Katikati has a variety of events this long weekend for young and old alike to celebrate Easter.
Katikati Lions Club is hosting its inaugural Easter Bonnet Extravaganza on Saturday, April 4, at Katikati War Memorial Hall from 9am to midday.
Organiser Jo Hurne said that, while late entries would be accepted on the day, people were urged to register ahead of the event at The Arts Junction.
The competition has three categories. Little Bunnies is for children aged 10 and under. First place wins $50, second $30 and third $20. Creative Teens is for youth aged 11-17 with a single first prize of $200 up for grabs.
For adults aged 18-plus, there’s the Master Makers category, with the winner taking home $300. Lastly, the Katikati Lions Supreme Award, which can be won by any category entrant, has a cash prize of $400.
Hurne said the Lions were keen to see the most outrageous designs people could dream up. “So get out the feathers, glitter, fabric, colouring pens and any item that would provide structure to a headpiece!”
On Easter Saturday, entrants will need to wear their creations, with three judges set to select winners. The event will feature live buskers, food vendors, and a coffee cart to keep the creative energy high.
For more information, see Katikati Lions via their Facebook page or phone Hurne on 027 2911440 or email jo66hurne@gmail.com.
On Easter Sunday, April 5, the Katikati Bird Gardens is hosting its 22nd annual Easter egg hunt from midday-4pm.
Dozens of coloured balls will be hidden around the four-hectare gardens. Children return a ball to the cafe and swap it for a chocolate Easter egg.
There’s also a secret number of pink rabbits in the gardens, which children can find and count. Those who count the correct tally can enter a draw to win a giant egg. Binky the Easter Egg Bunny will pose for photos with little ones and families. Garden entry prices apply. Find out more at: www.facebook.com/Katikati.Bird.Gardens.
At Waihī Beach, Easter will be celebrated with a relaxed photography challenge that invites residents and visitors to capture the colours of the coastal community.
The Waihī Beach Easter Weekend Colour Hunt is on April 3-6, and entry is free.
Those interested are asked to choose a colour from the palette at: https://waihibeach.co.nz/event/easter-weekend-colour-hunt, then spend the long weekend exploring Waihī Beach, Bowentown and Athenree, photographing things in that colour.
People need to select six high-quality images and email them to: hello@waihibeach.co.nz by Easter Monday evening. The following week, a few lucky participants will win spot prizes.
Waihī Beach also have an Easter Pop-Up Market on April 4 from 10am-2pm at the community centre on Beach Rd; and a Waihī Beach Holistic Wellbeing Expo on Easter Sunday, April 5, from 10am-3pm will be held at the community centre. Entry is free to both events.