Next weekend Katikati will travel 150 years back in time with a series of events to mark the arrival of the Ulster Irish settlers in 1875.

The sports, the music, clothing, the vehicles, transport, work and history of the early days of Katikati will be on show from next Friday, September 12, to Sunday, September 14.

Organised by the Katikati 150th Anniversary Committee, the events would “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 spokesperson John Clements.

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.

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.

“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.”

Here’s a rundown of what’s on from September 12-14. For ticketed events below, visit: katikati150celebration.co.nz

Friday, September 12

2pm: Rugby Remembers Lest We forget – remembering those who lost their lives in war, plus the history of rugby in Katikati, with speakers who’ve been to Letterkenny Rugby Club and the Dave Gallaher Memorial. This a free ticketed event at Katikati War Memorial Hall.

7pm: Katikati Folk Club presents a sold-out Irish folk music evening at The Arts Junction.

Saturday, September 13

9am: Irish music playing in Katikati’s market square and the hub next to the library.

9am: A display of historic photographs of Katikati from the Western Bay of Plenty Community Archives Collection inside Pātuki Manawa-Katikati Library.

9am: A Town & Country Market and food trucks in Katikati’s market square and the hub next to the library.

9am: A book signing with an update of Katikati History with Francis Young and his team of researchers at The Arts Junction.

10am: A ‘travel through transport’ street parade of vintage cars, bicycles and other modes of transport from Moore Park to Katikati War Memorial Hall via Carisbrooke St.

10am: A Katikati Timeline plus the ‘Power to the People’” exhibition and David Gallaher memorabilia and the ‘Echoes of Exchange’ display at Western Bay Museum.

11am: An official opening of the 150th event with speeches, dance and music outside Katikati War Memorial Hall.

1.30pm: Boats sail up the Uretara River to the Uretara Landing Reserve greeted by iwi followed by a tree planting and unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

2.30pm: Irish folk music performed by Irish musician Colin Urwin at Katikati War Memorial Hall.

4pm: Music and more at the Town Plaza, next to the library.

7pm: The Settlers’ Dance is a family-friendly alcohol-free event where people can dress up in costume. Entry is a koha/donation and plate of finger food. Held at Katikati War Memorial Hall.

Sunday, September 14

10.30am-2.30pm: Athenree Homestead hosts a fair featuring people in period costumes, Katikati Concert Band, children’s games, tea and scones. Free entry.