Katikati News - 6 March 2026

Katikati’s tennis prodigy

While most 11-year-olds are busy swapping Squishmallows and playing video games, Katikati’s Kristiana Hutcheson is doing something a little more impressive.

The Katikati News caught up with tennis champ Kristiana after she claimed

her first junior title on clay courts, winning the Tennis New Zealand 12u Girls Kiwi Clay Championship in Martinborough.

Last year she won more than 20 tournaments and already this year, she’s claimed multiple titles across regional and

national tournaments.

She said her goal was to “make it” in tennis, play more tournaments and win them, but also go pro soon.

“I just have to keep on persevering, keep going, and I will eventually make it I have the right team and support

with me ”

Proud mum Kristina Hutcheson has helped coach her daughter

“She’s had to fight for this one. ”

Read more about Kristiana and her achievements on page 2.

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How an 11-year-old became a tennis champion

An 11-year-old from Katikati is building an impressive tennis resume as she makes her mark on the national tennis stage.

From small-town courts to a national junior champion, Kristiana Hutchesson is proving big dreams can grow anywhere.

“I really enjoy winning and doing something I love,” she said.

The home-schooled student claimed her first junior national title last week on clay courts, winning the Tennis New Zealand 12u Girls Kiwi Clay Championships in Martinborough.

It marked a milestone victory in what is already an impressive young career

Kristiana has represented New Zealand and won more than 40 tournaments nationwide in the past few years.

Good feeling

She plays under Tennis Western Bay and has developed her game with the help of Bay of Plenty coaches Peter Blow, Paul Bell and Christophe Lambert.

Kristiana said it felt “really good” to win her first junior national tournament.

“I got really excited, and whether I was going to win or not, I had to keep pushing through.”

Kristiana picked up tennis at 9 years old during the summer holidays.

“We had nothing to do, so we went down to the tennis courts, and my parents started doing really big amounts of training trying to make us fit.”

She then started competing in tournaments and said she was winning them “ a lot”.

Last year, she won more than 20

tournaments, and this year alone Kristiana has already claimed multiple titles across regional and national competitions.

She won the Tennis Northern Junior Tournaments Sunday Series Girls Singles event, competing above her age group in the 16 and under grade.

Her success extended to doubles competition, where she won the Wairarapa Summer Open 14 and Under Girls Doubles title.

She also won the Tennis Manawatū Tier 3 and Manawatū Open, winning both the 12 and Under Girls Singles and the 14 and Under Girls Doubles crowns.

Her most recent victory was the 12u Girls Kiwi Clay Championships title, which Kristiana said she was most proud of

“It’s very slippery, the clay You slide a lot, and then the ball bounces a lot higher than usual.”

She said her goal was to “make it” in tennis, play more tournaments and win them, but also go pro soon.

“I just have to keep on persevering, keep going, and I will eventually make it. I have the right team and support with me. ”

Achievements

Kristiana‘s mum, Kristina Hutchesson, has helped coach her daughter and said she was proud of her achievements.

“She’s had to fight for this one. ” Hutchesson said she noticed “ pretty early” that Kristiana had potential in tennis “She started winning a lot of tournaments and just hitting the ball really well.”

She said Kristiana’s national junior title

showed the family was on the “right pathway” to help their daughter succeed.

“We’re not from a tennis background, we have to make a lot of mistakes to find the right opportunities, so when she won a national title, everything seemed to be locking into place.”

Hutchesson said she would offer her daughter various opportunities, and Kristiana would decide for herself whether to compete or not.

The village offers a range of one and two bedroom co ages as well as a 65 bed care facility providing resthome and hospital level care for con nuity of care

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Spinal injury at public pool prompts diving pause

Diving has been temporarily banned at most public pools in Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty after a teen suffered a spinal injury.

The accident has sparked a review of pool diving safety that could have national implications.

In November, a 16-year-old girl was swimming in the 25-metre lap pool at Greerton Aquatic Centre when the accident happened, NZME previously reported.

She dove from the bulkhead into the deep end and struck the bottom, knocking her unconscious.

