Katikati News - 10 October 2025

Avofestgoes country!

Canadian-bornNewZealandcountry singer-songwriterTamiNeilsonhashad asmashingyear.Shereleasedhernew albumtitled‘NeonCowgirl’inJuly,which featuresNeilFinn,JDMcPherson,Ashley McBrydeandGraceBowers. ShealsotouredAmericawithnoneother

thancountrylegendWillieNelsonwith whomshesungtheAPRABestCountry MusicSongAward-winning‘Beyond TheStars’,andBobDylan,andshowsin France,BelgiumandtheNetherlands.

Backhome,she’ssettobringherbelter ofavoicetoheadlinetheKatikatiAvoFest

2026attheUretaraDomainonJanuary 10.

Why?Well,becausethat’swhatavofest loversaskedfor!KatchKatikatievents managerKylieWatkinssaidherteamopted toinviteNeilsontoperforminfrontof thefestival’spredicted4000-strongcrowd

aftersurveyingpreviousticket-holderson whatmusicthey’dliketohearatafuture instalment.“Countrymusiccameoutas themostpopulargenre,”saidWatkins. “It’saboutgivingouraudiencethemusic theymostwantedtohear.”

Readmoreonpage9. Photo/BabicheMartens

Katikati NEWS

Concertfrompassionateband

KatikatiConcertBandwantsthe communitytoknowthatthey’re hostinganend-of-yearconcertthis month.

BandpresidentKarenGohsaidthe concertwillbeheldonSaturday, October25,from4pmatStPaul’s PresbyterianChurchonMulganSt.

Gohsaidthebandhasmorethan 15members,agedfrom14toabout 70,whoplayarangeofinstruments. “Weareaconcertband–whichmeans we’vegotallinstrumentsatourdisposal exceptstringinstruments.

“We’vegotwoodwinds–flutes, claranets,saxes;thebrasses–trumpets, trombones,tubas;andwehavethe percussioninstrumentsbutwedon’t havetheviolins,thecellosorthedouble basses.Ifyouhavestrings,youbecome anorchestra.”

Classicalfavourites

TheOctober25concertwillbe performedunderthebatonofHiro Kobayashi,Gohsaid.“Wewillperform classicalfavouritesfromBach,Brahms, Tchaikovsky,Grieg,HolstandGershwin, tomodern‘classics’fromLesMiserables, DeepPurpleandQueen.”

SheinvitedtheWesternBayofPlenty communitytocomealongandenjoy thelikesof‘HungarianDanceNo.5’, ‘Morning’,‘IntheHalloftheMountain King’,‘MarchfromTheNutcracker’ andthequirky‘WalkingtheDog’.

“Foraquietermoment,wewillplay thetraditionalMāorilullaby‘Hinee

KatikatiConcertBandwillperformitsend-of-yearconcertonOctober25.

hine’whichmanyofyouwillrecognise from‘GoodnightKiwi’whichusedto signaltheendofTVNZ’sbroadcastfor thedayinthe1980s-1990s.”

Gohsaidaselectionofraffleswillbe drawnattheconcert’sclosingtohelp thebandfundraiseforitsongoingcosts ofperformingandrehearsalroomhire. “Sograbyourticketsontheday!They will$2eachorthreefor$5–andbein thedrawstowin!”

TheKatikatiConcertBand’sendof

yearconcertisonSaturday,October 25,from4pmatStPaul’sPresbyterian ChurchonMulganSt.Theconcert willstartat4pm,doorsopen3.30pm. Ticketscost$10eachatthedooror fromTheArtsJunction–orpurchase ticketsonlineat:www.theartsjunction. org.nz.Childrenagedunder12gain freeentry.Formoreinformation,visit: www.katikaticoncertband.co.nzor follow‘KatikatiConcertBand’ onFacebook.

Built,blessedandreadyfortenants!

Thenewly-constructedAbbeyfield HouseinKatikatihasnowbecomea home–thankstoanearly-morning blessingonSeptember29–and todaytenantsbeginmovingin.

Aftersixyearsoffundraising,thefacility hasbeenconstructedonWillsRdto offeralargefamily-stylehouseforsenior residentswithmodestorlimitedassets.

AbbeyfieldWesternBayofPlenty–the committeebehindit–securedfundsfrom philanthropictrusts,individualdonations andgrants,andtheMinistryofHousing andUrbandevelopment,alongwith runningmultiplefundraisingeventsto purchasethelandandpaytobuild thehouse.

AbbeyfieldWBOPcommittee chairpersonCaroleParkersaidtherecent blessinghadturnedthehouseintoa home.“Theblessingwassomething wewantedtodo,becausewe’vedone blessingswhenwepurchasedthelandand turnedthefirstsoil.It’simportantforus, anditturneditfromahouseintoahome beforetheresidentsstarttomovein.”

Parkersaidlocaliwialongsideformer Katikatiresident,ReverendBrendan Gibbs,tooktheformalities.“Brendanwas oneoftheoriginalcommitteemembers, soitwaswonderfultohavehimcome backtobepartofthatblessing.”

