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Celebrating a successful year with more events than ever

The 2024/25 funding year for the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund (TWBCEF) saw 99 events funded throughout the region.With 31 events held in the Western Bay and 68 in Tauranga, the fund continues to provide a diverse range of community-focused opportunities across the region.A total of $966,461 was funded in the 2024/25 funding year, with grants ranging from $1,600 to $35,000. The average grant amount was $9,762 with community volunteering a strong feature in keeping events affordable.E...

Jingle bells are set to ring throughout Tauranga and the Western Bay.

2023 Omokoroa Carols in the Park (Photo supplied)...

Multicultural Tauranga and Ngāi Te Rangi to host third annual pōhiri for migrants

First groundbreaking pōhiri at Whareroa Marae in 2021 (Photo by Katie Cox)...

Endless local community events to choose from

Photo Supplied: Mount Monster 2023...

Tauranga Moana again hosts Toi Kiri: Indigenous Arts Festival

The rich tapestry of indigenous cultures from around the globe will again be on full display as Tauranga Moana hosts Toi Kiri: Indigenous Arts Festival, a skin-marking and artist event celebrating indigenous traditional body marking, with Māori leading the revival. Toi Kiri: Indigenous Arts Festival will take place from 18th to 21st October at Whareroa Marae and Reserve, featuring up to 20 cultural nations from across the globe.The festival will bring together artists, storytellers, musicians, ...

Pacific vibrancy coming to Katikati

The vibrant colours, rhythmic beats, and rich cultural traditions of the Pacific Islands are set to invigorate Katikati as the highly anticipated Pasifika Festival in the Bay event returns on Saturday, 2 November 2024. This festival celebrates the unique cultures of the Pacific Islands through dance and food, with a focus on the younger generation.2024 will see the festival celebrate a decade of success with 35 performing groups from schools around the Bay set to perform at Katikati College. Gro...

Festival inspires climate action

Photo Supplied: Climate Action Festival Clothes Swap at 2023 Festival....

Pickleball fever sweeps Mount Maunganui

Photo Supplied: Mount Pickleball Club Coach, Paul Cubitt at the 2023 Mount Pickleball Classic....

67 years of musical magic from local schools

Arts and culture are often considered an add-on, not a core curriculum subject. However, being exposed to the arts through singing and performing can be one of young children's most magical and joyful experiences.The Tauranga Primary Schools Music Festival is returning for its 67th year to provide local Tauranga and Western Bay primary and intermediate students the opportunity to experience the magic of performing onstage. Across five nights at Baycourt’s Addison Theatre, students from all ove...

Funding secured for community events

Photo: EVES Surfbreaker Triathlon 2023...

Cyclocross arrives in Western Bay of Plenty

Cyclocross course test run at Summerhill Mountainbike Park ahead of the upcoming events in July 2024. Photo supplied, captured by Sam Cameron. ...

Community collaboration for Katikati Matariki Dawn Service

In celebration of Matariki, Te Rūnanga o Ngai Tamawhariua, Katch Katikati, Katikati Community Centre, Project Parore, Western Bay Museum Te Rereatukahia Marae, Katikati Red Cross and Katikati Rotary Club are hosting a dawn service to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and prepare for the future.  Matariki marks the start of the Māori New Year, signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in the night sky. It is a time to remember those who are no longer with us. A time w...

Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund gets new look

The Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund (TWBCEF) was created by five local funders (Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council, TECT, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council) to provide a more streamlined application process in seeking funding for community events. The joint fund enables event organisers to make a single funding application to a single funding pool, reducing the administrative burden in securing event funding.In its third year of funding local community events, t...

Hip hop dance competition projects positive experiences for youth on stage

What started as an entry-level competition allowing novice dancers the opportunity to take to the stage has evolved into a must-attend competition for hip-hop dancers around the country.Taking place at Mercury Baypark Arena this June, Project is now one of New Zealand’s largest and most respected street dance competitions.A dance competition for youth passionate about hip hop. The event allows young people from Tauranga, Western Bay and throughout the country to showcase their creative express...

Tauranga Shakespeare Festival returns

Thanks to CRAFT Management Charitable Trust, the Tauranga Shakespeare Festival returns on Sunday 21st April at The Historic Village.The Historic Village will host the day-long festival, which includes various Shakespearean and Medieval activities that is free to attend.The festival was initially launched to reintroduce Shakespeare performances to the community and offer collaborative opportunities.Creative Director, Harry Oram, says the festival was driven by a desire to fill a cultural and educ...

Community Event Fund continues to streamline process for event organisers

Athlete finishing GenX/Marra Tinman Triathlon. Photo supplied by Triathlon Tauranga. ...

Another year wraps for community event funding

Photo: Sustainable Waihī Beach - Live Life Greener, Community Beach Clean Pod Launch....

Tauranga Festival Bringing Asian Cultures Together

With thousands of years of history and traditions, Asian cultures are rich in breathtaking stories, art, music, performances, and delicious cuisine.The local Tauranga branch of the New Zealand China Friendship Society is extending invitations to other Asian communities to join them in showcasing their unique cultures in the upcoming 2024 Tauranga Asian Food Show and Lunar New Year Festival.Tauranga’s Historic Village will host the festival on 24th and 25th February 2024, allowing locals and vi...

Multicultural Festival Returns to The Historic Village

For over two decades, the Tauranga Multicultural Festival has transformed The Historic Village into a vibrant hub to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and diversity within the Bay of Plenty.Saturday, 23rd March, will see the annual event return for the 25th year with over 5000 attendees expected to embrace cultural performances, experiencing authentic global cuisine, and exploring art and crafts from around the globe.The founding migrants of the Tauranga Regional Multicultural Council held...

A scavenger hunt will see hundreds discover local beach

An age-old activity of deciphering clues and racing around is a fond memory of most childhoods. More recently it is also seen as a great team-building exercise for work groups or sports teams.Waihī Beach will soon host hundreds of ‘Hunters’ as they seek answers to cryptic clues throughout the township.January 27th and 28th will bring the third year of The Great Waihī Beach Scavenger Hunt to town where up to 100 teams will complete a self-guided scavenger hunt.Clues aimed to educate Hunters...

Jingle bells set to ring throughout Western Bay

This Christmas season will bring whānau and community together with jingle bells set to ring throughout the Western Bay thanks to the funding support of the local collaborative fund, Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund (TWBCEF).The latest round of the TWBCEF has resulted in 19 applications receiving a combined total of $253,600, of which 9 events will celebrate Christmas. With the jolly man in red expected to appear at many events this silly season, joyful Christmas cheer will be found ar...

Kicking off summer at Anzac Bay

Anzac Bay Summer Kick Off Crowd. Photo: Lousie Lambert...

Festive celebrations return with Katikati Christmas Festival

Katikati Christmas in the Park...

Colourful Sikh community celebrations in Te Puke

The colours and cultures of India will be on show this weekend as thousands attend the Te Puke Sikh Parade on Saturday 30th September. The street parade is held by the Bay of Plenty Sikh Society and is part of their annual celebrations of the first Sikh Guru. In its fourth year, the parade is expected to retain its unofficial title as one of the town’s most spectacular events.The expected 3000 attendees will be led by Sewadars, sweepers of the parade, who walk in front to ensure the path is cl...

Event fund supports a summertime full of endless event options.

Te Puke Sikh Parade held on 30 September 2023 at Gurudwara Temple, Centennial Park....