World Record Guacamole: 15,000 lb Bowl Stuns Judges
Over 1,000 Mexican avocado growers smashed a Guinness World Record with a 15,000-pound bowl of guacamole after a banner harvest season.
Rural NZ Broadband: Is Starlink Too Dominant?
A NZ wireless provider is urging the government to protect rural broadband competition as Starlink's satellite reach grows across the country.
PM Luxon Heads to Australia for Key Leaders' Meeting
NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visits Australia for the annual Leaders' Meeting, tackling trade, fuel supply and bilateral ties with PM Albanese.
NZ Fibre Industry's Untapped Potential Worth $926M
Groundbreaking new research reveals New Zealand's fibre industry is worth over $926 million at the farm gate, signalling huge growth opportunities ahead.
Strong Milk Prices Forecast for NZ Dairy Season 2026
NZ dairy farmers are set to enjoy a strong farmgate milk price of $9.70/kg MS this season, even as rising costs call for careful farm management.
NZ Dairy Prices Dip: What It Means for Kiwi Farmers
Whole milk powder prices slipped 2.2% at the latest global dairy auction. Here's what the dip means for New Zealand dairy farmers this season.
NZ Agribusiness Leaders Back Biosecurity & Climate Action
A new survey shows NZ food and fibre sector leaders are prioritising biosecurity, trade agreements and climate resilience in 2026. Here's why it matters.
Kiwi Scientists Help India Grow Its Kiwifruit Industry
NZ kiwifruit scientists are sharing their expertise with India following a new trade deal — great news for the global kiwifruit industry and Te Puke growers.
Katikati Shipping Container Terminal Moves to Hamilton
A controversial shipping container terminal at Katikati's northern entrance is relocating to Hamilton, ending months of community debate over noise and app
Hawke's Bay Growers Eye McCain Factory Buyout with Govt Backing
The NZ government is investing $50,000 to help Hawke's Bay growers explore buying the McCain Foods vegetable processing plant before it closes in 2027.
Bluff Oyster Season Faces Challenges – What's at Stake
Consecutive tough seasons and rising fuel costs are putting pressure on Bluff's iconic oyster industry and beloved annual festival. Here's the full story.
Nominations Open for 2026 Katikati and Waihī Beach Business Awards
Nominations are open until 30 June for the 2026 Katikati and Waihī Beach Community Business Awards, with new judging and 11 categories.
Katikati real estate agent wins RateMyAgent suburb award seven years running
A Katikati real estate duo has claimed the RateMyAgent suburb winner title for seven years in a row, from 2020 to 2026, on the strength of client reviews.
Pioneering horticulture scientist Dr David Steven remembered
Dr David Steven, creator of the KiwiGreen IPM programme, has died in Auckland, leaving a lasting legacy across New Zealand's horticulture sector.
Fairview Estate secures golf course future until 2061
Fairview Estate in the Bay of Plenty has secured its golf course until 2061, rebranding as Fairview Golf and Country Club with open membership for the regi
Car boot sale coming to Katikati A&P Showgrounds in March
A Car Boot Sale takes place at the Katikati A&P Showgrounds on 7 March from 8am – register on the day for $10 per boot or $15 per trailer, cash only.
Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year applications open in March
Applications open 6 March for the 2026 Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year, with the competition set for 19 June and prizes totalling thousands of dolla
Waihī Beach Businesses Face Months-Long Closures After Storm Damage
Surf Shack Eatery and Transform Today gym in Waihī Beach face months-long closures after the January storm left both businesses submerged in floodwater.
Katikati Businesses Rally After Uretara River Spills onto SH2
The Uretara River overflowed onto SH2 in Katikati during the January storm, flooding Bridgestone Tyre Centre and The Veggie Hub before communities rallied
Kiwifruit Orchard Specialist Notches Over $60m in Sales
Clark Mazey of Bower Real Estate has recorded more than $60 million in kiwifruit orchard sales and is urging Bay of Plenty growers to consider selling in 2
Katikati Real Estate Agent Wins Top Award Six Years Running
Katikati real estate agent Alison Rudd has been named Katikati Agent of the Year for the sixth year in a row, recognising her continued success in the loca
Bowentown Domain Café Proposal Open for Community Feedback
Bowentown Beach Holiday Park has applied to operate a public café at Bowentown Domain, with WBOPDC seeking community feedback before making a final decisio
Avocado Industry Faces Major Generational Ownership Shift
A Rabobank white paper warns NZ's avocado industry faces a major ownership shake-up as over half of growers approach retirement age within the next decade.
Project Parore moves to bigger base ahead of funding end
Project Parore has relocated to a larger Katikati base and is boosting efficiency with new equipment as it prepares for life beyond its Jobs for Nature fun
Lavender duo Lavendell farewell Katikati after nearly a decade
Pieter and Helena Maarschalk are selling their Lavendell farm and home in Katikati after nearly a decade growing and selling lavender products at local mar
Katikati Tech Store Owner Faces $74,000 Loss After Overnight Burglary
Katikati's iFixed Ltd owner Chamara Punchihewage lost $74,000 of uninsured stock in an overnight burglary. A Givealittle page has been set up to help.
