Focus on Katikati
By Fiona Powell, Katch Katikati
We are fortunate to have a number of talented and well-known individuals visiting Katikati to share their passions with us during November, including a floral artist, an actor, a former Governor-General and a naturalist.
A Rustic Floral Demonstration
On Thursday, 10th November, from 1pm-3pm Francine Thomas, a wellknown florist and floral designer, will be presenting a floral demonstration called ‘A Rustic Wedding’ for the Katikati Floral Art Group which is hosting the Thames Valley Area Day. Francine will slowly build a scene for a wedding out of rustic found objects and props using gathered plant material, both dried and fresh. The demonstration, at the Katikati Memorial Hall, is open to the public, giving locals a unique and special opportunity to learn new floral ideas and techniques. Francine is known for her humorous, relaxed delivery style while sharing her amazing talent and skill. Tickets are $10 from The Arts Junction or online at www.theartsjunction.org.nz.
The Gallipoli Monologues
We’ve been hearing glowing reviews about The Gallipoli Monologues, and the show is coming to Katikati in November. Professional actor Mark Wright gives voice to the many faces of Gallipoli at three shows over the 18th and 19th of November at The Arts Junction.
Mark, who has starred in almost 40 different television series, including What Now and Shortland Street, says his one-man play contains nine monologues based on different characters, symbolised by him changing hats throughout the production. The engaging and entertaining, but also historical show, gives audiences a glimpse of life during WWI and offers something for everyone. Tickets are available from The Arts Junction.
Former Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Silvia Cartwright ONZ, PCNZM, DBE, QSO, is guest speaker at an Abbeyfield WBOP fundraising dinner event on Saturday, 19th November, at the Fairview Golf and Country Club. Grab your tickets from The Arts Junction for this special event helping a great cause. See advert on page 27.
New Zealand’s ‘bug man’ Ruud Kleinpaste is coming to town on 17th November and is making a couple of guest appearances.
Dinner with a Dame Meet the ‘Bug Man’
First up, you can join him on a garden ramble hosted by Grow On Katikati at the Kati KaiWay from 4pm-5.30pm (registration and payment are needed to book your space) and have your photo taken with him. In the evening, Ruud is guest speaker at Café Scientifique at 7pm at The Arts Junction sharing his love of bugs and the environment. He’ll share fascinating insights into our ecosystems and how we can all make a positive difference. Everyone is welcome, and entry is by gold coin donation.
Vote for your Favourite Avo dish Katikati is acknowledged as the Avocado Capital of New Zealand, and our local cafes are celebrating the avocado season by competing in the Seeka Avocado Cafe Competition and serving up an avocado-themed dish. You’re invited to vote for your favourite dish from the competing cafes between Monday, 21st November to Thursday, 22nd December using the voting boxes at participating cafes.
The cafes competing for the People’s Choice Award are the Talisman Hotel, The Orchard House Cafe, Flatwhite Cafe, Common Ground Cafe, and the Surf Shack Eatery. Compare the presentation and flavour of each avocado-inspired dish, make your vote, and you could be in to win one of two $50 vouchers.