Sixmonths

Mount-basediLineConstructionhad securedthebuildingcontractandspent thelastsixmonthson-sitemakingthe dreambecomearealityfortheAbbeyfield WBOPcommittee.

iLineConstruction’sOliverSimpson saidthebuildinghadpasseditsfinal councilbuildinginspectionandhisteam

wasthisweeksortingafewtouch-ups beforethesitehandover.

“Wewouldhavehadatpeak25people on-site,butitebbedandflowed.Lotsof subcontractorsfromallaroundtheBay ofPlentyhavebeeninvolved.It’sareally neatprojectandIknowthecommittee haveworkedreallyhardtogetthisto cometofruition.”

Parker,whosaidAbbeyfieldWBOP hadworkedontheprojectforsixyears–backinearly-2024stillhadashortfallof $280,000.“Weworkedhardtoraisethat andthenreceivedagenerousdonation fromaKatikaticouple,whogaveus $50,000viatheAcornFoundation.”

‘Overwhelming’

Parker,whoherselfhadbeenpartofthe committeeforsixyears,saidgettingto thepointofhavingthehomefinishedand readyfortenantswas“overwhelming”.

“Whenwehavealookatthehouse, afterseeingaplanonapieceofpaperfor years,andhavingpeoplecometovisitand say:‘ThisismyroomandI’llbemoving in’–it’sjustincredible,”saidParker. “Butthere’sstillalotwe’reworkingon–becauseoncetenantsmoveinwehaveto actuallyrunthehouse.”

ParkertookKatikatiNewsforatour earlierthisweekbeforetenantsbegan movingin.Thehouseissplitintothree wings,withatotalof14studio-style rooms.Eachhasalargewardrobe/storage area,awalk-inbathroomensuiteplus alargestudioroomwithasmallfridge andbenchspaceforakettletomakehot drinks.

Eachroomopensviaranchsliderto aprivateoutdoorterracewithasmall gardeniftenantswanttotendtoit.

“We’vedesignedthehousewiththree wingsbecausethisgivessunlightintoeach room,whichareallnorthfacing,eveninwinter.”

formanagementforadministration. Parkerherselfwillbethevolunteer housemanager,workingwithateam ofvolunteers.Thefacility’sthree housekeepershadbeenemployedto coversevendaysaweekandwerebusy preparingfortheresidentstomovein, saidParker.

Volunteers

Therestofthefacility’smaintenance andadministrationteamwerevolunteers. “Wehaveagroupoffivewho’llbethe housemanagementteam,therestofthe committeewilldothegovernance,anda listofvolunteerswillhelpuswiththings likethegardensandothertaskstolook afterthehouse”

dohavetheirownstudiospaces,but theywillmeetandmingleforactivities, dinners,thingslikethat.”

ThefacilityisfencedandhasCCTV andasecuritysystem,soitfeelssafe, saidParker.Sometenantshavevehicles –aparkinglotison-site–andasmall internalgaragewouldbeforparking mobilityscootersande-bikes.

Warm,safe,secure

Parkersaidthecommitteewantedthe housetobeabeautiful,warm,secure,safe placewheretenantscanaccesshealthy mealsandspendtimesocialisingwith others.

Tenantsmaketheirown breakfastatapermanent ‘breakfast’minikitchen, whichispartofthelarge communallivingroomdiningarea.Alargekitchen isadjacent–withtwo stove-tops,twoovens,two dishwashersandtwofridges –forhousekeepersto preparetwomealsperday fortenants.Twolaundry rooms,withamplestorage, ateitherendofthefacility enabletenantstodotheir ownwashing. Thefacilityhasanoffice

Parkersaid11residentsarelinedupto movein“andwe’regoingthroughthe selectionprocesstoidentifythefinal three”.

The14residentswillbeamixofmale andfemale,andallareeitherKatikati peopleorhaveaconnectiontoKatikati, Parkersaid.“Somereturningtothetown nowthattheycanlivehereaffordably, ortheyhavefamilyheretheywanttobe closeto.”

Parkersaidateamofthreehadthetask ofselectingtenantsfromapplications “toensurethere’sagroupofcompatible peoplewhocanlivetogetherandflat togetherinthishousehold”.

Itwasreallyimportantforalltenantsto beabletogetalong,Parkersaid.“They

“Oneofthekeythingsisthatsocial isolation–wehearaboutpeopleontheir own,whodon’tgetoutmuch,aren’t capableofdoingsoforvariousreasons–sothetenantsarereallyhappytheyare comingtoaplacewheretheycansocially connectwithothers.

“Oncetheygettoknowoneanother thereisopportunityforthemtomake newfriends.”

ParkersaidAbbeyfieldWBOPwasstill receivingtenancyapplications,andthis wasideal.

“Thisisbecauseourresidentsmaybe hereforalongorashorttime–vacancies mayarisefordifferentreasons.So,if peopleareinterested,we’restilltaking applications.”

