

In a quiet Omokoroa cul-de sac, this sunny, north-facing 2010-built home offers relaxed family living Open-plan spaces

flow to a large deck with pergola and spa, perfect for entertaining

Enjoy two living areas, a central kitchen, and four bedrooms including a master with ensuite and walk-in robe Double glazing, heat pump, internal-access garage, and off-street parking add comfort The landscaped section features tropical gardens, fruit trees, raised vege beds, and a water glimpse

Close to school, buses, shops, beach, and harbour walkways this is lifestyle made easy

For Sale bowerco nz/rx4655841

Noel Benstead 027 525 3380

At OneRoof, we know Kiwis love their homes for all kinds of reasons. It could be the view. Or the space. Or because it’s been the scene of so many magic moments. Or because the kids are over the moon about it.

Whatever you’re looking for in your new home, you’ll find it at OneRoof. With thousands of property listings right across the country, there’s sure to be one to give your heart to.

ENDLESS MUSIC. ALWAYS FREE.