Katikati Twilight Concert Series Down to One Show in 2026

Katikati's popular summer twilight concert series has been scaled back to a single event this year, with organisers hoping strong community attendance will allow them to return to three concerts in future summers. The sole concert is set for 31 January at the Haiku Reserve, featuring Tony Lewis as the UK's premier Robbie Williams tribute act.

Katikati Twilight Concerts chair Jane Watson-Baker said the non-profit committee had faced a difficult run in recent years. Covid-19 restrictions forced cancellations of an earlier series, and then Cyclones Hale and Gabriel disrupted the 2023 season. Lower crowd numbers had compounded the financial strain — Watson-Baker noted that even a cancelled concert still incurs up to 50 percent of its costs.

Over more than 25 years, the series has raised in excess of $200,000 for arts scholarships supporting local students into tertiary study, as well as grants to community groups. Watson-Baker was clear that without solid support this month, the committee may have to put the concert series into recess.

Gates at the Haiku Reserve open at 5pm, with the show beginning at 6pm. Tickets are $30 for adults, and under-15s enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. They are available from the Arts Junction at 36 Main Rd, Katikati, online at theartsjunction.org.nz, or as a cash payment at the gate.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).