She was resuscitated and airlifted to Middlemore Hospital National Spinal Unit for treatment

In response to this incident, pool operator Bay Venues has paused all recreational diving across its aquatic venues while a full incident review is carried out.

The Tauranga City Council-controlled operation also runs the Otumoetai, Memorial Park, Baywave and Mount Hot Pools (currently closed), as well as the Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s seasonal Te Puke Memorial Pool and Dave Hume Pools in Katikati - which opened in December after a

D Deep-water poolls at Baywave and d Te Puke were not included in the diving ban.

Bay Venues chief executive Chad Hooker said the diving decision reflected a commitment to customer safety

thhe reviiew to manage any riiskk, h he saiid

Ther when th comple It wa Aotearo body, to perspec They a any cha operato similar the safe Hooker “This guidanc and t can s “W may cu th w

“There is no confirmed timeline of his thorough review process will be ete. ”

as working with Recreation oa, the national aquatics industry o examine this from a national ctive. aimed to identify and implement anges that could help pool ors around the country prevent accidents in the future, and ensure ety of customers and communities, r said. work will help shape clear national ce around minimum pool depths the conditions under which diving safely take place.

We recognise this pause in diving y have an impact on some of our stomers, and we thank them for heir patience and understanding while we work through this process ”

“All swimming meets, and events run by schools and other community organisations, need to use in-water starts at the moment as part of this pause in diving, in the interest of clarity and to avoid any confusion, misinterpretations, or misunderstandings as to who has/hasn’t had formal dive start training.”

“ “There i is pause f for swiimmers usiing the pool for recreation, which does not impact on swimmers during their sessions with our club ”

Head coach Riccardo Pini said Evolution Aquatics and other clubs that have a coach on the pool deck during training hours were not affected by the ban.

– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air refurbishment.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council reserves and facilities manager Peter Watson said the council supported the decision Bay Venues was working directly with clubs and coaches on a case-by-case basis during

Watson said it was anticipated that any future allowance for diving may include strict caveats, such as limiting dives to sanctioned competitions or coached sessions under trained supervision.

Many swimming clubs unaffected

Swimming Bay of Plenty spokeswoman Karen Nixon said the ban had no impact on their club members because diving was still allowed at Baywave.

“Also, diving is allowed under specialist supervision at other pools, for example, under the direct supervision or instruction of a qualified swim club coach or a registered learn to swim instructor” Omanu Swim Club operates at a pool not owned by Bay Venues so it was not affected either

Evolution Aquatics is a swimming club based at Otumoetai Pools, which is affected by the diving ban

A club spokesperson said Bay Venues communicated very well with them regarding the policy change.

“Young swimmers should learn to perform race dives following the correct and safe progressions. Teaching/coaching is the key here.”

Pini said a range of potential hazards and dangers were present at any swimming pool complex.

“Those hazards should be periodically assessed and minimised to ensure everybody’s safety”

Liz van Welie Aquatics’ swim club hired lanes and was a professional, supervised group, so van Welie said the diving pause did not impact them.

Van Welie said during training the club generally did not do a lot of dive starts, unless it was close to a peak competition

She said they also had their own pool to train in, with dive blocks.

Lane returns to Western Bay council

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has appointed Annika Lane as its new general manager of strategy and community. She will join council’s executive leadership team from March 23.

Lane returns to the council next month after previously holding the role of general manager policy and planning from 2006 to 2010

Since then, she has worked with organisations including Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Auckland Council, Waikato Regional Council, and the Cook Islands National

Environment Service.

Based in Tanners Point, Lane brings both a strong local connection and a broad perspective shaped by her work across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, including leadership roles focused on legislative reform, governance, and long term systems change, said council’s acting chief executive Miriam Taris

She said Lane’s appointment was a strong fit for the organisation’s strategic direction and its commitment to community focused outcomes.

