Katikati Marks 150 Years Since Ulster Irish Settlers Arrived

Katikati is preparing to celebrate a major milestone next weekend, with a packed programme of events running from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September to mark 150 years since the arrival of Ulster Irish settlers in 1875. Organised by the Katikati 150th Anniversary Committee, the weekend's theme is 'Travel Through Time', with organisers keen to acknowledge both the historic arrival of the Ulster Irish and the fact that Māori were here long before them, as committee member John Clements noted.

According to the Western Bay of Plenty Community Archives Collection, the ship Carisbrooke Castle set sail from Liverpool and reached Auckland on 8 September 1875, carrying 238 settlers recruited by town founder George Vesey Stewart. The passengers made their way south to Katikati via Tauranga, arriving a few days later. A second party followed aboard the Lady Jocelyn, which docked in Auckland on 17 August 1878.

The three-day programme is brimming with free and community-led activities. Friday kicks off with a rugby and wartime remembrance event at Katikati War Memorial Hall, featuring speakers with ties to Letterkenny Rugby Club and the Dave Gallaher Memorial, plus a sold-out Irish folk music evening at The Arts Junction. Saturday includes a town market, vintage transport parade from Moore Park to the War Memorial Hall, a book signing for an updated Katikati history, and the highlight Settlers' Dance — a free, family-friendly evening where entry is by kōha and a plate of cold finger food. Sunday wraps up with a homestead fair at Athenree featuring the Katikati Concert Band, children's games, and tea and scones, all with free entry.

Tickets and details for events that require them are available at katikati150celebration.co.nz.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).