Descendants of Katikati's Ulster Founders Return for 150th

Two direct descendants of Katikati's first Ulster Irish settlers — who happen to be married to one another — made a special journey across the Kaimai Range from Hamilton to take part in the town's 150th anniversary weekend. Julie Gray (née Stewart) and her husband Peter Gray brought their daughters and partners, along with four grandchildren, to join the celebrations and attend the Settlers' Dance on Saturday evening. Julie's great-great-grandfather was George Vesey Stewart, widely regarded as Katikati's founder, who organised two ship-loads of settlers to New Zealand in 1875 and 1878; Peter's great-grandfather was William John Gray. Julie's brother Brian Stewart, his son Braxton Stewart, and niece Sarah Stevenson also joined the extended whānau for the weekend.

For the family, the 150th events carried personal significance well beyond a weekend outing. Julie said she and Peter grew up in the region — she in Tauranga, he in Te Puke — and have maintained a connection to Katikati over many years, attending events and volunteering at Athenree Homestead. She credited the late Ellen McCormack (née Macmillan), a highly respected Katikati historian, with creating the town's archives — now held as the Western Bay of Plenty Community Archives Collection — after nearly half a century of dedicated research. McCormack received the Queen's Service Medal in 2002 for her work. Julie said the family has an exceptionally well-documented record of their own history because McCormack would contact them whenever she uncovered something new. The grandchildren were brought along specifically so they could develop their own awareness and appreciation of their tūpuna and heritage.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).