Some of the region’s most recognised events will continue to deliver high-quality experiences for the community, alongside a wide mix of grassroots and first-time events, thanks to the latest funding round of the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.
Over $200,000 has been granted to 23 upcoming events across Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty. The fund continues to support well-established events such as the 2026 Zespri AIMS Games and the Tauranga Primary Schools’ Music Festival, which this year marks 70 years of bringing young performers together. This support helps these much-loved events continue to deliver the quality and scale our community has come to expect. Whilst also backing national secondary school sporting championships, other local sporting events, and a diverse range of arts, cultural, environmental, and community-led events.
Together, these events are creating a calendar that reflects the region itself. One that is active, creative, diverse and welcoming, with opportunities for all ages, backgrounds, and interests to get involved.
The funds collaborators consist of local philanthropic funders, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, and TECT Community Trust, as well as the region’s two local councils, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Together they have been providing support to local community organisers through this fund since 2023.
Wayne Werder, Chief Executive of TECT Community Trust says the balance of supporting established and emerging events is key.
“It’s important we continue to support the larger events our region is known for, as they bring energy, pride, and national attention to our communities,” he says. “At the same time, we’re just as committed to backing smaller, community-led events that make sure everyone has something they can be part of, whether that’s on the sidelines, on stage, or out getting involved.”
Jodie Rickard, Community and Strategic Relationships Manager of Western Bay of Plenty District Council says the fund helps ensure the region’s event offering remains both strong and inclusive.
“This funding supports everything from nationally significant sporting events to local festivals and community gatherings,” she says. “What ties them together is the opportunity they create for people to connect through sports, culture, new learning, and simply spending time together.”
Local events play an important role in bringing communities together, creating shared experiences, celebrating local identity, and giving people more opportunities to connect with the places and people around them. These funded events reflect that value with something on offer right across the region.
The latest funding recipients are:
Barkfest: 22 November 2026 at Memorial Park, Tauranga
Beethoven Unwrapped Symphony No.4: 24 - 26 July 2026 at St Peter's in the City, Tauranga
Cheery Blossom Festival: 19 September 2026 at Greerton Village, Tauranga
HUME 5km/10km Fun Run/Walk: 7 July 2026 at Katikati War Memorial Hall
Katikati Christmas: 1 - 31 December 2026 at Moore Park, Katikati
MakerFest: 12 - 13 September 2026 at Basestation, Durham Street, Tauranga
National Secondary Schools Mountain Bike Championships: 4 - 9 October 2026 at Summerhill Mountain Bike Park, Tauranga and Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua
NZ Secondary Schools Beach Volleyball Championships: 15 - 17 December 2026 at Mount Maunganui Beach
Spark in the Park: 5 November 2026 at Moore Park, Katikati
Sunny Side Up Children's Film Festival: 9 July 2026 at Graham Young Youth Theatre, Tauranga Boys College
Symposium at the Point: 10 - 23 November 2026 at Ōmokoroa Domain
Tauranga and Western Bay Climate Action Festival: 13 - 20 September 2026 at The Cargo Shed, Dive Crescent Tauranga
Tauranga Diwali Festival: 7 November 2026 at The Historic Village, Tauranga
Tauranga Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge: 28 July 2026 at Mercury Baypark
Tauranga Primary Schools' Music Festival: 31 August - 1 September 2026 at Addison Theatre, Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Tauranga
Tauranga Whai vs Auckland Tuatara: 4 July 2026 at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Tauranga
Tauranga Whai vs Wellington Saints: 10 July 2026 at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Tauranga
Tauranga Whai vs Otago Nuggets: 22 July 2026 at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Tauranga
Tauranga Whai vs Northern Kahū: 28 July 2026 at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Tauranga
The EPIC Te Puke Spring Clean and Pizza Party: 14 - 18 September 2026 at The Daily Cafe and Downtown Te Puke
Trans PRIDE 2026: 21 November 2026 at The Historic Village, Tauranga
Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival: 27 August - 6 September 2026 at Luxe Cinema, Tauranga
Zespri AIMS Games: 5 - 11 September 2026 at various locations
Round two of the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund is now open and closes on 14 July 2026. Event organisers planning upcoming events are encouraged to apply via www.communityeventfund.nz.
Community members are invited to keep an eye out for events happening near them and get involved, whether that is attending, volunteering, or supporting the people bringing these events to life for our region.
