Katikati Community Calendar Celebrates Local Photographers

A new community-led photo calendar showcasing Katikati through local eyes has been produced for 2026, with 96 images entered into a competition and 13 selected by a judging panel — one for each month plus a cover shot. The initiative was driven by a local organiser who has long envisioned a homegrown calendar to help promote the town, and this year a private sponsor stepped forward to fund the first print run. The calendar was printed locally by Katipo Creative Studio.

Among those featured is 94-year-old Katikati resident Claudia Diggelmann, whose November image captures Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour and Tutaetaka Island — a sacred urupā for local hapū Ngāi Tamawhariua and Te Rereatukahia Marae whānau — taken from her own backyard. Diggelmann said a long-time friend introduced her to photography years ago and the passion has only grown since.

The judging panel noted that many of the selected images focused on quiet, everyday scenes, with water — particularly the Uretara Stream and Tauranga Harbour — featuring prominently. Organisers said the response from the community was overwhelming and expressed hope the calendar would become an annual tradition. Other featured photographers include Kylie Watkins, Tessa Blackett, Richard Addison, Faye Moorhouse, Victoria Denyer, Ruth Taylor, Jocelyn Weir, Karen Crozier, Mats Mönch, and Liv Flett. The calendar is available for $25 at The Arts Junction while stocks last.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).