A Century of Community

A Century of Community: Katikati A&P Society Wins Western Bay Community Event Award

A small but mighty team of volunteers has achieved something remarkable – keeping a beloved Bay of Plenty tradition alive and thriving for more than 100 years. In recognition of this achievement, the 100th Katikati A&P Show was named winner of the Community Event Award at the recent 2026 Western Bay Community Awards, celebrating the dedication that made its 100th annual show its biggest and best yet.

Every February, the Katikati showgrounds come alive with the crack of the wood chop, the thunder of hooves in the equestrian ring, the laughter of children at the bungee jump and climbing wall, the aroma of food stalls, and the sound of music drifting across the domain. This is the Katikati A&P Show – and in 2025, it marked its 100th year.

What makes this milestone even more extraordinary is the story behind it: the entire show, from the first planning meeting through to the final pack-down, is delivered by a small committee of dedicated volunteers. No paid staff. No large organisation. Just people who love their community and give their time freely to make something special happen year after year. Headed up by the irrepressible president, Louellen Davies, who has been at the helm so long she has lost count of the years!

“Just to be nominated was so amazing – you never think of winning something like that. That never even crosses your mind. You just continually work towards another show. The Society’s secretary barely has a month off between shows.”

From a Library Fundraiser to a Bay of Plenty Landmark

First established to raise money for the local library, a building that still stands on the Uretara Domain today, the show has weathered disruptions, adapted to the changing character of the district, and kept on going.

It draws in record numbers, with attractions ranging from wrestling and wood chopping to home industries, equestrian events, vintage motor cars and tractors, children’s entertainment, a scarecrow competition, puppet shows, and a vibrant food and music programme. The 100th show also saw the return of dairy cattle to the showgrounds – something that had been absent for some years. Activities are priced at a gold coin donation – or free – making sure every family can fully participate. 

As Davies explains, the show has had to evolve along with Katikati itself: “We are no longer a dairying district. We are a horticultural area. It is entirely different. And other people just want to be entertained – we have it all.”

The People Behind the Show

At the heart of the Katikati A&P Show is a core committee of around ten people – each owning a specific area of the event on the day. Horses, traffic management, trade sites, food vendors, the show programme, home industries and entertainment – everything has someone responsible for it. Around them, additional volunteers are brought in as needed: family members, community contacts, and this year, a group of RSE workers from the local community who joined the team for set-up and pack-down. 

“Without these volunteers, we are not going to have the show. That is the bottom line. You are doing this because it makes you feel good to do something for the community.”

The committee also draws on a network of specialist advisors who contribute expertise in areas like health and safety and MC duties. Davies is clear that good volunteer management means spreading the load wisely and never being afraid to ask for help – sometimes people are only too happy to volunteer. “It does not matter how big or how small. If you do something to help, we are rapt.”

A Culture That Keeps People Coming Back

Keeping a volunteer team engaged and energised year after year – in a world where everyone is time-poor – is no small achievement. Davies puts it down to a culture of straight-talking, mutual respect, and genuine shared purpose.

“There is no such thing as a stupid suggestion. Out of those conversations, things grow. Your volunteers are working from the heart. They want this show to be the best it can possibly be.”

Issues are addressed directly and early. There is a family feel to the way the team operates, working together, sharing a cup of coffee and a cake, with no time for politics. “If you have joined this committee or hold any position for the title, it is the wrong place for you.”

Good for Katikati, Good for the Bay

The 100th show opened with a blessing from the local Tongan community, reflecting its role as a gathering place for the whole community. It offers a compelling example of what is possible with a small, well-led volunteer team: clear roles, open communication, a willingness to ask for help, and a genuine commitment to the community that makes the work feel worthwhile. 

“Katikati punches well above its weight. If you want to come and be involved, we would love to see you.”

The show must go on – and in Katikati, it has done exactly that for a century.