Findoutmoreat:www.abbeyfield.co.nz/ house/wbop/

FUNDDELIVERS INITIATIVESWITHIMPACT FOROLDERKIWIS

Inanationwherethepopulationisageingrapidly,fueling innovativethinkingandbringingboldideastolifeisatthe heartofafundcreatedtoimprovethewellbeingofour olderpeople.

Drivenbycorevaluesofcareandcompassion,coupled withadesiretosupportdeliveryofhigh-qualitycarefor olderpeoplewhoneedit,regardlessofplace,not-for-profit residentialagedcareproviderCHTCareHomesmakes substantialannualgrantsthroughitsCHTAgedCareFund. Multiplegrantsareawardedeachyeartoprojectsfocusedon accesstocare,researchintotheneedsofolderpeople,and agedcareworkforcedevelopment.

CarriannHall,ChiefExecutiveatCHTCareHomesreflects onthemeaningfulresultsoftheprojectsdeliveredtodate andtheirtangibleimpactacrossmanyareas.

“Theneedsofolderpeople,andthecommunitiestheyare partof,arediverseandevolving,”saysMrsHall.“Through thisfundwecanhelpthosewiththeideasandexpertiseto deliverimpactfulinitiativestomakearealdifference.”

“Wearecommittedtodeliveringaresident-focused experienceinourcarehomes,whilstalsorecognisingthatwe canplayamuchwiderroleinthewellbeingofolderpeople, throughourAgedCareFund.”

ProjectswithImpact

Abroadrangeoforganisationshavereceivedsupportfrom thefund,eachwithacleargoaltogenerateimprovementsin care,researchorworkforcedevelopment.

TheThirdAgeHealth‘NavigatingWellness’freeresources aredesignedtohelpimprovethepersonalhealthcare journeyforolderpeople,withanexceptionalresponsetothe handbookresultinginthecreationofanonlinehealthchecker toolwhichhelpstostreamlineandmaximisevisitstotheGP.

CreatedbytheNewZealandDementiaFoundation, theDementiaSTARs(ShortTrainingsinAwarenessand Responsiveness)freeeducationalresourcekitswere createdtoassistthedementiacareworkforceincluding medical,nursing,supportworkersandeducators.Theeight modulesarebuiltonexpertresearchandsoundeducational principlesandaredesignedtobeeasilyintegratedinto everydaypractice.

‘BreakingBarriers: Understandingthe SocialConnection ChallengesofOlder Adults’isareport fromAgeConcern. Thereportdraws attentiontothe detrimentalimpact oflonelinessand socialisolationamongsomeolderadultsrevealingahidden struggle,profoundlyaffectingtheirqualityoflife.This researchreportdelvesintotheintricatewebofbarriers thatcanhinderolderadultsfromparticipatinginsocial connectionopportunitiesinourcommunities.

Gotanidea?Applynow.

Grantsareconsideredforprojectsthatshowaclear transferablebenefit,withadefinedpurposeandoutcome. Successfulprojectsmustproviderobustkeyperformance indicatorsandreportingtoensureeachgrantisbeingused toitsfullestcapacity,withmaximumimpact.

Expressionsofinterestforthe2025roundofCHTAged CareFundgrantsarenowopenuntil31October2025.

Tofindoutmoreandapplyvisit: cht.co.nz/aged-care-fund/

Fromeyesoretotaonga–newmuralforKatikati

Aprojectfocusedondeliveringmeaningful artfortheKatikaticommunityhas transformedaonceoverlookedroadside substationonStateHighway2intoa vibrantcommunityasset.

TravellersandthepeopleoftheKatikati communitynowhaveastrikingmuraltowelcome themtothearea,saidPowercocustomergeneral managerStuartDickson.

“Thisismorethanjustamural–it’sataongathat incorporatesthestoriesofTuapiroMaraeandits peoplethroughbeautifulsymbolismandimageryof thenaturallandscape,”hesaidinastatement. Themuralwasunveiledatadawnblessingon September26withrepresentativesfromTuapiro, TeRereatukahiaandOtawhiwhihapūandPowerco present.

Developedinpartnershipwithtangatawhenua atTuapiroMarae,themuralispaintedbyartist SarahKolver,workingincollaborationwithMarino Magee(tewhānauaTauwhao).

Themuralrunsacrosstwowallsofthesubstation andincorporatesthestoryofthepeopleofthe whenuaandreferencesthekōwhaiwhaithatlines thewharenuiofthemarae,weavedintoimagery ofasunriseandakōtareononewall,andasunset andakereruontheotherwall.

“Along-standinggoalofourshasbeento collaboratewithmanawhenuatosharetheir storiesandtaongainthiswayandwe’rethrilled withtheoutcome,”saidDickson.

“Travellersandpeopleintherohetrulyhavea treasuretoenjoy.”he

Thisartonassetprojectwasoneofmany aroundPowerco’sfootprint,wherethecompany collaboratedwithartiststhroughoutthe communitiesitoperatedtopaintmuralsonsome ofitselectricityandgasassets.

“Ourartonassetsprogrammeisoneway wemitigatetheimpactourassetshaveonthe environment.”

