There's plenty to do in the Bay of Plenty. Photo / 123rf
There's plenty to do in the Bay of Plenty. Photo / 123rf
From Tauranga to Rotorua, discover upcoming events in the Bay of Plenty region.
September
Wednesday, September 11 to Saturday, September 28: Les Misérables, Baycourt Addison Theatre, Tauranga. Tickets via eventfinda. Tauranga Musical Theatre is excited to present a reimagined production of Les Misérables in 2024, 29 years after first bringing it to Baycourt. Set in 19th-century France, the show features an unforgettable story of adversity, love, and redemption, with a live 14-piece orchestra performing iconic songs like “I Dreamed a Dream” and “One Day More.”
Thursday, September 12 to Friday, September 13: Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival presents, Voices in the Shadows - featuring Tame Iti - Wairea Company’s ‘The Voices in the Shadows’ by Rangipo Ihakara. This indigenous musical explores the journey from darkness to light, offering cultural insights and truths about colonisation, language, and cultural suppression. It reflects on historical experiences while fostering hope for the future through music, contemporary dance, and the voices of Māori, Pacific and Palestinian cultures. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Friday, September 13: Student Musicians Concert, Rotorua Branch IRMTNZ (LearnMusicNZ), St John church, corner of Victoria and Ranolf Sts, Rotorua, 6.30pm to 8pm. Musical items by Rotorua youth who are students of NZ Registered Music Teachers, Cost: $10 family $5 individual (cash only, no eftpos.)
Tauranga band Kokomo launches their new album Futura. Photo / Supplied
Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15: Popular Tauranga band Kokomo launches their new album, Futura, at The Jam Factory. Enjoy a unique night of music, video, and more as you step into the world of the Futura Motel, where traditional blues harp and slide guitar meet the exciting grooves of house and electronica. Tickets are $30 and available at The Incubator.
Saturday, September 14:
Amputee Society conference - journey to life wellness, Greerton Hall, Tauranga. A variety of speakers are set to speak at the conference - Ottobock, Diabetes NZ, St John, NZ Heart Foundation, podiatrist, dieticians. The conference is designed for friends and family of amputees to learn more about how to support their journey.
Rutene Spooner - Be Like Billy. Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival. Photo / Supplied
Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival: Rutene Spooner pays tribute to Māori comedic legend Billy T James with Be Like Billy? on 14 September. Reflecting on his influence on Māori showmanship and celebrating the Showband Era’s impact on Māoridom’s greatest entertainers, Spooner traces the legacy from the iconic” cheeky cackle” of the era to explore what Māori showmanship looks like today.
The Doors Live, Waihi Beach Hotel, from 7.30pm to 11pm. Tickets via eventfinda. The Doors Live is Europe’s top tribute band to The Doors, performing their music with authenticity. The 2.5-hour show features classic hits like “Light My Fire,” “Break on Through,” and “Riders on the Storm.” As part of ‘The Back Door Tour,’ the band will showcase their talent in New Zealand.
Salmonella Dub SoundSystem Whirimako Black, Mighty Asterix, Totara St, Mount Maunganui, tonight at 8.30pm. Tickets via Flicket. Salmonella Dub SoundSystem is returning to Totara St to release their third album For All Things Alive, featuring guest vocalists such as Nino Birch, Troy Kingi, and Whirimako Black. The show has special guests Israel Starr & Riddum Cartel.
Fundraiser Quiz Night, Otūmoetai Church of Christ, Tauranga, tonight from 7pm to 9pm. Join us for a fun quiz night to support Mums4Mums, with all fees and proceeds going to charity! $10 entry, tickets on Humanitix — teams of 4-6, prizes to win, and cash-only snacks available.
Conversations with Mum, Bethlehem Community Church, Tauranga, tonight from 3pm to 4.30pm. Door sales: $15, and children under 12, free. The Inachord Singers, a Tauranga women’s chorus, welcomes their new Music Director, Dan Ieremia, and will perform their first concert of the year, “Conversations with Mum,” alongside guest artists Michael van Lieshout and Jackie McCaughan. Proceeds will support Bethlehem College’s Missions Team, helping provide school supplies for Florence Young School in the Solomon Islands.
Lunch with Dame Theresa Gattung, Katikati Bowling Club, 11.30am. Cost - $50, includes main meal and dessert. Tickets from the Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd Katikati, on online at www.theartsjunction.org.nz. Inquiries - Natasja 0273487748 or email fundabbeyfieldwbop@gmail.com.
