Lizard News

17/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19bmrGEQXm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/04/2025

Kids’ hunting and fishing competition

By Jaimee Hart
Committee

A group of local parents has teamed up to create and launch a new Kids Hunting and Fishing Competition, aimed at getting kids outdoors and teaching them valuable skills in hunting and fishing.

It’s a great opportunity for the next generation to learn new outdoor skills while having fun and staying safe.

The competition will be held anywhere you choose within the Tauranga Harbour boundaries and local bush surroundings, with the prize-giving at Trailor Made on the main highway (opposite Forta Leza). Entries are open now, and the event runs from Friday 11th April to Sunday 13th April, with the prize-giving at 4pm.

The event is open to kids aged 0-13, divided into two age groups: 0-6 and 6-13, offering a chance for all ages to get involved and enjoy the challenge.

There’s a Magpie Challenge with a $300 cash prize for the most magpies caught. The challenge can start as soon as you enter, with the goal of eradicating as many magpies as possible. These can be trapped or hunted and frozen until the prize-giving day. This challenge is sponsored by Height 4 Hire.

There will be exciting spot prizes and goodie bags for participants, along with face painting and a sausage sizzle on prize-giving day. The major spot prize is a paddle board, scooter and hunting trip. It’s sure to be a fun-filled day for all kids and families.

To sign up, email your interest to [email protected]. You’ll receive all the details you need to get started. For updates and more information, visit our page. We’re excited to see everyone there for a fun, safe, and memorable event, which we hope to hold annually.

05/04/2025

Heads up Katikati and Waihī Beach!

Western Bay of Plenty District Council will host a Community Forum 'expo' event on Wednesday 9th April at The Centre – Pātuki Manawa Digital Hub from 7-9pm.

It's a chance to connect with ward councillors Allan Sole, Anne Henry and Rodney Joyce, and to get a better understanding of local initiatives by talking to the teams behind them.

Key projects: Athenree Jetty, Heron Crescent Elder Housing, Dave Hume Pool upgrades, Katikati Wastewater Disposal Future Directions.

Consultation items: Local Water Done Well, Ahi Pātiki – Athenree Crossing.

Other things you might want to discuss: Service requests and general enquiries, Emergency Management, Elections 2025, Kerbside education, Funding and Grants, Roading projects and education, Predator Free BOP.

Staff and elected members will be there to answer your questions.

31/03/2025

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has confirmed all three dogs removed from a Tuapiro property, following the tragic death of a young child on Friday afternoon, have been euthanised.

At approximately 3.45pm on Friday 28th March, Council's Animal Services team was contacted by NZ Police to assist with an urgent response to a dog attack at a property north of Katikati, in the Tuapiro area.

General Manager Regulatory Services, Alison Curtis, says Council officers responded promptly and removed three adult dogs from the property.

The owner signed the dogs over to Council custody, and all three of the dogs were euthanised on Monday afternoon (31st March).

"At this stage, we have not yet fully confirmed the primary breeds of the dogs involved. We’re taking a cautious and responsible approach — and will release this information once we’re confident it’s accurate.

"We’re also mindful not to share anything that could compromise the Police investigation.

"This is an absolute tragedy, and our thoughts are with the whānau who are now facing an unimaginable loss.

"Our team has acted professionally and with great care in extremely difficult circumstances, and I want to acknowledge their efforts in supporting the Police and helping ensure there is no further public safety risk. We will continue to support the Police as they lead the investigation.

"As this is an active Police matter, Council will not be making any further comment," says Alison Curtis.

28/03/2025

Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade is hosting an open day tomorrow from 9am-3pm.
🚒🚒🚒
Head on down to find out how these volunteers make a difference in our community - and maybe you might be their newest recruit?

Demonstrations and station tours throughout the day, with the opportunity to speak to current recruits - plus a free BBQ.

Get down and share the community love.