Themuralwasalsodesignedtohelpprevent graffitiatthissite.

Communityprojects receive more than$160,000in funding

WesternBayofPlenty District Councilhasgrantedatotalof $161, 9to40organisations as recipientsofits2025 Community MatchingFund. This ear,grantsranging from $1000to$12,416would hel localorganisationsdeliver projects acrosstherohe(district) – from youthskillsprogrammes an community sportsupgrades to coastalrestorationand predator-freeenvironmental initiatives.

The matchingfundinitiative was establishedtosupport projects ledbynot-for-profit community groupsworkingfor t e benefitoftheircommunities. Grantsare‘matched’ona ‘50/50’ basis–council’shalfisa cas rant,whilethecommunity contri utioncanbemadeupof an combinationofvolunteer labour, donatedprofessional services,fundsraisedthrough ot er meansand/ordonations. totalof$161,269was grante to40organisations, including$100,462for31 social, recreationalandcultural initiatives,and$60,807fornine e vironmentalinitiatives.

The‘EnvironmentalFund’ focusedonbiodiversity,pre ator control,sustainableland management,nativeplanning andcommunity education. Amongthosetoreceivefun ing wastheParaitiCatchment are Group,whichisexpanding itspredatorcontrolnetw t or withself-resettingtraps. The projectbooststrappingca acit inremoteareas,protectin nativewildlife,includingt e threatenedkōkako,andsup orts theKEEPinitiativetorestore andconnecthabitatsbetw t een theŌtanewainukuandKa aroa forests.

Fundselectionpanelmember JohnScrimgeoursaiditwas inspiringtoseesomanygro ps acrossthedistricttakingactio to maketheircommunitiesstronger, safer,andmoreinclusive.

“Theseprojectsshowthe power ofcollaborationbetw t eenco ncil andcommunity todeliver real, tangiblebenefitsforourpeo le andourenvironment.”

The ‘GeneralFund’supported a wi e variety ofprojectsacross yout evelopment,sports, co munity facilities,outdoor e ucation,healthandwellbeing, a local gardens–fromnew football posts at Kati ati oot all Club to a se sor arde at e Ranga School in Te Puke

Asaresult,Scrimgeoursaid theCommunity Matching Fun continuedtobeanimpactful wayofsupportinglocalgroups andhelpingthemturntheir ideas intomeaningfulbenefitsfor o r communities.

“Manycommunity groups are motivatedtomakeadifference but struggle to raise fun s, so wor ing toget er li e t is ma es all the di erence ”

Get moving Waihī Beach!

TheMOVEwithYou,WaihīBeach communitychallengeisbackand biggerthanever,withafullmonth offree,inclusivefamilyfunevents designedtogetlocalsmoving, connecting,andsupportingmental wellbeing.

paddleboard–tobegivenawayatthe finalcelebration,”Claresaid.

Individualsandteamscantracktheir progressonpaperorviaStrava,and participantsareencouragedtoshare theiradventuresonlinewiththehashtag #movewithyouwaihibeach.

RunninguntilNovember2,the initiative,nowinitsthirdyear,offersa rangeofwaystogetactiveandconnected –whetherthat’swalking,running,biking, swimming,paddling,orsimplymoving for30minutesaday.Participantscan takeononeoffourpersonalchallenges: completeamarathondistance(42km), anIronmandistance(226km),climbthe Trigtrack25times,orcommittodaily movement.

WesternBayofPlentyresidentshave onedaylefttovoteinthe2025Local BodyElectionsbeforetheballotboxes closemiddaytomorrow,October11.

Thisyearthereweremoreopportunitiesto votethaneverbefore,with20orangevoting binsthroughoutthedistrict,atWestern BayofPlentyDistrictCouncil’slibraryand servicecentresand,forthefirsttime,at supermarketsandotherlocalstores.

Votingpapersarrivedinmailboxesfrom September9-22,andwhileitwasnow toolatetoputvotingpapersbackinthe mail–theycouldstillbedroppedin

“WeinitiallyweregoingtocallitWalk withYouWaihīBeach,butwewantitto beinclusiveofeveryone,whetheryou’re inawheelchair,canwalkorrun,”said CindyClare,communitycoordinator withLiveWellWaihīBeach,whichleads thecampaign.

Claresaidnomatterwhatageorfitness level;thecoreobjectivesaretogetpeople outdoorsandspendingtimewitheach otherexploringWaihīBeachandcaring abouteachother’shealthandwellbeing.

EventsduringOctoberincludeECHO WalkingFestivalspecifichikes,Youngat Heartgentlewalks,PilatesinthePark andafinaleeventattheWaihīBeachSurf LifesavingClubwithgumbootthrowing onthebeach,aspeakersharingabout mentalhealth,andaprizedrawfora stand-uppaddleboard.

“Thechallengeisfreetoenter,everyone whosignsupandisthereattheeventis alsoenteredintothedrawforaninflatable

WBOPresidentslastchancetovote!

oneoftheorangebinsupuntilmidday October11.

