Veteran Vehicle Parade Rolls Through Katikati's New Town Square

Crowds gathered at Katikati's new Town Square on Saturday morning to watch more than 50 veteran, vintage and classic vehicles cruise through as part of the town's 150th anniversary celebrations. The parade featured an impressive variety of makes, models, colours and ages, but one vehicle drew particular attention for its beauty and character — a 1921 Ford Model T flat-deck truck belonging to Te Puna local Russell Williams, believed to be among the oldest in the parade.

The vehicle procession was one of a string of events held over the weekend to commemorate 150 years since the Ulster Irish settlers arrived in the Katikati area in 1875. Other activities included a talk about rugby's early beginnings in the district, a settlers' dance, a special exhibition and a new town timeline display at the Western Bay Museum, all taking place despite blustery conditions on the day.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).