The much-loved Katikati Festival of Cultures is back on Saturday, April 5, 2025, and we’re looking for cultural groups, talented performers, and food vendors to be part of this vibrant community celebration.

The festival will kick off with the colourful Flag Parade at 10am, starting from Katikati College and making its way along Carisbrooke Street to finish at Moore Park, where a powhiri will officially open the day’s festivities.

From 11am to 2pm, the park will be filled with cultural performances, interactive workshops, arts and crafts stalls, and a delicious selection of international food.

“We’re so excited to bring this event back to Katikati,” said event manager for Katch Katikati, Kylie Watkins.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible diversity in our community, and we can’t wait to see the amazing talents, traditions, and flavours that everyone will bring.

“We’re calling on local cultural groups, performers, artists, and vendors to showcase their traditions and talents.”

Watkins said if you have a cultural performance to share including dance, music, storytelling or something else, this is the place for you.

If you want to run an interactive workshop to teach a cultural craft, dance, or tradition, Katch Katikati wants to hear from you, she said.

And if you create and sell handcrafted arts and crafts inspired by cultural heritage, or if you would like to take part in the Flag Parade by representing your culture with traditional dress, banners, or flags, this is the place for you and your culture to shine.

“This festival is all about bringing people together,” said Kylie.

“It’s a celebration of all the cultures who call our town home. We’d love to have as many people involved as possible.”

Whether you’re an individual or a community group your participation is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate diversity, connect with the community, and share your culture with festival-goers.

To register your interest or find out more email KatikatiFestivalofCultures@gmail.com or visit www.katikati.org.nz to apply online.