Lizard News

09/12/2025

This Saturday evening in Ōmokoroa, there's a great value (and also rare) opportunity to see Bangers & Mash - talented local lads on the up, at a bargain price.

Tickets $10 online in advance, $15 on the door from 6pm. All welcome, Boat Club member or not. A good chance to have a look at the club, if you've not been before. Ticket link:

https://events.humanitix.com/bangers-and-mash-live-at-the-omokoroa-boat-club

Support act 6.20pm, main event 7pm.

Don't miss the chance to catch these guys before they head back to Sydney and Wellington in the New Year.

Here’s Chuck Berry’s Run Rudolph Run from the Ōmokoroa (Christmas in the Park) Jingles & Jandals event last week.

Come hear them play it live this weekend, at the Cornerstone Bar & Eatery on Friday, then the Omokoroa Boat Club on Saturday.

🎤 Jack Kilfoil
🎸 Michael van Lieshout
🎹 Troy Weenink
🎸 Mathieu Ornberg
🥁 Aaron McDaniel

https://open.spotify.com/track/7sva3PILekgPr73xeTJHzn...

Bangers & Mash · Run Rudolph Run · Song · 2025

28/11/2025

The next edition of Lizard News is currently being prepared at Waihi Beach Summer Kick Off! We’re both on laptops on knees. Drop by and say hi!

28/11/2025

FreshChoice Ōmokoroa is hosting a community Christmas event next week, with in-store tastings, family fun, and the chance to win a trolley full of groceries.

26/11/2025

An historic medical drone flight has launched for the first time this morning between Ōmokoroa, and Matakana Island.

VertiLink Advanced Air Mobility Group says the delivery trial is the first of its kind in New Zealand.

In conjunction with Ferntech NZ, three trial flights are scheduled today between the Domain and Te Kutaroa Marae on the island.

A community-led research project by VertiLink and the University of Auckland alongside marae whānau in 2024 indentified the need for faster, more resilient access to medical supplies and health services as a key priority for Matakana Island residents.

26/11/2025

The Katikati Food Bank Drive gets underway at 6.30pm next Tuesday 2nd December.

The Ōmokoroa drive starts at 6pm the same evening.

The door-to-door collections are fantastic community events, and a wonderful way to experience the true spirit of giving.

25/11/2025

We are one month from Christmas, and only three days from the community Jandals & Jingles celebration at Ōmokoroa Beach Domain - let's hope the weather holds!

Dress as Mr or Mrs Claus for a brief dash on the sand to kick off the evening, as Lizard News looks to bring back the friendly, festive fun of Neil Badger's Ōmokoroa Santa Run in years past.

Lizard News is offering spot prizes for the best Santa efforts, so come along and enjoy yourself at this week's extra special Jandals and Jingles Kiwi Christmas Celebration, brought to you by Jandals and Jingles.

Santa runners should muster at the green by the old Scout Den in good time for 5pm Friday; nearby parking will be very limited.

21/11/2025

One person is in custody following a Police operation in Katikati today. Police began their enquiries this morning to locate a person of interest in the township.

Lizard News observed multiple Police vehicles heading to Katikati from Tauranga, with lights and sirens, around 11.30am.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown tells us that the Police advised the Katikati Medical Centre, local schools and a preschool to go into lockdown while enquiries were conducted.

"Armed Police were present as a precaution and to ensure public safety. Police thank the community for their understanding and cooperation throughout the day. Charges will follow," she says.

20/11/2025

Check out our re-vamp!

The Diary Dates section of Lizard News started out as a wee quarter page of notices. Now, it's a whopping three pages!

Initially set up as 'What's on each day' followed by 'special events coming up', it was getting a little unwieldy.

Starting from this edition, each activity is grouped according to type: sports, arts, music, etc. Not only do we hope it will be easier to navigate, but it will also avoid some duplication, which will allow room for more groups.

This is a free service to clubs and groups. If you'd like to add a listing, send an email to [email protected]

Landing in your mailboxes this weekend!

18/11/2025

The first Sirens & Services event hits Ōmokoroa this Saturday!

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Head down to Western Ave sports fields for some free family fun.

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Meet all the emergency service providers, check out their vehicles and their gear, and have a go on some cool VR headsets in the Civil Defence Community Hub.

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Food and drinks for sale, plus free fun for kids, including face painting, balloon twisting and an awesome 'learn and earn' scavenger hunt to win a free ice block.

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It all kicks off at 10am.

See you there!!!

16/11/2025

What do you have going on over the next ten days? If you're free on 20th, 24th or 25th November, then you could be a lifesaver!

NZ Blood Service have a blood drive in Ōmokoroa Pavilion on Thursday 20th, and in Katikati Memorial Hall the following Monday and Tuesday.

Click the link to make an appointment:

https://www.nzblood.co.nz/become-a-donor/book-an-appointment