Project Parore and Renaturing Katikati are inviting everyone to visit their plantation station at the 100th Katikati A&P Show today, Sunday, February 2, at the Uretara Domain, Katikati.

"Stop by for a chat with the team and gain valuable insights into native planting, pest control, land restoration, and sustainable land management," a team spokesperson said.

Renaturing Katikati actively maintains a network of bait stations and traps around the Uretara Estuary and harbour margins, working to improve water quality and reverse biodiversity loss.  

After visiting the Project Parore site, take a stroll to the end of the A&P paddock to see how last year’s plantings have flourished. These efforts are part of a broader mission to restore native ecosystems on both public and private land.  

Katikati’s urban environment boasts stunning reserves, esplanades, and walkways along river, estuarine, and harbour edges—natural spaces that enhance community well-being.

Volunteers from Renaturing Katikati bring the energy, effort and determination to make a difference in the Katikati shared ‘backyard’. They care for the Haiku Park river reserve as well as a raft of other Katikati reserves.

"We're helping landowners develop and roll out environmental plans," Project Parore deputy chair Karen Smillie said.

"We’re working to enhance public land for the good of wildlife and the humans who enjoy it too. We’re supporting research and monitoring so we understand and can show the impact our work has.

“None of the effort necessary to protect and restore our waterways and whenua can be done in isolation. We work alongside individuals, landowners, hapū and iwi, councils, businesses, community groups, schools and funders."

Project Parore REP crew team leader Tejay Samuels, Project Parore general manager Brodie Davis, Project Parore deputy chair Karen Smillie, A&P Show site co-ordinator Lynne Smith and REP crew member Rhys Margan. Photo/Supplied.

While native plants won’t be for sale at the show today, the Restoration, Enhancement, and Protection (REP) team will be on hand to offer expert advice on local climate conditions and the best planting strategies for your property—potentially saving you time and money while enriching the landscape.  

Alongside Project Parore and Renaturing Katikati, the show corner will also feature displays from the Aongatete Forest Project and Forest & Bird Tauranga.  

Come along, meet the passionate teams driving these initiatives, and be inspired to make a difference in your own backyard!  

The Katikati A&P Show runs today, Sunday February 2, from 9am - 4pm at the Uretara Domain, Major St, Katikati. Entry $10, children under 14 free.