Katikati and Ōmokoroa Rally for Daffodil Day 2025

The streets of Katikati and Ōmokoroa turned yellow on 29 August as communities across the Western Bay of Plenty came together for the Cancer Society's annual Daffodil Day fundraiser. The society called on locals to "paint it yellow" in support of those affected by cancer, which now touches one in three New Zealanders.

In Katikati, long-time volunteers Glennis Sims and Monique Amor organised the local effort. Sims, who has personal experience of cancer in her immediate whānau, said she keeps returning each year despite promising herself it will be her last. "We get such great support from the community, and we have so many wonderful volunteers that come back each year," she said. Local post-harvest operator Hume Pack-N-Cool was again on board, hoping to repeat the success of their yellow-themed morning tea fundraiser from last year, while Ōmokoroa Point School held a mufti day that culminated in students forming a giant heart on the school field, captured by drone.

Almost $10,000 was raised across the Katikati and Ōmokoroa communities in 2024 — a substantial increase on the previous year's total. Cancer Society fundraising events specialist Alyson Bowker said she was excited to see how the 2025 campaign would unfold. "We're proof that even small places can make a difference," she said. Supporters were encouraged to donate at local collection sites on 29–30 August or online at daffodilday.org.nz.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).