Katikati is about to buzz this weekend as two mainstay events take place.
The town’s only twilight concert for 2026 is tomorrow night, January 31, at the Haiku Reserve, starring Tony Lewis, the UK’s premier Robbie Williams Tribute act. Gates open 5pm, with the concert to start 6pm.
Katikati Twilight Concerts chair Jane Watson-Baker said tickets will be available on the gate at $30 cash per adult, with under-15s gaining free entry with a paying adult.
“Since the storm event on January 21 we’ve cleaned up everything that was stored under the stage and everything will be ready for Saturday.”
The crowd up dancing at a Katikati Twilight Concert.
The check was warranted after flood water swept through the reserve and up to the stage in the storm, said Watson-Baker.
“Western Bay of Plenty District Council is scheduled to mow and clean up the reserve so it is ready for the concert,” said Watson-Baker.
She hoped the district would attend so the non-profit group behind it could revert to three events next year.
Lewis’ show will cover all Williams’ greatest hits, with a few special surprises thrown in for good measure, Watson-Baker said.
“Constantly rebooked, this tribute show has something for anyone and everyone. The looks, the moves, the voice, the ego...This show has it all!”
Then on Sunday, February 1, it’s A&P Show time at the Uretara Domain.
Families, friends and grandparents alike are encouraged to enjoy a fun day out full of country traditions, which begins 9am. A huge line-up of free attractions for children will feature, including a puppet show, a kids’ lolly scramble, face painting, donkey rides, a vertical bungy, a rock climbing wall, an Animal Magic show with sheep by local animal trainer Bex Tasker, train rides for under-fives and giant wooden games.
A military vehicle display plus classic cars, hot rods and vintage tractors, wood chopping demonstration and Katikati Wrestling Club’s beach wrestling events would also appeal, plus a variety of food vendors would cater to all tastes.
Katikati A&P Show secretary Sheryl Smith said the committee had brought back the traditional dairy cattle competitions this year too. “These competitions, along with the equestrian events, the Home Industries displays and the Children’s Scarecrow Competition really give kids a taste of rural New Zealand.”
The 2026 Katikati A&P Show is Sunday, February 1, at the Uretara Domain. Gates open 9am. Entry costs adults $10 each, and Under-14s gain free entry.
Find out more at: www.katikatiaandpshow.nz