100 years of town meets country in Katikati

Lucy Pierce, Zara and Kyla Burd from Athenree. Photo / Rebecca Mauger

The community came together in a huge celebration to acknowledge 100 years of the Katikati A&P Show on Sunday.

Katikati News’ Rebecca Mauger attended the event and reports on some of the wonderful things she saw.

The much-loved show has been one of the stand-out events on the local calendar for a century and the committee are proud to say they’ve only cancelled a few in its history – in more recent times, that includes during the Covid-19 pandemic and one due to adverse weather conditions.

There were a few famous faces among the thousands attending, including actress Miriama Smith.

The Athenree resident has been in numerous TV series including Shortland Street, Mercy Peak and The Brokenwood Mysteries.

She MCed and judged the fashion parade – one of the highlights of the show.

Smith has had a busy year working on acting projects.

Katikati A&P Show committee member Lynne Smith with actress Miriama Smith, who MCed and judged the fashion parade. Photo / Rebecca Mauger

She stars in soon-to-be-released shows including the second season of TVNZ’s murder mystery The Gone, The Survivors on Netflix and comedy series Dead Ahead.

She’s also a celebrant and teaches yoga in Waihī Beach.

The Katikati A&P activities and things to see were many and included Graeme Hannah from Reptile World, who brought along a few of his cold-blooded friends, while Bex Tasker thrilled the crowd with a display of sheep agility.

There was also a pet lamb competition, a Highland dancing competition, bagpipes, dancing ladies, fast and furious wood-chopping and live music.

The Western Bay Museum crew came dressed in their best butter-churning outfits.

There was a huge range of information stalls such as the Prostrate Cancer Foundation and the Tauranga Deaf Society, regional business stalls, local emergency services, craft markets and numerous food and beverage stalls.

Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Joe Manukau. Photo / Rebecca Mauger

For the kids, there was rock climbing, arts and crafts, balloons, face-painting, a puppet show, donkey rides and train and jeep rides.

The home industries hall showcased the best in garden produce, baking, flowers, art, and a number of competitions were held for all ages.

The home industry section originated as a place for women and children to showcase the skills learnt within the home.

There was an impressive military vehicle display as well as vehicles and new and old farm equipment, with classic cars and hot rods gleaming in the hot sun.

A big part of the day is put on by the equestrian community, who travel to participate in the horse flat and show jumping events.

This year side saddle was a speciality class.

See below for more photos from the show.

Orion, Naomi and Aviana from Tauranga enjoy some crushed ice. Photos / Rebecca Mauger

Checking out the military vehicle display is Theo Mortensen, 5, and Blake Flanagan, 9, from Welcome Bay.

People came from as far as England to see the show, including Vivienne Maidens and Surpal Grewal, who made it a priority to attend the 100th show and came dressed in full vintage garb.

Ted Griffin, 4, with his winning Lego farm-themed creation at the Home Industries area.

Lexi Evans, 13, with a blue-tongued lizard from Reptile World.

Farrier Wade Irving from Waihī.

Baking delights from the Home Industries display.

Ariela, 13, came up with the idea of dressing up Pipsqueak the sheep as the hunter and herself as the prey. She won second-place ribbons in leading and calling and best trick.

Sue Sisley and Paula Gaelic from the Western Bay Museum.