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Thursday, August 21, 2025 | hcpost.news
Hauraki-Coromandel Post 9
Travel Through Time at Katikati’s Ulster Irish settlers 150th Anniversary K atikati recognises the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the Ulster Irish settlers on 12- support for the locals. The town commemorated the 100th Anniversary in grand style and this strong sense of community exists today. Practice run for the big event – the Katikati 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the Ulster Irish settlers. The organising committee get kitted out in period dress.
14 September, with a weekend of entertainment and family- friendly events for all ages. Irishman George Vesey Stewart led two groups of settlers to New Zealand. The first came aboard the Carisbrooke Castle and thirty-four families from Ulster, Northern Ireland, arrived at ‘The Landing’, on the Uretara Stream in Katikati on 16 September 1875. A second group of settlers arrived in 1878 aboard the Lady Jocelyn. Both names live on in local street names. Māori and the new settlers worked closely together; they withstood early economic problems and from those tough days Katikati has developed into a thriving town, based around farming and agriculture. The town has always had a vibrant community and over 80 volunteer groups provide activities, entertainment and
The weekend kicks off on Friday 12 September with ‘Rugby Remembers’; rugby players will reflect on various tours and how rugby has evolved over time. The idea was influenced by one of Katikati famous sons Dave Gallaher the captain of the ‘originals’ – the All Black team that was so successful overseas and earned the AB name. Western Bay Museum will have a display of Gallaher memorabilia on loan from the Ponsonby Rugby Club collection. This will be followed by an evening of Irish Music and song at Katikati Folk Club, in the Arts Junction. Purchase tickets on- line. Saturday sees a full line-up with plenty of activities planned. There will be music in the market square, a market in the Hub, a photographic display from the
The Longest Journey mural depicts the voyage taken by the Ulster settlers in 1878. Painted by Peter Nicholson, from Whitianga.
Athenree Homestead will be open with tea and scones and activities for children. Period costumes (optional) will be in abundance throughout the weekend – come and spend time in Katikati, and join in the fun! For more information visit: katikati150celebration.co.nz
Park into the town centre. Food and drink will be available. A Settlers’ Dance in the evening will round off the day - an event not to be missed – entry by koha/donation and a plate of finger food (nothing that needs heating). On Sunday, 11 September,
archives at the library and as well as rugby memorabilia, the Museum has several exhibitions on display, including the Katikati timeline. Vintage cars through to the modern age will be in and around town and no festival is complete without a parade from Moore
Benson Kennedy- Not just any dog The life and antics of a much-loved Waihi Beach Dog have been immortalised in a book by Nicky Mowat.
the subtle humour arising from Benson’s colourful antics. The book’s illustrations have been beautifully crafted by local artist Trish Coates. Profits from the book will go to the ‘Zippy fund’, at Franklin Vets in Waihi Beach, The fund assists dog owners with paying unexpected vet bills. HC Post has two copies of the book to give way. To enter, simply go to our website hcpost.news and subscribe and give our Facebook page a like. The winners will be announced in the September 4 paper.
Benson, a black Labrador, would hang around the Flatwhite café and became noted for his foraging ability when it came to hunting out food. He lived a long life, finally moving on aged 15 years and four months. Mowat said Benson “touched us all with his gentle nature and ‘cool dude’ attitude.” Starting as a children’s book, Mowat said the tale evolved into something that adults could also enjoy by picking out
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