Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty communities will continue to have a wide range of events to enjoy over the coming months, with more than $225,000 granted through the latest round of the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.
The latest funding decisions will support 24 events across the region, helping maintain a consistent local events calendar that offers something for different ages, interests and communities throughout the year.
From long-standing favourites and large-scale sporting fixtures to Christmas celebrations, cultural festivals, performing arts and community-led activities, this round reflects the breadth of events that help bring people together across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.
The Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund is supported by Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, TECT Community Trust, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Together, the partners have been supporting local community event organisers through the fund since 2023.
Acorn Foundation Chief Executive, Lori Luke says the latest round shows the value of keeping a steady mix of events available for local communities.
“Community events play an important role in helping people feel connected to the place they live,” says Lori. “It is great to see this funding support such a broad range of events, from long-running local traditional events to newer options that give people different ways to take part in community life.”
BayTrust Chief Executive, Alastair Rhodes says the collaborative fund helps make sure communities across the region continue to benefit from accessible local events.
“When there is a regular calendar of events across Tauranga and the Western Bay, people have more opportunities to come together, celebrate, support local organisers and enjoy shared experiences close to home,” he says. “That consistency matters, and it is pleasing to see this round support events across sport, arts, culture, and community celebration.”
Local events play an important role in bringing communities together, creating shared experiences, celebrating local identity, and giving residents and visitors more opportunities to connect with the places and people around them. The latest funded events reflect that value, with something on offer right across the region.
102nd Katikati A&P Show - 31 January 2026 at Uretara Domain, Katikati
2026 Katikati Community Christmas Lunch - 12 December 2026 at Katikati Baptist Church
2026 Mount Monster - 11-12 December 2026 at Mount Maunganui Beach
A Caretaker's Guide to the Orchestra Family Concert - 9-11 October 2026 at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Tauranga
Bay of Plenty Sikh Society Dashmesh Sports Te Puke Kabaddi Tournament - 5 November 2026 at Gurudwara Temple and Centennial Park, Te Puke
Biannual Migrant Powhiri - 14 November 2026 at Waikari Marae, Mount Maunganui
Carols at Haiku - 12 December 2026 at Haiku Reserve, Katikati
Halloween Walk the Waterways - 31 October 2026 at Pāpāmoa Domain
Jandals and Jingles - 27 November 2026 at Ōmokoroa Domain
Merivale Christmas FestiVale - 6 December 2026 at Merival Primary School, Merivale Action Centre and Merivale Community Centre
Morning Rhythm - 15 December 2026 at Tauranga Waterfront
MOVE with You, Waihī Beach - 2 October-1 November 2026 at various locations throughout Waihī Beach
Ōmokoroa Sirens and Services - 21 November 2026 at 28 Western Avenue, Ōmokoroa
Pasifika Festival in the Bay - 31 October 2026 at Tauranga Girls' College
Sarava Fest 2026 - 15 November 2026 at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui
Tauranga Christmas in the Park - 5 December 2026 at Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui
Tauranga Fringe Festival - 24 October 2026 at The Historic Village, Tauranga
Tauranga Disc Golf Association Xtreme 26' - 31 October-1 November 2026 at McLaren Falls
Te Puke Christmas Float Parade - 5 December 2026 at Downtown Te Puke
Te Puke Diwali Festival - 8 November 2026 at Gurudwara Temple and Centennial Park, Te Puke
Te Puke Sikh Parade - 26 September 2026 at Gurudwara Temple, Te Puke
The Barfoot and Thompson's Season of WICKED - 17 September-3 October 2026 at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Tauranga
The EPIC Te Puke Halloween Treat Trail - 30 October 2026 at Downtown Te Puke
Waihī Beach Christmas in the Village - 19 December 2026 at Wilson Road, Waihī Beach
Round three of the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund is now open and closes on 13 October 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.