“Annika brings deep expertise,

strong leadership capability, and a genuine commitment to community centred outcomes We are very fortunate to have someone of her calibre joining our executive leadership team, and I know she will make a valuable contribution to Western Bay and to the work we do for our communities,” Taris said In her role Lane would take responsibility for spatial planning, legislative and policy reform, and strategic programmes that support sustainable growth and strong community outcomes across the Western Bay – helping shape how towns and rural communities grow over time, supporting council through significant legislative change, and ensuring long-term planning reflects the needs and aspirations of local communities

talented staff and committed elected members to continue delivering highquality services across the Western Bay of Plenty District.

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Lane said it was an exciting time to be working in local government. “I’m looking forward to working with our

“What really attracted me to this role is the council’s strong focus on community development and its collaborative way of working with people and partners. ”

Councilsets direction aheadof community consultation

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has confirmed the key issues it will take to the community as part of its upcoming consultation on the draft Annual Plan 2026/27 At a workshop last week, elected members worked through a series of financial and strategic decisions to shape the Council’s services and budget for the year ahead e discussions focused on several significant challenges including the condition of the district’s roading network following recent severe weather, funding arrangements for Community Boards, and proposed changes to volumetric water charges

As a result, Council is proposing an 8 13% rates increase for existing ratepayers, with the overall average rates increase reaching 9.13% once growth is included is is lower than the 9 64% increase forecast for 2026/27 in the Long Term Plan 2024–34

The Annual Plan sets out the work Council intends to undertake in the coming financial year, how it will be paid for, and what adjustments have been made compared to the Long Term Plan

Mayor James Denyer said preparing this year ’ s draft plan had been particularly challenging

“Many households are already under significant pressure from rising costs, and Council has been very conscious of that reality as we ’ ve worked through the draft Annual Plan

growing communities, and a range of new requirements from central government

Balancing those pressures while keeping rates as affordable as possible is not easy ”

He said the draft plan reflects a careful, disciplined approach

“It’s about focusing on essential services, being upfront about the financial picture, and asking for community feedback where there are real choices to be made ”

Key items in the draft Annual Plan include:

-An additional $3.1 million for roading, responding to weather related network pressures

Reducing the fixed portion of rates to ease the burden on low and medium value properties

-Increasing the volumetric water charge from $1 75 to $2 01 to better reflect a user pays approach

-A revised approach to Community Board funding, splitting costs between targeted rates (paid by residents within each Board area) and General Rates (paid district wide).

Reducing the Community Roading allocation from $904,061 to $500,000 due to high reserve levels for discretionary projects

-A proposed $60,000 investment to install a fluoride free tap at the Waihī Beach Water Treatment Plant for public access

Council will formally adopt the Consultation Document and supporting material on March 19

“At the same time, councils across the country y are facing g increasing costs,

Community consultation will run from 20 March to 20 April 2026, with multiple ways to participate

‘Have a go ’ : Children’s ‘try-athlon’ returns to Ōmokoroa

Sixty-five children from nine Bay of Plenty schools have so far registered for this year ’ s “have a go try-athlon” at the Ōmokoroa Domain.

Hosted by Pahoia School, the event will take place on March 21 at 9am. It is open to children aged five to 13.

Pahoia School deputy principal Helen Maxey said the event was targeted at children who have “ never even tried or experienced any kind of multisport before”.

“It might foster a love for them of choosing an event. It is accessible to anybody from trainer wheels to someone who’s been cycling for five years

“It really is about ‘have a go ’ ”

Maxey said the swim was a “splash through the water”.

“Children kind of run through the water or swim, whichever they prefer”

They then head out for the cycling leg.

“For the little kids, it’s on the waterfront there at Ōmokoroa.

The older kids, they go up the hill in Ōmokoroa and then they come back into transition and do their run. ”

Distances varied per age group, with the older children starting first, she said.

Maxey said last year ’ s event had children from more than 30 schools.

Horticulture business Apata, which has packhouse/coolstore facilities in Te Puke, Katikati and Paengaroa, was the try-athalon’s majjor sponsor

“Last year ’ s event was amazing. Really good turnout - we ended up with good weather the Apata guys are brilliant.

“They came along, gave out medals. It was just a really nice family feel and everyone gets encouraged.