Amapofthevotingbinlocationscan befoundat:yourplace.westernbay.govt. nz/hub-page/elections.

WBOPDCgovernancemanagerRobyn GarrettsaidatthelastLocalBody Elections,only37.6%ofpeopleinthe WesternBOPvoted.

“Thisyear,withtheintroductionof orangevotingbinsatlocalsupermarkets, we’rehopingtoboostthatnumber,by makingiteasierthanevertovote.So,get involvedandpopyourvoteinabin.”

ThemonthlaunchedonOctober5with amuddy,memorablestart–theWhānau Dash&SplashMudWalk,whichsaw morethan70peoplecrosstheestuary fromAthenreeReservetoBowentown BoatingClubinknee-deepwaterand plentyofmud.TheMayorViewFire Brigadewaswaitingattheotherendto hosepeopledown.

Theeventencouragedbrightcostumes andbigsmiles,withlocalhapū representativeReonTuanauopeningthe daybyremindingparticipantsofthedeep connectionbetweenourwellbeingand ourenvironment:“Heorangataiao,he orangatangata–iftheenvironmentis healthy,soarethepeople.”

“Whatwasspecialaboutthisevent, washowallthecommunitygroupscame togethertosupportit–thefirebrigade, surflifesavingclub,theboatingclubas wellassomelocalbusinesses–Athenree HotSpringsandHairwavesWaihīBeach sponsoringit,”Claresaid.

MOVEwithYouisalignedwith GumbootFriday,anationalinitiative supportingyouthmentalhealth,and encouragespeopleofallagesandabilities tocometogether,checkinwithone another,andenjoythewellbeingbenefits ofmovementinnature.

Forfulleventdetails,visittheLiveWell WaihīBeachFacebookpagetosignup ortrackyouractivityonStravaat:www. strava.com/clubs/MOVE2025

RosalieLiddleCrawford

Ifyouarenotenrolledtovote,youcan stillenrol,orupdateyourenrolment details,upuntilthedaybeforevoting closes–today,October10–however, youwillhavetocastaspecialvote. In2025,mostWesternBOPresidents couldvoteforaMayor,theirward councillor(s),andcommunityboard representatives.MatakanaandRangiwaea Islandsresidentswouldonlyvotefora Mayorandtheirwardcouncillor(s).

GarrettsaidWBOPDCusestheFirst PastthePost(FPP)votingsystem.

“Thatmeansyousimplytickthe

nameoftheperson(s)youmostwant torepresentyouineachcategory–the candidatewiththemostvoteswins.”

Thisyearpeoplecouldalsovotein areferendumonwhethertokeepthe MāoriWardforthe2028and2031 elections.

Theresultofthereferendumwill beannouncedalongsidepreliminary electionresultsonSaturday,October11. FinalresultswillbeannouncedOctober 14-17.

Formoreinformation,visit:yourplace. westernbay.govt.nz/elections

Katikati’sjiujitsuclubhasputtheir townontheglobalmartialartsmap byclaimingtheprestigiousGold TeamsTrophyatthe2025SJJIF WorldJiuJitsuChampionshipsin Chiba,Japan.

Finishingfirstoveralloutof183 internationalteamsofmorethan5500 athletesfromaroundtheworld,toclaim thetrophyatthechampionshipson September18-21,thisisKatikati’sGlobal JiuJitsuAcademy’smostextraordinary triumph.

Incredible!

GlobalJiuJitsuAcademy(GJJA) headcoachLanceCampbellsaidhis club’sresultssawahaulofmedalsand internationalrecognitioncomehometo theWesternBayofPlentytown.

“Itwasincredible.[Itwasteamsfrom] younameit–Brazil,Japan,Tahiti, Guam,Australia,China,theUSA, Canada–allovertheplace.”

“Ithinkourexpectationwastodothe bestwecould.

“Wedidn’tevenhaveaneyeonthat trophy.Albeitwewonthebronzetrophy lastyearbutthattoocameasasurprise.” CampbellsaidtheGoldTeamsTrophy iswonbasedonthehighestnumberof pointsgainedbyaclubthroughtheir athletescompetingandwinningplacings atthechampionships.

“Yougetsomanypointsfor[winning] gold,silverandforbronze.Intermsof thegoldmedalswewon–itwasover20. So,fromapointsperspective,itgaveusa hugeadvantageandwasobviouslywhat gotusoverthelineforthattrophy.”

40athletes

GJJAtook40maleandfemale competitorsintotal–includingthose

fromitsassociateteams,HTStrength& FitnessinRotoruaandPearceMartial ArtsinAuckland–agedfrom12to56to thechampionship,acrossfourdisciplines: Kids,Juveniles,AdultsandMasters.

AllGJJAathletesself-fundedtheir tripswithonlyminimalinternalclub fundraisingbolsteringtheirefforts,said Campbell.“Thisincludedproductsfrom twoofourmemberswhoownlocal businessesasprizesforourraffles,andan amazingfamilywhoprovidedsponsorship butprefernottobenamed.”