Climate Action Festival Eco-conscious Market Day, The Cargo Shed, 5 Dive Crescent, Tauranga, from 10am to 2pm. Learn about innovative green products and support local businesses that prioritise the planet. Family-friendly event includes children’s activities. Held rain or shine. Visit envirohub.org.nz to view all events.
Wednesday, September 18: Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival: Heights Creative showcases the talents of rangatahi from Western Heights High School, featuring performances by Te Roopu Manaaki, Heights Pasifika, dance students, Heights Jazz Band, Heights Tira Waiata, SmokefreeRockquest participants, and School Talent Quest.
Cliff Curtis as Wi Toka and Te Wakaunua Te Kurapa as Te Whenuanui in Ka Whawhai Tonu.
Thursday, September 19: Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival: Join us for a screening of Ka Whawhai Tonu, followed by a Q&A with key contributors. This powerful drama, featuring locals Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis and presented in te reo Māori, depicts the 1864 siege of Ō-Rākau, where Māori courageously defended their land against colonial forces.
Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22:
The Vegas Vindaloo MTBO Weekend, Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua. Orienteering - one weekend, three events - Sprint, Long & Rogaine. Give MTBO a go. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Maisey Rika - Mario Lanza Valentines Fantasy - Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival. Photo / Supplied
Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival: The Mario Lanza Valentine’s Fantasy performed on 21and 22 September, is imaginative theatre following a fantasy tale of a chance meeting between the legendary tenor, Mario Lanza (Sani Muliaumaseali’i) and Ana Hatoof Te Arawa – the first commercially recorded singer in Aotearoa, portrayed by the inimitable Maisey Rika.
October
The Hot Pink Walk in Tauranga.
Wednesday October 9: The iconic Tauranga Hot Pink Walk returns. Join the celebration and let’s paint the town pink! Every year, thousands gather for the Hot Pink Walk, donning various shades of pink and sporting creative (and sometimes outrageous) costumes, all in the name of breast cancer support. Starting from 5pm on the beautiful waterfront (southern end of the Strand) this easy 5km walk meanders through the Tauranga City Centre, featuring lively entertainment ‘hotspots’ along the route. Entry is by donation/koha, with a suggested $10 per adult and a gold coin for children. Allfunds raised go to supporting local people facing breast cancer.With music, entertainment, the Pink Pooch Parade, and more, this event is all about having agreat time! Gather your whānau, friends, and workmates and join the fun!Register online at www.hotpinkwalk.co.nz or at any local Z station.
The Rocky Horror Show creator Richard O’Brien promoting his new theatrical project, The Kingdom of Bling. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Wednesday, October 30: Richard O’Brien’s The Kingdom of Bling. Baycourt, 7.30pm. Tickets via eventfinda. Starring O’Brien as The Narrator alongside an extraordinary ensemble cast, this musical offers a wacky, cautionary tale with all the hallmarks of Rocky Horror. Expect giants, a menacing fox, trolls, and the obnoxious king of the land, ‘The He,’ all backed by a powerful rock band performing original songs.
Regular events
Mondays: Harmony A Plenty has been singing for 20 years. Covid has reduced our numbers. We are inviting men to join and enjoy our 7pm to 9pm Monday practice, supper and singouts in Tauranga. If this appeals to you contact Frank 576 3037 or David 576 0575.
Tuesdays: Rotorua District Cadet Unilt Parades — if you’re Year 9 and up, come along to see if you are the next Cadet to join the ranks. Where: 23 Geddes Rd, Rotorua on Tuesdays, during school term, 6.15pm to 9pm.
Wednesdays: Learn to Salsa, QE Health Wellness & Spa Whakaue Street, Rotorua, all ages. 6pm to 9pm. You can join classes at any time, no need to bring a partner, just turn up on the night. 6pm to 7pm Cuban Salsa & Afro-Cuban - Intermediate Level; 7pm to 8pm Salsa Fusion - Beginners Level; 8pm to 9pm Bachata - Open Level; Cost: $20 for one class, $30 for two classes, or $35 for three classes on the same night.
Rotorua Night Market, weekly at Tutanekai St from 5pm until 9pm. Weather dependant.
The Mount Art group meets every Thursday at St Peters Anglican church hall, 15 Victoria Rd at the Mount, from 9am until midday. Call Merilynn on 0274846874 for more information.
Air Training Corp, Parade during term weeks from 6.15pm at 23 Geddes Rd. Age 13-plus. Come down and have a look or contact cucdr.75sqn@cadetforces.org.nz for more information. You are welcome to come and have a look.