“The thing we love about it the most is that the older students – because they’ve finished –they can then support and run alongside the little kids ”

Maxey said entry cost $30 per child. Every participant would receive a try-athlon T-shirt, participation medal, competitor

wristband, and go in the draw to win a mountain bike

The event was a fundraiser for Pahoia School, with staff and parents runniing i it.

“We fundraise for things like our junior adventure playground, etc.

”

Maxey said food and drinks would also be available, and raffle tickets for some “amazing prizes”, including Snowplanet family passes.

People can register on the school’s website or event Facebook page.

Early bird registrations close on March 18, and late registrations on the day will cost $40.

Contact fundraise@pahoia. school.nz for more information

Creator of KiwiGreen IPM remembered

An award-winning scientist’s pioneering work in horticulture will be remembered long after his passing.

Dr David Steven, who died in Auckland recently, developed integrated pest management (IPM) systems for both the kiwifruit and avocado industries

Armed with a BSc (Hons) and a PhD, David began his career at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Research Centre in Levin before moving to the entomology division of the DSIR at the Mount Albert Research Centre in 1975

Breakthrough

His development of the KiwiGreen IPM in 1991 came at a crucial time in the history of New Zealand kiwifruit, with exports under threat – particularly in Europe – as traditional “calendar spraying” was leaving a relatively high load of pesticide on the fruit New Zealand kiwifruit growers had relied on cheap, persistent pesticides applied on a regular schedule, regardless of whether they were needed or not Before the European export situation came to a head, Dr Steven and his team at the DSIR had already been working for several years on developing pest monitoring techniques for kiwifruit and learning how to control pests using softer pesticides

He had to devise monitoring techniques for key kiwifruit pests and then determine a critical level for each of these pests that, if exceeded, would justify the need for a spray

His greatest challenge would prove to be convincing growers who had spent years using the same spray programme that they actually did not need to spray if the pest numbers were below a critical threshold, and then getting them to switch to using softer chemicals that left fewer residues

Dr Steven and his team succeeded in pulling together the key elements of an IPM system –KiwiGreen - within two years

Field trials

Such was the faith of the industry in his approach, Dr Steven was allowed to run field trials on an unheard-of scale, using entire orchards that accounted for a large percentage of kiwifruit industry production

The success of his approach and the urgency of the problem was such that within four years of those initial trials, the entire kiwifruit industry was required to implement KiwiGreen pest monitoring

Dr Steven left government employment in 1995 to set up his own research company IPM with his wife Jill

He continued his work with the kiwifruit industry, refining KiwiGreen, as an independent researcher

In 1997, he was awarded the Royal Society of

New Zealand Science and Technology Medal by the Governor-General in recognition of his work in developing the KiwiGreen programme

He was made a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Horticultural Science in 2000, recognising his contributions to both the society and the field

He turned his attention to the avocado industry in 2002, helping to design and oversee the implementation of the IPM system AvoGreen

Dr Steven worked closely with the industry, providing mentoring and technical support until AvoGreen was eventually made mandatory for export avocado production in 2010

New Zealand Avocado CEO Brad Siebert said:

“David’s expertise was invaluable as the avocado industry developed its IPM programme, AvoGreen, and we remain indebted to the skills he brought to the sector ”

Dr Steven also collated research material for an IPM manual for the persimmon industry, where he was employed for several years as research manager

Advice sought

When Psa – a bacterium that can kill kiwifruit vines – hit the industry in 2010, Dr Steven’s advice was sought on how IPM principles could be applied to the management of this devastating disease

In 2017, the kiwifruit Industry Advisory Council awarded Dr Steven its prestigious Hayward Medal for his enormous impact in a lifetime of service to the kiwifruit industry

When presenting the medal, IAC chairman and Zespri director Paul Jones said it recognised Dr Steven’s work to fundamentally shift how the industry manages pests and diseases, improving environmental outcomes and underscoring confidence in Zespri kiwifruit

“KiwiGreen fundamentally shifted how the kiwifruit industry manages diseases and pests and changed the philosophy of agrichemical use forever”

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated chief executive Colin Bond told Coast & Country News that Dr David Steven made an enormous contribution to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry by introducing a complete shift in dealing with pests and diseases

“David’s pest-management programme KiwiGreen revolutionised the industry by targeting specific pests and diseases with environmentally friendly chemicals

“This not only saved money but importantly, protected the environment as well,” Colin says

“New Zealand’s kiwifruit growers mourn the loss of this great pioneer”

Dr David Steven was also on the end of the kiwifruit grower helpline for many years, advising growers on what and when to spray to help ensure they could deliver the highest-quality fruit to market

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Avocado orchards or bare land suitable for kiwifruit Wanted!