Acrossfourdayshisteamsecuredmore than20WorldChampionshiptitles, with10comingbacktoKatikatiandthe remainderwonbyGJJA’sassociateteams.

“Inadditiontothegoldmedals,the teamalsobroughthomenumeroussilver andbronzemedals,showcasingthedepth oftalentacrossalldivisions.”

Fromthefront

Campbell,anathletehimself,ledfrom thefront,achievingdoublegoldinboth giandnogi,cementinghisplaceasa four-timeSJJIFWorldMasterchampion.

Hisleadershipandcoachingexcellence werealsorecognisedontheworldstage –hereceivedthesecond-placeoverall trophyforCoachoftheYear.

“Standingalongsideourteamonthe worldstageandwatchingthemachieve atthislevelwasincrediblyspecial,”said Campbell.“Itshowswhat’spossiblewhen passion,perseverance,andcommunity cometogether.”

Campellsaidhe’sbeenpractisingJiu Jitsufor23years,andbeganGJJAin Katikatiaboutnineyearsago.“There wasn’tclubhere–andit’sjustgrownover theyears.BothmywifeandIarefrom Tauranga.WemovedtoAucklandinour twenties.

“Wewereinvolvedinajiujitsuclubup there.Whenwedecidedtomoveabout

nineyearsagoitwasimportantthatwe maintainedthatthingforourkids.”

SomepropertiesappealedinKatikati andthedecisionwasmade.“Welovedthe wholeruralaspectofitbecausewe’dcome fromthecity.”

Acombination

CampbellsaidJiuJitsuwasa combinationofanumberofdisciplines. “Onewouldbewrestling,anotherwould bejudoandgrappling;andtheultimate goalistotakeapersonfromastanding positiontoagroundposition,withthe intentofcontrollingthemsothatthey nolongerareathreat,andifneedbeby applyingallsortsofdifferentsubmissions.

“Youhavearmlocks,leglocks,chokes –andsoyou’reusingacombinationof those.

Campbellsaidthesport’soriginsgo backtothe1800sinJapan,andithad

morphedovertheyearswithdifferent countriesputtingtheirowntouchonit.

“ThenJiuJitsu’sprominencereallystarted toignitewhentheUFC–theUltimate FightingChampionshipfoundedin1993 –startedbecomingasortofhousehold brand.It’sverymuchtodayusedand taughtasaformofself-defence–but thereisabigsportelementtoitaswell.”

Theculture

Campbellsaidhisclub’ssuccessthisyear yetatthechampionshipswasnothing shortofhistoric–andheputitdownto thecultureofexcellenceittriestoinstilin everyathlete.

“Thatmeanssteppingoutsidetherealms ofcomfort,reallytryingtohaveour athletesbelievethatanythingispossible –evenfromasmalllittletownlikeours,” saidCampbell.

“We’vegotsomanyathleteshere–it’s incrediblethenumberoftalentedkids andadultswehaveinthissmalltown. Butthebiggestcomponentissomeof themcan’tseethemselvesonthepodium ataworldevent.Wecan–butit’sgetting themtoseethatandbelievethat.Sothis iswhatcultureisfosteredatouracademy. Notacceptingmediocrity,pushingthe boundaries,havingagoandthatlosingis notabadthing.

“Oursocietyinformsusthatlosingis abadthing–forus,it’sexperience,it’s invaluable.Aslongasyougooutandgive iteverythingandbelieveinyourability –that’sthebiggestcatalystherethatwe foster.”

Neilsontogiveavofest-goerswhattheywant!

Katikati’sbiggestpartyoftheyear willflowwiththesoundofcountry musicearlynextJanuary,withTami Neilsonnamedthemainactofthe annualavocadofestival.

TheCanadian-borncountrysingersongwriter–andpossessorofabelter ofavoice–willbethefinalmusician totaketothestageatKatikatiAvoFest 2026attheUretaraDomain.

KatchKatikatieventsmanagerKylie Watkinssaidherteamoforganisershad optedtoinviteNeilsontoperformin frontofthefestival’spredicted4000strongcrowdaftersurveyingprevious ticket-holdersonwhatmusicthey’dlike tohearatafutureinstalment.

“Countrymusiccameoutasthemost populargenre,”saidWatkins.

“Thatfeedbackreallyguidedour decision,andit’swhywe’resoexcitedto havebookedourmainact–it’sabout givingouraudiencethemusictheymost wantedtohear.”

Themulti-award-winningcountry singerwouldheadlinetheJanuary 10festivaloffthebackstellaryear inprofessionalmusicin2025,said Watkins.

ShewillcometoKatikatiAvoFest 2026freshfromexcitinginternational toursin2025,andhernewalbum titled‘NeonCowgirl’,whichsawher tourAmericathisyearwithnoneother thancountrylegendWillieNelsonwith whomshesungtheAPRABestCountry

MusicSongAward-winning‘Beeyond TheStars’,andBobDylan,andshowsin France,BelgiumandtheNetherrlands.

