KATIKATI Katikati is the mural ‘capital’ of New Zealand, and most businesses and shops have adorned their buildings with murals, most of an historic nature. Katikati is an attractive town that is on the State Highway 3 route that carries considerable heavy traffic, all of which travels through the township. Katikati is midway between Tauranga and Waihi and is a service centre to a mixed rural land base, and is a reasonably wealthy population base. Katilati has a population of circa 4,000 and is a town located on the Uretara Stream near the tidal inlet Katikati was bestowed the of New Zealand's 'Most Beautiful Small Town' award for towns of less than 8,000 population in 2005 by the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Society. Katikati was settled in 1875 by settlers from Ireland The settle. The land upon which the town was built was confiscated from local Maori after the land wars, and was given to the settlers by the Central Government. There is hot springs some three kilometres to the south of Katikati. Once again the Anglican Church holds the most substantial presence. The War Memorial is housed in the Memorial Hall. The Katikati Hotel is the classic ranch style and is one of the oldest buildings in the town. And, some 5 kms east of Katikati is a private museum that is supported by the local institutions. This is a most interesting museum and is worth the visit. Please allow up to two hours to absorb the great array of exhibits. Photographed is one of the original, and in working order Westinghouse Washers.