With September 2025 marking 150 years since Ulster Irish settlers arrived in Katikati, community board chair John Clements wants to know how local residents would like to observe the occasion.

On September 16, 1875, a group of 34 Protestant families from Ulster in Ireland – totalling 238 people – arrived in Katikati as part of George Vesey Stewart’s organised settlement. The party had travelled by sea from Belfast on-board the Carisbrooke Castle ship, in search of a new life. A second party followed three years later on-board the Lady Jocelyn ship in 1878.

Today – as the Katikati township edges towards the 150 anniversary of the settlers' arrival – its Ulster heritage is still alive and well via murals and street names and descendants still living locally.

Clements said many families will remember the 100th anniversary event of Katikati in 1975 “and find it hard to believe we are now looking at the 150th anniversary of the town”.

As a community leader he wants to find out how wider Katikati community would like to mark the 150th anniversary of the Ulster settlers’ arrival.

“We have some initial ideas – and a tentative date of September 13 next year, which is the closest weekend to the anniversary – but I’m hoping the community will respond to this article and get in touch to tell me how they would like to mark the occasion.”

Clements said a few stand-alone projects are underway to celebrate the anniversary – but he would d like to know if the community want to come together to mark the occasion.

Clements said ideas from individuals, community groups as well keenness from local schools to get involved would be welcome. “We also know that many descendants from those Ulster pioneer families still live locally – and so we’d like to hear from them as well on how they might like to be involved.”

Clements, who is coordinating all input, said feedback can made by emailing him directly via: john@johnclements.co.nz He asks for people to submit their initial ideas by December 14.

- SunLive