Who would have thought the Tauranga Home Show would grow into huge event it is today?

Home Show organiser Dana McCurdy says the show's huge growth is testament to her parents' efforts. Photo / Andrew Warner

Who would have thought that the Tauranga Home Show, first held 20 years ago at Mount Action Centre, would grow into the huge event it is today? It's all thanks to the vision and dedication of Bay Events, a family business established in 1995 by Raewyn and Graeme Martin.

Showcasing all that's new and good in home products and services, the 20th anniversary Home Show will be held across two halls of the Trustpower Baypark Arena. There will be outdoor displays, food trucks, live music, balloons, face painting, and plenty more to see and do for the whole family.

"My parents started this show because they believed in the potential our city offered, and wanted to support regional business progress," says Dana McCurdy, Raewyn and Graeme's daughter and managing director at Bay Events. She joined her parents' business in 2011, and her brother Richard has also recently come on board.

"We work well together all-year-round, but we make sure to not always talk about work when we're together. There has to be a balance. In saying that, the show's huge growth and success really is a testament to our parents and to the people that have supported us along the way," McCurdy says.

She mentions many highlights of this year's show, such as the new Lounge Expo that will have more than 1000 square meters of product on display, with some of New Zealand's top-selling lounge suites at unbeatable prices.

"There's also the live demonstrations to look out for with chef Peter Blakeway and Garth Bostock from Naked Meats, and we're delighted that the wonderful Jo Seager is coming back to Tauranga to be at the show," she says.

"BespOak Kitchens & Furniture's is building a stunning Live Cooking Theatre for our chefs, and if you own a cookbook by Jo Seager, bring it along as she'd be happy to sign it for you after her demonstration."

Chef Jo Seagar is at the Tauranga Home Show. Photo / Doug Sherring

This hardworking family still has the same ethics and goals as they did in the beginning and for them it is mostly about making connections, and to celebrate our community.

Being local also means that they can work closely with community groups and help raise funds for local charities.

"Make sure to look out for the visitor hosts from Waipuna Hospice on the weekend, and the Otumoetai Lions will be there to help you out finding a car park," McCurdy says.

Another initiative for charity is the Wendy House that Classic Builders Tauranga has built to support Homes of Hope.

"Every child should feel safe, loved, and free from abuse and neglect. Homes of Hope work hard to keep siblings together, and we would like to work with them and help for as long as we can," says Nathan Watkins, branch manager of Classic Builders Tauranga.

"Giving back to the communities we operate in has always been something we're passionate about, so we tried to think of a project the whole team could help bring to life.
Something really different that'd help raise money for a local cause but in a fun and hands-on way," Watkins says.

It took just one conversation with the Tauranga Home Show, and things snowballed from there. They teamed up with Carters, HK Kitchens, NZ Windows, and Precise Roofing & Contracting to make it happen. People can purchase a raffle ticket from the Classic Builders website to be in to win the Wendy House and at the Home Show, children can come have a play.

WHAT: 20th Tauranga Home Show
WHERE: Trustpower Baypark Arena
WHEN: May 3-5, 10am-5pm daily
COST: Adults $10, children 13 and under free
More info: taurangahomeshow.co.nz

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