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Fairview community celebrates securing golf course through to 2061

Fairview community secures golf course, becomes Fairview Golf and Country Club

Fairview, Bay of Plenty After months of uncertainty about the future of the golf course, residents of Fairview Estate can now celebrate Following an overwhelming vote of support from Country Club members, the golf course has been formally added as a Country Club facility, securing its future through to 2061 and providing certainty for the more than 400 residents who call this Bay of Plenty community home

With this decision, Fairview Estate will now operate as Fairview Golf and Country Club - a name that reflects the full lifestyle offering residents enjoy Beyond the 18-hole golf course, the community features a health studio, indoor pool and spa, tennis courts, BBQ areas, clubhouse with indoor and outdoor seating, and an on-site café It’s a complete package that makes Fairview Golf and Country Club a compelling place to call home

Kat Gardner Chairperson and newly appointed General Manager of the Fairview Golf and Country Club, captured the relief and joy felt by residents, saying “bringing the golf course under the Country Club umbrella unifies Fairview’s facilities and strengthens what makes this such a special place to live Even for those who aren’t golfers, the open green space, beautiful views, and sense of escape the course provides add so much to daily life As a newer resident myself, I can say that Fairview already feels like home and this decision gives us all confidence in a vibrant and connected future here ”

The outcome means long-term residents have certainty about the amenities they value, while newcomers can invest with confidence in a lifestyle community with secured recreational facilities

It’s positive news for both community living and property values

“This is a significant and positive outcome for the Fairview community,” said Ross Collins, resident of 17 years and Licensed Real Estate Agent

“It provides long-term certainty and reinforces Fairview s position as one of the most desirable lifestyle communities in the Bay of Plenty, which

is great news for property sales and future investment ”

This positive result has been achieved through productive collaboration between members, the committee and the owners (Fairview Estate Limited), who together have demonstrated genuine commitment to securing Fairview’s future

Aran Blackmore, on behalf of Fairview Estate Limited, commented: “We are absolutely delighted that the amenity and community spirit at Fairview will be retained for decades to come Achieving this outcome is the result of the hard work of many passionate people The decision means we move forward together to make Fairview an even better place to live and play ”

The transition to ‘Fairview Golf and Country Club’ unifies all the village’s facilities under one banner,

reflecting the comprehensive lifestyle amenities that residents enjoy every day

An important aspect of securing the golf course’s future is keeping it accessible to the wider community The golf club welcomes members and visitors from across the Bay of Plenty and you don’t need to live at Fairview Estate to join and enjoy the 18-hole course and clubhouse facilities

This open membership approach ensures the golf course remains a vibrant, well-supported facility that serves both residents and the broader region Whether you live locally or are considering relocating to the area, now is an excellent time to explore membership or visit Fairview Golf and Country Club

For those considering making Fairview their home the secured golf course and transition to Fairview Golf and Country Club provides certainty about the lifestyle on offer

Recognised as one of the best-value golf and lifestyle communities in New Zealand Fairview Golf and Country Club offers a quality recreational environment in a prime Bay of Plenty location With more than 400 residents already established and freehold homes available for purchase, newcomers can join a proven community with confidence in its long-term future

Whether you’re a keen golfer or simply someone who values green spaces, quality amenities, and a welcoming environment, Fairview Golf and Country Club offers a great place to make home and with the future now secured, there’s never been a better time to join the community

About Fairview Golf and Country Club

Located in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, Fairview Golf and Country Club offers a premium lifestyle setting recreational amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere for both residents and the wider area With the 18-hole golf course now secured until 2061 the future at Fairview has never looked brighter