The Arampong family moved to the Bay to start a new life, but that has not stopped them embracing their traditional culture.
Panya Arampong and his wife, Nidchada, moved to Tauranga in 2008 with their two children after securing a job at the Port of Tauranga.
They love the New Zealand lifestyle, but next weekend they will be getting back to their roots, and getting drenched at the Songkran Water festival, a celebration of the Thai New Year.
Mr Arampong is helping to organise the day, which will include Thai classical dancing and singing, tuk tuk rides, Thai food and a Miss Songkran beauty contest. Mr Arampong and his family were raised following the teachings of Buddha.
Every Sunday, they visit the Buddhist temple in Welcome Bay, where they give food and pay respect to the two Buddhist monks living there, he says.