Kia ora koutou,
Kings Birthday weekend is almost here, and we've got a great one lined up for you. Whether you're a local making the most of the long weekend or a visitor joining us for the first time, Waihī Beach has plenty to offer. Why not come and see for yourself!
Before you dive in, a couple of things we'd love you to know about:
It's About Time Winter Edition is here! Our free local magazine is out now and packed with all the goings-on here at Waihī Beach. Pick up your copy from local stores, eateries, or the Information Centre if you haven't grabbed one yet. We'd love for you to have a read.
Katikati & Waihī Beach Excellence Awards 2026! The Katikati & Waihī Beach Excellence Awards are returning for 2026, and we want to hear from you! Nominations open on June 1st at waihibeach.co.nz/awards, so this weekend is the perfect time to start thinking about the local businesses and people who deserve a little recognition. Stay tuned for more details very soon.
The Waihī Beach Journal is designed so you can read the whole email with a coffee, or simply scroll to the sections that interest you most.
Here's what's happening this Kings Birthday weekend:
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The Secret Garden — Kings Birthday Line-Up
The Secret Garden is back open after their seasonal break and hitting the ground running with a fantastic weekend of events.
Thursday — Little Italy Pop-Up Trattoria From 4.00pm | Bookings recommended — call 027 279 8483
Friday — ZEEKAY DJ Set Free entry | 6.00pm–9.00pm
Saturday — Acustica Latina + Don Torres Live music and reggaeton | Wilderkin pop-up bar from 5.00pm | Koha entry | Music from 6.00pm–9.00pm
Sunday — Sunday Jams Hosted by Joe Arrow + House Band | Family friendly | Tiki Bar Happy Hour 5.00–6.00pm | 4.00pm–8.00pm
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Brownmore Concrete 2-Day Open Water Fishing Competition:
A great one for the whole family, the Waihī Beach Bowentown Boating & Fishing Club's annual fishing competition is back for 2026, proudly sponsored by Brownmore Concrete.
Saturday 30 – Sunday 31 May
Prizes up for grabs for Snapper, Kahawai, Trevally, Tarakihi, Kingfish, Longest Snapper Released, Hapuka, Bass, Bluenose, and Gemfish, plus Boat Points worth $500 and a $100 club voucher spot prize at the briefing. Every entry goes in the draw to win an electric rod and reel combo.
Open Category (12 yrs and above) — $50
Kids Under 12 — $35
Tickets available from ReelnWave and WBBBFC.
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Waihī Beach RSA
A big weekend at the RSA with something for the sports fans and the dancers alike.
Saturday — catch the Super Rugby: Chiefs v Blues on the big screens. Kick-off is at 7.05pm. Come early, grab a drink, and settle in.
Sunday — Mark Huckstep takes to the dance floor from 6.30pm. A great way to wind down the long weekend.
The RSA is open as usual on Monday.
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Waihī Beach Bowentown Boating & Fishing Club
Aside from the fishing competition, the Club has a great weekend on offer:
Friday — Open from 3.00pm to late
Saturday–Sunday — Open from 12.00pm to late
Sunday — Live music: open mic session with Les Robinson, 4.00pm–7.00pm
A relaxed spot, right on the water to come and enjoy the weekend.
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Artisan & Crafters Fair
A wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning, the Artisan & Crafters Fair comes to the Waihī Beach Community Centre this Saturday 30 May, with doors open from 10.00am–2.00pm. Free entry for the public.
Waihī Beach Holistic Wellbeing Expo
The Waihī Beach Holistic Wellbeing Expo is coming to the Waihī Beach Community Centre, Beach Road on Sunday 31 May, from 10.00am–3.00pm. Free entry.
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Have Your Say, Local Government Reorganisation
This one's important, and we want to make sure our community is across it.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is currently asking communities a fundamental question: should Western Bay stay largely as it is, or join with other councils in the future? Five possible scenarios have been put forward, and your voice matters in shaping what happens next.
There's a Table Talk workshop coming to Waihī Beach just after the long weekend, and we'd encourage as many locals as possible to attend:
Waihī Beach Table Talk: Tuesday 2 June | 6.00pm–8.00pm Waihī Beach United Church
Following a short presentation, you'll have the chance to move between tables, speak with Councillors and Council staff, and share what matters most to you about how your community is represented.
Can't make it in person? You can also share your views online via the Western Bay of Plenty District Council website, or tune in to a live-stream on Thursday 28 May, 6.30–7.30pm via Council's YouTube channel.
Views close at midnight on Sunday 14 June.
For more information and to have your say online, visit yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz
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Water Safety Reminder
A gentle but important reminder that our volunteer surf lifeguards are not on patrol again until Labour Weekend. Please take extra care if you're heading in for a swim, and always look out for one another.
If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 111 immediately and ask for Police, who will activate the search and rescue team.
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Still Looking for a Place to Stay?
It's not too late to book a Kings Birthday stay at Waihī Beach, our holiday parks and accommodation providers may still have last-minute spots available.
Find our accommodation partners here: waihibeach.co.nz/category/accommodation
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We hope you have a wonderful long weekend, get out there and enjoy it. Tag us in any of your videos or photos at @waihibeachnz
Ngā mihi nui Waihī Beach Events & Promotions
Please note: All information in this email is subject to change. We recommend checking official event pages and social channels for the latest updates.
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Learn More:
Proudly brought to you by Waihī Beach Community Events & Promotions: a local not-for-profit dedicated to bringing our community together through great events and celebrating Waihī Beach as one of New Zealand’s top coastal destinations.
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