ReleasedinJuly,‘NeonCowgiirl’ followedthesuccessofsingles‘YYou’re GonnaFall’and‘BorrowMyBooots’. ThealbumfeaturesguestsNeilFFinn, JDMcPherson,AshleyMcBryddeand GraceBowers,whichwillnowbbeheard echoingacrossKatikationJanuary10.

KatikatiAvoFest2026,which h runs 12noon-6pm,featuresamusicline-up thatopenswithWellingtonfavoourites TheRelatives,servingupsing-allonghits fromyesteryearthroughtomoddernrock anthemsguaranteedtogettheccrowd moving.

“They’refollowedbySonarFlaare,a high-voltagesupergroupledbyJason Kerrisonandfeaturingplatinum m artists fromTheFeelers,Opshop,Zed, , and SolaRosa–expectarena-sizedeenergy andmassivemusicianship,”said d Watkins.“Then,theLadyKillerrs–TinaCross,SuzanneLynch,and d Jackie Clarke–willtakethespotlightwitha dazzlingharmonymasterclassthhatglides fromgospeltorock‘n’roll,delivvering pin-dropmoments,biglaughs,andfeelgoodthrills.”

TamiNeilsonisthe mainactatKatikati AvoFest2026. Photo/AlexaKingStone

Acelebritychef–whowillconnjure avo-forwarddishesonthehourinthe kitchenmarquee–wouldbeannounced soon.EarlyBirdticketsarenow w onsale at:www.KatikatiAvoFest.co.nz. Limitedallocationsareexpected d tosell outquickly.

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ToLet

Toplaceanadvertorfamilynoticecall 075777770,emailclassifiedsbop@nzme.co.nz orvisitwww.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/bookyourad VisitourFamilyNoticesonlineto viewnoticesandoffercondolences www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/familynotices

PublicNotices TeRereatukahia KohangaReo

AnnualGeneralMeeting

Date: Tuesday29October2025

Time: 4.00pm

Leavingagiftto

BCFNZinyourWill canmakeareal difference.

Formoreinformation 0800902732

OfficestoRent AtMomentum Co-working space,Katikati. $165+GST perweek, approx9sqm. Parttimedesks, $62+GSTperweek. Pricesinclpower, aircon,fastinternet andgoodcoffee! ContactTam 021539788

Place: TeRereatukahiaKohangaReo Anyinquiries,contactJosseSamuels Phone(07)5490534

SelectandExpertService

Anysize•Anycondition•Anywhere PhoneDylanon0212540754

PROFESSIONALHOUSEWASHING

Professionalexteriorsoft-washforyourhouse, roofing all fences paths driveways & patios for thebestcleaningofmoss,lichen&algaeusing interactiveproductsforoptimaltreatment. We also clean & flush gutters, wash exterior of windows&offergeneralwaterblasting. Accessisneveraproblemwith100mofhose.

CallAndynowforafreequoteon 0800747787or0273134386

Promptlocalservicewithover20yrsexperience.

•CarpetCleaning

•UpholsteryCleaning

•StainTreatment

&RESIDENTIAL

•PestControl

•FloodRestoration

•FireRestoration

ServicingWaihi,Katikati,Whangamata&WiderAreas

078638358or0800225552 waihi@jae.co.nz

TreeWork|Hedges|Palms Chipping|Stumps EXPERIENCED|INSURED|QUALIFIED ContactRoydonnowforyourFREEQUOTE! 0226769725info@arborx.co.nz www.arborx.co.nz

KATIKATI 69PukakuraRoad

Prestige,ProductionandLifestylePackage

Premiumkiwifruit,superprofitablelowaltitudeearlystartorchardwithoutstandingOGRs.

Stylish,modernfourbedroomresidencewithrelaxedcoastalvibes,grandprivateviews,spaciousindoor-outdoorliving,perfectfor entertainingorunwinding.

•1.15canopyhaG3SunGoldKiwifruit-17,324trays/ha,TZG0.73,OGR:$262,000(2025forecast)

•1.62canopyhaHaywardgreenKiwifruit-14,995trays/ha,TZG0.92,OGR:$236,000(2025forecast)

North-facing,highfertilitywithconsistentearlyharvest. Irrigatedoldvineswithroomtoexpand.

Largeshedforthetoys,andorchardgear.Saleincludesthetractor,mowerandallthetoolsyou’llneedapartfromtheboat. Potentialtoconvertthreesheeppaddocksintokiwifruit.Comescompletewithafriendlyflockforthekidsandvisitorstoenjoy. Beautifulgardensandgrovesofaround100variedmaturefruittrees.

Arareopportunityonsought-afterPukakuraRoad,wherelifestylemeetsprofitabilityinagorgeouswarmharbour-sidesetting.

DEADLINEPRIVATETREATY PlusGST(ifany) (UnlessSoldPrior)

Closes1.00pm,Thursday20November VIEW 2.30-3.15pm,Sunday12,19&Thursday23October

M 0272752244

E afowler@pggwrightson.co.nz

Welcometothisuniquepropertyinaprimelocation,withplentyofoptions!Justastone's throwfromtheBeachandashortwalktotheshopsandrestaurants.Thischarminghome featurestwobedroomsplusanoffice,onebathroom,andaseparatelaundryareawithan additionaltoilet.You'lllovethehighstudceilingsandthelargekitchenthatflowsintotheopenplandiningandlivingarea.

