What’s on in our community?
Te Au o Maui
July 25th, 2025
At: Western Bay Museum.
Te Au o Maui – Waka Tapu: Ceremonial Canoe Exhibition
Western Bay Museum | June 25–30 | 10am–4pm daily | Daily kōrero at 12pm
Step into the world of traditional Waka craftsmanship with our live exhibition, Te Au o Maui - Waka Tapu. This powerful event showcases a 5-metre ceremonial Waka Taua and the customs, artistry, and knowledge behind its construction.
Watch renowned Waka builders and master carvers Haimona Brown and Hingangaroa Smith bring this ancient tradition to life with daily demonstrations in carving, lashing, kowhaiwhai and more.
This is a rare opportunity to reconnect with ancestral practices and support the preservation of Waka heritage for future generations.
Free entry. All welcome.
Friends of the Museum Talks
August 14th, 2025
At: The Arts Junction, Katikati.
Free for members or koha donation, all welcome!
Friends of the Museum: Whetū Mārama Screening & Talk
Join us for a special evening in connection with our current Waka Tapu exhibition — a powerful screening of Whetū Mārama – Bright Star, the story of Sir Hekenukumai Busby and the revival of traditional Māori voyaging.
Followed by a Q&A with master waka builder and carver Haimona Brown.
The Arts Junction Theatre, Katikati
Doors 5:15PM | Talk 5:30PM
Koha entry for non-members | All welcome
Friends of the Museum Talks
April 10th, 2025
At: The Western Bay Museum, Katikati.
Free for members or koha donation, all welcome!
Talk by Geoff Willacy who is an important member of our museum community. Geoff will go through the history of the post office and let us in on some industry secrets!
See you there, 5:15pm.
Hosted by Western Bay Museum and Creative Bay of Plenty.
Friends of the Museum Talks
March 13th, 2025
The Arts Junction Theatre,
Katikati
Free for members or koha donation, all welcome!
Talk by Anne from CBOP, who will talk us through the importance of the arts in our communities and a bit about what she and her team offer.
Hosted by Western Bay Museum and Creative Bay of Plenty.
Friends of the Museum Talks
February 13th, 2025
The Arts Junction Theatre,
Katikati
Free for members or koha donation, all welcome!
Talks by Francis Young and Katipo Creative
about historic photographs in the area and how
to preserve your own.
Hosted by Western Bay Museum and Katipo Creative.
Waitangi Day Event
February 6th, 2025
Haiku park, Katikati.
FREE entry. We recommend bringing a rug, chair & sunblock.
We are taking over Haiku Park in Katikati. Dotting it with stations; with interactive activities like poi-making, weaving, kai and live music.
We'll have 13 delicious food vendors to keep your pukus full.
Māori & Pasifika cultural performances to entertain and inspire.
Bands:
'Chur Da Boys'
'Junior John'
'Local Trio'
We can't wait to share this specially planned day out with you!