Katikati Tech Store Owner Loses $74K in Uninsured Burglary
Katikati iFixed Ltd owner Chamara Punchihewage lost $74,000 in uninsured stock after a burglary on 8 November, as his insurance cover had lapsed during a p
Comvita Hosts Korean Beekeeping Federation Delegation
Comvita hosts 40-member Korean beekeeping delegation at Paengaroa headquarters, celebrating World Mānuka Honey Day and promoting international collaboratio
Morris Moore Farms Seeks New Team Member Near Katikati
Morris Moore Farms near Katikati is recruiting a new team member for orchard and maintenance work. A HT licence and Growsafe certificate are preferred.
Katikati Beauty Clinic Hit by Third Break-in in Three Years
Dreamer's Beauty Clinic in Katikati has been broken into for the third time in three years, with director Suzanne Bullivant calling for community help.
Matahui Distillery applies for on-licence to sell alcohol
Amatis Limited is seeking an on-licence for Matahui Distillery at 270 Matahui Road, Katikati, to sell alcohol seven days a week.
Designer bathroom makeover showcases moody, textural style
Katikati designer Natalie DuBois has transformed a guest bathroom into a moody, textural retreat using dark porcelain tiles, natural stone and curved bronz
Retiring Auto Electrician Looks Forward to Boats and Whānau at Ōmokoroa
Katikati auto electrician Allan Crapp retires after nearly 50 years, reflecting on his community battery recycling work and plans for boating at Ōmokoroa.
Matahui Distillery Applies for On-Licence in Katikati
Amatis Limited has applied to the Western Bay of Plenty District Licensing Committee for an on-licence to operate Matahui Distillery in Katikati.
Katikati Auto Electrician Allan Crapp Retires After 48 Years
Katikati auto electrician Allan Crapp has retired after 48 years in business, leaving behind a legacy of community service and decades of loyal customers.
EPIC Te Puke restarts monthly business networking events
EPIC Te Puke launches EPICConnect, a monthly business networking event series starting July 31 for local business owners.
Katikati Lions Club Updating Local Community Directory
The Katikati Lions Club is calling for updated listings for its 2025/2026 Community Directory — a fundraiser supporting local causes across the town.
Katikati Woman Wins Lifetime Achievement Award in Horticulture
Former Katikati resident Rebecca Fisher becomes the first woman to win the APHANZ Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding leadership in horticulture
Former Katikati Resident Rebecca Fisher Inducted into APHANZ Hall of Fame
Former Katikati schoolgirl Rebecca Fisher has become the first woman inducted into the APHANZ Hall of Fame, recognised for her leadership in horticulture.
Comvita celebrates 50 years of natural health and wellness
Comvita, the Bay of Plenty natural health company founded by Alan Bougen and Claude Stratford, celebrates its 50th anniversary with pride in its pioneering
EVES Katikati Hosts Free Property Methods of Sale Seminar
EVES Katikati is hosting a free property seminar on 17 June 2025 covering auction, tender, and other methods of sale for buyers and sellers.
Zero-Waste Fashion Designer Offers Free Trials to Local Companies
Zero-waste swimwear designer Emma LaRocca offers free design trials to local companies. Tauranga Council-funded program helps reduce landfill waste through
Robotic Lawnmower Races to Raise Funds for Fire Brigade
Action Equipment Katikati is hosting a robotic lawnmower race day on May 17 to fundraise for the Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade, with fun for the whole wh
Lifestyle Properties with Avocado Orchards Draw Buyers to Katikati
Multiple Katikati lifestyle properties including avocado orchards and rural blocks are open for viewing on Sunday 19 April 2025.
Focus Katikati Trust Launches to Grow Jobs and Retain Talent
The Focus Katikati Trust is working to create business sector clusters to grow jobs and keep skilled workers in the Katikati community.
Regenerative Gardener Nina Parker Expands to 9.5-Hectare Dream Farm
Katikati regenerative gardener Nina Parker is expanding to a new 9.5-hectare off-grid farm with plans for community food education and a village-style farm
Matahui Gin Distillery Invites Community to Celebrate at Moore Park
Matahui Gin Distillery is inviting the community to a celebration at Moore Park as part of the Grow on Katikati programme.
EVES Katikati Welcomes New Agent Manju Saini to the Team
Manju Saini has joined EVES Katikati as a new real estate agent, bringing local knowledge and a passion for customer service to the team.
Baygold Staff Give Back with Decade-Long Charity Tradition
Baygold staff mark a decade of giving back with their annual Kick Off Charity Day, supporting Te Puke town cleanup, Kura Kai meals, and forest conservation
Renovated 1940s Katikati home hits market with character intact
A freshly renovated 1940s Katikati home retaining its original charm is up for auction on 20 February, appealing to first-home buyers and investors.
Cow shed gym brings fitness to the Whakamarama countryside
Personal trainer Anneli Deschamps runs open-air fitness classes out of a converted cow shed on a historic Whakamarama farm, with horses as spectators.
Cooperative grocery store idea floated for Katikati
KatchKatikati is exploring a community-owned cooperative grocery store to tackle food insecurity and keep profits flowing back into the local area.
Aongatete lifestyle block with avocado orchards listed for sale
A 48ha lifestyle block near Aongatete with avocado orchards, grazing land and subdivision potential has been listed for sale by negotiation.
Elliott's Funerals introduces Daryl Halloran as Katikati funeral director
Elliott's Funerals introduces Daryl Halloran as Katikati's new dedicated local funeral director, bringing chapel management experience and a community focu
Katikati Market Square gets the green light from council
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has approved a new market square for Katikati, linking the memorial hall and library in time for the town's 150th an