Monday3rdNovember4:00pm (unless soldprior)

Discoverthetimelesscharmandunbeatable positionofthisdelightfulfamilyhome, perfectlynestledinapeacefulcul-de-sacon thesought-afterOmokoroaPeninsula. barfoot.co.nz/919603

0272425520 LinleyWard 02102604819

Oneofthemostsought-afteraddresses alongthecoast.Perfectlypositionedonan elevated835m2cornersite,thisproperty capturesseaviewsacrossthehorizon. barfoot.co.nz/920705

RosinaDonnelly 0273983620 r.donnelly@barfoot.co.nz

BradMartin 0223618481 b.martin@barfoot.co.nz

Asingle-levelhome,threecozybedrooms andonebathroom,andit'sreadyfor someonetoputtheirpersonaltouchonit.

barfoot.co.nz/920037

Thisnear-newtwo-levelhomehasbeen thoughtfullydesignedtocapturethe morningsunanddelivereffortlessliving. barfoot.co.nz/920625

Stylishnorth-facing2016brickhome Modernkitchenincludesagashob, breakfastbar&walk-inpantry

Twoheatpumps,doubleglazing,HRV system&solarwaterheating

Masterfeaturesanensuite,walk-in robe&outdoorpatioaccess.

Coveredoutdoorentertaining&flat lawnforkids&petstoplay

Doubleinternal-accessgarage+ generouscoveredparkingforRVor boat,withoutdoorpowerpoint

Easy-caresectionwithvegebeds Easywalktotown&viewsofKaimais

MethodofSale:$950,000

OpenHome:Sun1.00-1.30pm

2317m²(moreorless)flat,private sectionwithfruitandavocadotrees

Character-filledhome,originally relocated,idealforfamilies

Open-plankitchenandlivingarea

Cosywoodburneranddoubleglazing

Fourgenerousdoublebedroomsplus versatilefifthroom(office,treatment room,orguestspace)

Solarpanelsconnectedtothegrid Largeseparatedoubleshed–perfect foraworkshoporextravehicles

Expansiveflatlawn—idealforkids, pets,gardens,orfutureplans

MethodofSale:$850,000 View:ByAppointment

Quality2015buildwithgreatappeal

Openplanliving,dining&kitchen

Modernkitchen&appliances

Threecomfortabledoublebedrooms

Mastersuitefeaturesawalk-in

wardrobe,ensuite&accesstospa

Doubleglazing&twoheatpumps

Idealindoor-outdoorflow

Privatespaareaforrelaxing

Doublegaragewithinternalaccess

Setonacornersiteinquietcul-de-sac

Minutesfromshops,schools,Dave HumePool,andMoorePark Idealforretireesorlock&leavehome

MethodofSale:$799,000

View:ByAppointment

Highperformingproductionorchardwithlocation

Withprovenperformance,stronginfrastructure,andmultipleincomestreams,thispropertypresentsan outstandingopportunityinarenownedhorticulturalarea.

•G3kiwifruit,licenced3.12can/haonAgbeampergola(4x5mbays).Aconsistenthighperformingorchardthat oftenproducesearly-startcrops.Potentialforfuturedevelopment.

•250matureavocadotreessupplyingbothexportandlocalmarkets.

•Automatedfrostprotectionandirrigationsystemwithwaterviaconsentedbore,plusmainssupply.

•Transportablecabin(42sqm),twolargesheds.PropertysoldplusGST,ifany.Allmeasurementsapproximate. bayleys.co.nz/2505113

NewPrice

ExecutiveModernShowpieceHome

Undeniablyinviting,thisimmaculatesingle-levelexecutive homeenjoysacovetedlocationinoneofKatikati'snewest subdivisions.Thisshowpiecepropertycombinescomfort andmodernliving,offeringaneasylifestylewithalock andleavepracticality.

eves.co.nz/ekt19503

AskingPrice $995,000 View 11.30am-12pmSun19Oct orbyappointment ColinStewart-Rowe 0274548080 colin.stewart-rowe@eves.co.nz

(unlesssoldprior) 1pm,Wed12Nov2025 247CameronRoad,Tauranga View 11am-12pmSat18Octorbyappointment PhilMangos 0274965995 phil.mangos@bayleys.co.nz RobynMangos 021965995 robyn.mangos@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESSREALTYLIMITED,BAYLEYS,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

eves.co.nz

Packyourbags,becauseEVESisgivingyouthechanceto winanamazingweekendawayfortwovaluedat$3,500!

Bookandcompleteapropertyappraisal withEVESinOctober= 1entry

Listyourpropertyexclusivelywith EVESinOctober= 1entry

It’sthateasy!Whetheryou’rereadytosellorjustcuriousabout yourhome’svalue,nowistheperfecttimetoact.