👨‍🚒💕👨‍🚒💕👨‍🚒

21/03/2025

Looking for a fun Saturday out? Doggy Day Out is back. 🐕

Western Avenue, Ōmokoroa, will be packed with doggy-related entertainment, demonstrations and market stalls from 10am-2pm. 🐩

The theme is 'Doggy-wood' 🎥 so if you're taking your canine friend, dress them up for the comp. Just make sure they're wearing their top accessory - a lead!

The event is free, and there is music, food, a photobooth and heaps of fun stuff to see and do. 🐾

11/03/2025

The latest Lizard News updates the community on an affordable first home project in Ōmokoroa. Meanwhile, Man Walk Monday gets underway for a male mental health boost - the peninsula gains a new defibrillator - and a public toilet has locals talking.

Katikati Police make an arrest following a recent crime spree. There are details of a special food festival event for all at Ōtāwhiwhi Marae in Bowentown, as well as Katikati's Festival of Cultures, the Jazz Festival, and the town's art exhibition to read about.

There are most welcome community sports reports from rugby, golf and boating clubs in Katikati, as well as some lovely photos from Pahoia Tryathlon.

With political opinions, the What's On community event diary, puzzles, a tide chart, and the fish of the fortnight - there is plenty for everyone in this fortnight's Lizard News. Thanks for your support - Matthew and Liz.

lizardnews.net/current-edition

06/03/2025

There is one more week to have your say on the State Highway 2 speed limit change.

The section south of Marshall Road, Katikati, down to Loop Road, Te Puna, will revert to 100kph by law by 1st July.

If you wish to oppose this change, complete the NZTA | Waka Kotahi survey by 13th March.

NZ Transport Agency speed reversal consultation for Te Moana a Toi-te-Huatahi – Bay of Plenty

01/03/2025

Ōmokoroa Football Club has held the first of four Saturdays of events for female players.

March is Girls and Women's month with the next sessions specifically for females on the 8th, 15th, and 22nd at the lower fields on Western Avenue.

9am-10am is for players aged 4 to 13 years.

Players 13+ can participate in a social match each week at 10:30am.

Follow their social media and register online at https://omokoroafc.co.nz/girl-womens-25/

Today's women's affair was a fun 7-a-side on a half pitch. Eleven or twelve goals were scored with smiles all around. Hopefully, with a few more interested, there may be the makings of a women's team.

Three dads shared goalkeeping duties today, and I was the worst by a country mile - Matthew Farrell.

28/02/2025

Readers may recall a story published in September 2024 about Ōmokoroa local Jason Saunders who is looking for a live kidney donor.
Fellow truckies are supporting an event that is raising awareness and funds to help Jason on his journey.
If you love trucks, tractors and vintage machinery - this could be the event for you!
It is outside our usual area, but this family fun day is giving a little extra back.
For more information, visit Tauranga Truck & Tractor Show page.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1203241207810569

25/02/2025

Great news for lifeguarding at Bowentown makes the front page of the latest edition of Lizard News.

Katikati’s Abbeyfield Home starts moving earth, shortlisting potential residents and organising a carboot - while Katikati cricket and football clubs deal with senseless pitch vandalism. It’s awesome to know the town’s food rescue is back on track.

We have the latest on the community push for an Ōmokoroa Secondary School, a feel-good award for Coffee Club and a new Indian restaurant opening, as the famous godwits get ready to fly north.

There’s an update on Tākitimu North Link Stage Two and the Ōmokoroa intersection roundabout project, news of a glass recycling boost on Matakana Island, and we’ve had Shakespeare shaking down in Te Puna.

From scavenger hunts in Waihī Beach to Doggy Day Out on the horizon, from A&P reflections to Waka Ama action - this fortnight’s Lizard News has it all.

Printed copies will be in mailboxes in the next few days and it’s online at http://lizardnews.net or via the issuu and Pressreader news services. Thanks for backing us, as we support the community with free news and information.