Fridays: Friday Night Fun Night at Baywave - Enjoy two hours of racing down the Hydroslide, bobbing through the waves in our wave pool and bombing off a special platform to the latest tunes for $6 per person. From 6pm to 8pm Fridays, excluding public and school holidays.
Saturdays:
Rotary Charity Market at Kuirau Park, has been operating for 37 years, every Saturday morning, wet or fine, 7am to 2pm. Stalls selling vegetables, wide range of takeaway food, popcorn, coffee, meat, jewellery, clothing, gift cards, and more. Proceeds are used for various community undertakings. Sites for stalls cost $30.
Tauranga Farmers Market rain or shine, 7.45am to midday at Tauranga Primary School.
Kuirau Park Book Sale on first and third Saturdays, from 9am until 1pm in the kiosk near the playground. All proceeds to Rotorua Library.
The Greerton Hall Market on the second and last Saturday of every month from 8am to 12pm.
Sundays: Waihi Beach Sunday Market 9am to 1pm at Wilson Park.
Saturdays and Sundays: Weekend Drop-in Learning and Art Activities, Tauranga Art Gallery POP UP, 42 Devonport Rd.
Daily: Government Gardens Guided Tours, 11am, outside Rotorua Museum.
Cards 500 at the Mount Community Hall every Tuesday and Thursday 12.30 to 4pm. Afternoon tea provided. All welcome. Inquiries to phone 0276586848.
City Night Markets, Elizabeth Street Car Park, Tauranga, Sat 27 Jul, Sat 3 Aug, Tue 3 Sep, Tue 10 Sep, Tue 17 Sep, 5pm to 9pm.
Fortnightly:
Pakihi Ora Māori Business Network Māori Business Rōpū focused on bringing together and supporting ngā pakihi Māori. Anchored in Māori values, knowledge and cultural practices, dedicated to creating spaces that are mana-enhancing. A place where Māori business owners can come together and feel connected through mātauranga. This is a Wednesday fortnightly kaupapa held at Kai Caff Aye, Fenton St, 7.30am to 9.00am. Visit Pakihi Ora on Facebook for more information.
The Little Big Markets - Winter Series, Coronation Park, Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui. Sat 3 Aug, Sat 17 Aug, Sat 7 Sep, Sat 21 Sep 9am to 2pm.
Monthly:
Muscular Dystrophy Support Group meets the last Sunday of the month at 11am at the Whipped Baker Cafe, Historic Village. Family and friends welcome. Any inquiries to reactn2you@gmail.com
Sol Markets at Simpson Reserve includes products, services and information from local stallholders that consider sustainability in their business practises. From 9am to 2pm on the first Sunday of the month.
Geyserland Country Music Club meets on the first Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm and the third Sunday of the month from 1pm to 4.30pm at the Rotorua Bowling Club. Non-members $6, children under 13 are free. For more information go to Geyserland Country Music Club Facebook page.
Rotorua UkeBox Ukulele Open Mic and Strum Along. Third Sunday of the month, 3pm to 4.30pm at Te Runanga Tea House. Free to strum or sing along or watch.
Western Bay Crop Swap, a free event for backyard gardeners, home bakers and food foragers to swap and share high quality local food on the first Saturday of the month, 10am to 11am at SuperGrans Western Bay of Plenty, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati.
Rotorua Jazz Club meets first Sunday of every month, 4.30pm to 8pm, winter and summer. Rotorua Citizens Club, Arawa St. $20 entry for adults, $2 for juniors. The public is always welcome. For upcoming events and bands go to Rotorua Jazz Club Facebook page or email rotjazzclub@gmail.com.
Historic Village Wellbeing Market on the third Saturday of the month from 10am to 3pm.
Omokoroa Market featuring arts and crafts, produce, plants and car boot, plus more. Held on the last Saturday of the month 9am to midday at Omokoroa Settlers Hall.
Maketū Market from 7am at Maketū Village Green on the third and fifth Sunday of the month. Vendor stalls $10. Phone Maureen 021 2671 685
Improv Comedy with The Honest Liars — 16th Ave Theatre. First Saturday of the month 7.30pm to 9pm, entry $15.
BOP Blues Club Jam, first Wednesday of the month. 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Rotorua Citizens Club.
Art By Bike Tours, third Saturday of the month, (finishes April 15) 10am, Te Manawa.
Collective Energies Holistic Wellness Market the fourth Saturday of each month 9am to 2pm at the Mount Community Hall, 345 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui. Collective Energies Facebook/Insta. Contact Melanie 027 286 8268 for more information.
■ To include your event, email details to whatson@dailypost.co.nz at least a week before the event.
