The sound of Christmas will fill the air at Haiku Reserve on Saturday 13 December 2025, as the Katikati Concert Band hosts their second Carols at Haiku event from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
Carols at Haiku was first introduced in 2023 as a way for the band to give back to the community. With no similar outdoor Christmas concert in Katikati at the time, the band chose the picturesque Haiku Reserve to create a relaxed summer atmosphere where families and friends could gather, enjoy festive music, and sing along to their favourite carols.
This year promises an even richer musical experience, with the Mural Town Singers joining the Concert Band to bring a mix of choir harmonies and instrumental arrangements. Together, they’ll perform a selection of Christmas tunes and carols that everyone can enjoy.
Event Coordinator, Karen Goh says the goal is simple, “We want the community to feel a sense of belonging and pride. Carols at Haiku is about creating a space where people can come together, celebrate the season, and enjoy live music in a beautiful setting.”
The event is free to attend, thanks to the support of the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund, which helps make events like this possible across the region. The Fund is a partnership between Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council, TECT, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, supporting events that bring people together and strengthen community connections. The event is also supported by Katch Katikati and volunteers from the Katikati Lions Club.
Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs or picnic rugs, snacks, and their singing voices. The volunteers will be on hand to accept donations to help fund future events, and QR codes will be available for those who’d like to access carol lyrics.
Jodi Rickard, Western Bay of Plenty District Council Community and Strategic Relationships Manager, says “Come along with your family and friends, enjoy listening to Christmas tunes, and join in the carols. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season and enjoy one of Katikati’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.”
With attendance expected to reach into the hundreds, Carols at Haiku is fast becoming a highlight of the festive calendar in Katikati. It’s a chance to enjoy the outdoors, celebrate community spirit, and make the most of the beautiful Haiku Reserve.
