Katikati Sea Scouts Host Popular Zone Pinewood Derby

Around 200 whānau gathered at Katikati's primary school hall on Saturday 11 October for the Western Bay of Plenty Zone Pinewood Derby, an annual event hosted by Katikati Sea Scouts. Tamariki aged five to 15 from Scouts, Cubs and Keas groups across the district — along with their siblings — each built and customised a wooden car from a kit, shaping, painting, and fitting wheels and weights to strict guidelines before racing them down an electronic wooden track.

About 120 cars were entered across the three competitive categories this year. The fastest cars from each group earned a spot at the National Pinewood Derby in Auckland on 22 November. This year's category winners were all from Greerton: Leo Webb (Keas), Ainsley Rawlings (Cubs) and Kyan Grant (Scouts). A fun siblings category was also held, won by Juniper Parkinson from Katikati.

Alongside the racing, the day featured knot-tying competitions run by Katikati Sea Scouts leader Ben Lewis, games, a sausage sizzle, and giveaways. Katikati Men's Shed supported local tamariki in building their cars and helped assemble the track, even entering a car of their own to race. Assistant group leader and fundraising coordinator Rebecca Lawson said the event is ultimately about bringing kids together and having fun.

Funds raised will go towards sending Scouts to Jamboree in January 2027, as well as providing materials, activities and trips for Keas, Cubs and Scouts groups.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).