Hard work makes festival a success

The Real NZ Experience Katikati Festival was an amazing event and the community support that was provided could not be faulted, according to town promotions manager, Jacqui Knight.

"There are too many businesses, organisations and individuals to name them all, but I sincerely appreciate what everyone has done."

It all started back in October last year.

"Getting the Lotteries grant application form completed, to seeing it all come together 12 months later was great."

Having received the $11,500 grant plus additional support from the Katikati Community Board and local businesses meant that we could get some sound promotions happening, says Jacqui.

"We were also very well supported by the Katikati Advertiser and The Breeze with sponsorship enabling us to spread our promotions even further than what we had originally planned."

The work that so many volunteers put into making an event come together is tireless. And much of it goes unnoticed to make the event happen, she says.

"It was great to have the local Tongan community participating, sports organisations, gardens, farms, churches and businesses.

"There really was something for everyone to participate in."

Jacqui enjoyed working alongside Open Air Art with their festival and has had so many comments about the town coming alive for those two weeks. Having street entertainment and a Fun Fair also added to the atmosphere.

"How many hours did it take to co-ordinate over 40-plus events during the two weeks - I have lost count!"

Will there be another festival to celebrate what Katikati is all about? Maybe.

A big thank you to Katikati and everyone involved in making both festivals a great success.