Three days of events to mark the 150th anniversary since the Ulster Irish settlers arrived in Katikati has been planned for the town for this September.

The events are spearheaded by the Katikati 150th Anniversary Committee formed by resident and community board chair John Clements.

Clements, who has been working on the project for 12 months, said Katikati would mark the anniversary on the weekend of September 12-14.

“The events are to recognise the historical arrival of the Ulster Irish [to Katikati] on September 16, 1875, while also at the same time recognising that Māori were here first,” said Clements.

The Carisbrooke Castle

According to Western Bay of Plenty Community Archives Collection, a ship named the Carisbrooke Castle voyaged from Liverpool, England, and arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, on September 8, 1875, with 238 of George Vesey Stewart’s settlers on-board. They travelled on to Katikati via Tauranga, arriving a few days later.

The Carisbrooke Castle carried 238 of George Vesey Stewart’s special settlers on-board, docking at Auckland, New Zealand, on September 8, 1875. Photo / WBOP District Libraries’ recollect archives

Stewart, who became known as the town’s founder, also brought a second party to New Zealand, with several passengers from England and Scotland, aboard the Lady Jocelyn – which arrived in Auckland on August 17, 1878, according to Western Bay of Plenty Community Archives Collection.

The Lady Jocelyn, who brought George Vesey Stewart’s second party of settlers to New Zealand in 1878, pictured here at Port Chalmers, Dunedin circa unknown. Photo: Alexander Turnbull Library

“Recognising the arrival of Ulster Irish settlers in 1875, the theme for the weekend will be ‘Travel Through Time’ with events focused on the town’s history, the present and the future,” said Clements, who urged the whole community to get involved.

David Gallaher

The 150th programme begins Friday, September 12, from 2pm-4.30pm with an event called ‘Rugby Remembers – Lest we Forget’ at Katikati War Memorial Hall.

Clements said this stemmed from arguably Katikati’s most famous Irish settler David Gallaher – who arrived as a five-year-old and went onto become the first captain of the All Blacks. First called The Originals, the team travelled to England almost unknown, and returned as sporting heroes. David’s stature as home-town hero transcended sport after he died in battle in World War I in 1917, according to Western Bay of Plenty Community Archives Collection.

In the hall will be various talks to recognise those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in war from Katikati and the All Blacks, a history of Katikati Rugby Club, the production of film ‘All Blacks at War’, a history of David Gallaher and his rugby achievements, plus a talk on the evolution of the game.

This will be followed by ‘An evening of Irish music and craic’ that night, September 12, at Katikati Folk Club, which plays at The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd. Tickets are $24 per adult from www.theartsjunction.org.nz

On Saturday, September 13, a market with stalls and live music will begin 9am at the town’s market square – which was just completed recently next to the library.

Inside Pātuki Manawa Katikati Library & Service Centre, will be a display of photographs from the Western Bay of Plenty Community Archives Collection, which depict the town “growing up” over time.

Car parade, dance, music

The public can enter Western Bay Museum at 10am to view a display of Katikati’s timeline and exhibition of “Dave Gallaher and the service and sacrifice of so many”. This will feature pieces of Gallaher’s rugby uniform and memorabilia, which has been loaned from Ponsonby Rugby Club.

At 10am a parade of cars – from vintage to modern age – will travel from Moore Park to Katikati War Memorial Hall, and be on display.

“We’re trying to capture the improvement over time of vehicles and transport. For this we’ll have vintage cars, Clydesdale horses right through to cars of the modern era,” Clements said.

At 11am at the memorial hall the public can watch a display of dance and music. At 2pm will be a performance from Irish folk musician Colin Urwin, who will travel from Ireland for the event. This will be continued with music in the market square. The day finishes on a high with the Settlers’ Dance from 7pm at the memorial hall, where guests can dress in pioneer costume “and really travel back in time”.

“This is a ticket-free family event – entry is via gold coin donation and a cold plate of finger food for supper,” said Clements.

Athenree Homestead

The weekend will be capped off with a fair of grand proportions from 10.30am-2.30pm at Athenree Homestead on Athenree Rd, off State Highway 2.

“This is the historical homestead of George Vesey Stewart’s brother Hugh and his wife Adela Stewart, who came to New Zealand in 1878 with their seven-year-old son Mervyn on-board the Lady Jocelyn,” said Clements.

The homestead will also host games that were popular pastimes in the early days, such as egg and spoon races, for the public to enjoy.

Clements said thanks to sponsors the committee was able to keep nearly all events free of charge. “Nearly all events are free to attend but with the memorial hall holding a maximum of 400, people will need to register for free tickets to events inside it.”

For more information on the 150th anniversary events or to register to attend events which require a free ticket, visit: https://katikati150celebration.co.nz