Katikati’s promotion organisation is celebrating two decades of serving its community in muti-faceted roles to showcase everything that makes it such a special place.
Katch Katikati marked 20 years of existence on July 26, with the team cutting a cake to celebrate all the events, promotion and community development it had undertaken.
Katch Katikati general manager Jacqui Knight said while 20 years may sound like just a number, it represented so much more.
“It represents thousands of conversations, countless collaborations, community connections, late nights, big ideas, small wins and moments where people have come together to celebrate this town we call home,” she said.
“The reality is 20 years is a huge achievement.”
Many event, promotion and community organisations had come and gone over the years, Knight said. “Changing times, funding challenges, shifting priorities and the sheer amount of work required to keep a community organisation thriving means many have sadly fallen away.
“So, to still be standing strong after two decades is something Katch Katikati is incredibly proud of.
“The team is honoured to continue serving the community, creating opportunities for connection, supporting local businesses, promoting our town and bringing a little more fun and festivity into everyday life.”
Like all good birthdays, Knight said the whole team agrees on one thing: The best is yet to come.
Businesses to community (sidehead)
Katch Katikati was established in 2006 as a business-focused organisation created to support and promote Katikati’s Main Rd businesses.
“It grew from the need for a dedicated organisation that could connect local businesses, promote events, encourage visitors and advocate for the town,” Knight said.
It followed a long history of local organisations that had worked to strengthen and support the community.
In 1937, the Katikati Progress League was formed to support local development before going into recess during World War II.
In 1946, it was revived as the Katikati Chamber of Commerce, with J.E.B. Warn as its first president.
Don Mossop and Jacqui Knight were pleased with the number of people who were enjoying the avocado festival.in 2019. Photo/ Andrew Warner
By 1974, the organisation had re-emerged as the Katikati Businessmen’s Association and Chamber of Commerce.
Then in 2006, Katch Katikati was created with a broader vision: supporting businesses while also promoting events, encouraging visitors, building community connections and helping make Katikati a destination.
The first co-ordinator was Tracey Cossey, with David Gardner as the first chairman.
In 2007, Jane Burke took over as co-ordinator, and in 2008 Katch Katikati launched its website and introduced Business After Five (BA5) networking events, creating opportunities for local businesses to connect, collaborate and support one another.
Knight said, over time, Katch Katikati had grown from a business support group into a key community organisation, helping create events, experiences and connections that make Katikati unique.
“From festivals and celebrations to town promotions, visitor services, arts initiatives and community projects, Katch Katikati has continued to evolve alongside the town.”
But at its heart, the purpose remained the same: bringing people together.
The Arts Junction (sidehead)
Knight said one of Katch Katikati’s biggest milestones came in 2018 when the organisation transformed the town’s former library building into The Arts Junction.
What was once a building full of books became a creative hub for the community, providing a place for arts, culture, events, exhibitions, meetings and connection.
“The transformation was made possible through the support of many organisations, funders and community groups who believed in creating a dedicated space for creativity and connection,” Knight said.
MINI HOMES: Jacqui Knight with some of the bird boxes that will be auctioned during the 2015 NZ Mural Contest and Arts Festival. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN
Support came from organisations including TECT, Trillian Trust, Bay Trust, NZCT, Katikati Open Air Art, Katikati Community Board, Katikati Twilight Concerts, Katikati Theatre Group and Katikati Folk Club.
Knight said Katikati Theatre Group and Katikati Folk Club played an important role in helping establish The Arts Junction, contributing valuable equipment and support that helped create a space where performance, creativity and community could thrive.
Today, The Arts Junction is home to the town’s Visitor Information Centre, Carlton Art Gallery, Junction Theatre, retail space, and meeting and community rooms.
Looking ahead (sidehead)
Today, Katch Katikati continued to be the organisation that helped “bring our town together”.
“It promotes Katikati as a vibrant destination, supports local businesses, manages community projects, runs events and works alongside the many groups and individuals who make this community special.”
Katch Katikati’s vision is, “To have an active and creative community where locals love to live and visitors want to come back to”.
Katch Katikati's Jacqui Knight in 2020.
“Twenty years on, Katch Katikati is celebrating more than longevity. It is celebrating people.
“The volunteers who have given their time. The businesses who have supported initiatives. The community members who have shown up. The visitors who have enjoyed what Katikati has to offer,” Knight said.
“Because ultimately, a town is not built by one organisation alone. It is built by people who care enough to get involved. Here’s to the next chapter, because the best is still to come.”
Find out more about Katch Katikati and what it offers the township and wider community at: https://katchkatikati.org.nz