The Civic Opening of He Puna Manawa

Tauranga City Council and Otamataha Trust warmly invite you to celebrate the official opening of the new library and community hub. He Puna Manawa is the first new building to be completed within Te Manawataki o Te Papa, the new civic precinct, and marks an important milestone for both our city centre and the wider Tauranga community. The civic opening is an opportunity to celebrate the completion of He Puna Manawa, recognise the many people who have contributed to bringing this project to life, and welcome the community into a place designed to inspire learning, creativity and connection for generations to come.

Humans of Tauranga Art Exhibition

Nau mai, haere mai! You're warmly invited to Humans of Tauranga, a community art exhibition for World Homeless Day (10 October). Art from our community, made by people who have experienced homelessness and those who stand with them. Come and spend some time with the work, and the stories behind it.

Tauranga Civic Choir

Join the Tauranga Civic Choir for a lunchtime of easy listening favourites. Enjoy beautiful harmonies, timeless melodies, and a delightful selection of well-loved songs performed by one of Tauranga’s cherished community choirs. Sit back, relax, and let the music lift your spirits as we celebrate the opening of He Puna Manawa Library and Community Hub.

Spritz Friday - Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Golden hour on the deck plus your favourite spritz in hand equals the perfect Friday. Join us as Spritz Fridays return to Trinity Wharf this October! Enjoy live music, waterfront views, bar snacks available, and a full menu of delicious spritzes to choose from including the iconic Aperol. See you there!

Eats 'n' Beats - Surf's Up Dude

Surf's up Dude! - Eats 'n' Beats #3 Catch the beats, not the waves! Grab the whānau, round up your mates and throw on your Hawaiian shirts, boardshorts, jandals or favourite beach gear for a Friday evening of good food, music and family fun!

Lights! Camera! Murder! - Christmas Murder Mystery

Looking for the perfect Christmas, End of Year, Midwinter or Mid-year night out with a deadly difference? Time to put on your detective hat to "Witness the Drama, Solve the mystery, Win the Prize!" “Get in on the action” with the new ‘Killer Night Out’ murder mystery dinner show, featuring a talented international cast of professional actors and comedians as The Prime Suspects. The Scene: You are hired as background extras on the set of a famous Director’s upcoming murder mystery movie. So don’t worry, you can sit back and enjoy as we’ll leave the real drama to the professionals! But will there be a “real” murder mystery within the murder mystery, turning innocent observers into the evening’s unwitting detectives? Catering for up to 120 guests per night, this show is ideal for companies as a team-building event or for smaller social groups and couples as part of a mixed-audience experience. Guests will mix, mingle and make friends as they enjoy a fabulous buffet dinner and a full evening of professional quality entertainment. Shows commence at 7pm with comedy, drama, high interaction and mystery until the dramatic finale at around 10pm, finishing with prizes before music and dancing until late.

The Little Big Markets | Tauranga Waterfront

The Little Big Markets - Tauranga Waterfront Live music Street food

Tauranga Photographic Society Open Day

TPS is celebrating 70 years of helping photographers in the region with an open day at their club rooms. Come down and see some of their work, or listen to one of the free talks on various photography topics.

Craig Smith - The Wonky Donkey Man Show - Saturday Show

Celebrated children’s author and performer, Craig Smith, will bring his books to life in this high energy show for children of all ages. From donkeys who are wonky to brussel sprouts hiding in the garden, there is a song and a laugh in every moment All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. Click here to see the full list of events

He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day

He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day (New library open day) Come and explore the new library and community hub at Te Manawataki o Te Papa. Join the fun with a day of free live performances, author talks, guided tours, crafts, cultural experiences, tech demos, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Hawaiiki Creation Station Showcase

Join our Innovation Specialists as they show off the equipment in Hawaiiki Creation Station. See the machinery at work and learn what creative possibilities can be realised in the space. Please note: closed footwear is normally required for entry into Hawaiiki Creation Station, however due to the nature of this showcase, that will not be required for this session. This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

Sensory Room Showcase

Come and discover what our sensory space is all about. Staff will be on hand to show you how the room works. This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

Library Tour

Join staff as they take you on a guided tour through the new library, showing you where all the different collections can be found, along with a few design titbits and insights. Please meet by the ground floor central staff desk This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

Metallic Mosaics - Library Card Pockets

Join us to celebrate the opening of Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga Libraries and Community Hubs with a special craft activity for tamariki of all ages! Inspired by the new whare pukapuka’s striking geometric and metallic architecture, tamariki can create their very own library card pocket, decorating it with metallic mosaic shapes and pens. Make it uniquely yours, then take it home to keep your library card safe and bring along on every visit to your new library!

Bricks of Plenty LEGO User Group Showcase and Maker session

Be amazed by the extraordinary Lego models on display from the talented members of Bricks of Plenty. After being inspired by the creations, head into our lego making zone and create your own masterpiece. Please note - lego making is restricted to ages 4 and above This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

Humans of Tauranga Art Exhibition

Nau mai, haere mai! You're warmly invited to Humans of Tauranga, a community art exhibition for World Homeless Day (10 October). Art from our community, made by people who have experienced homelessness and those who stand with them. Come and spend some time with the work, and the stories behind it.

Harp over the Harbour

Enjoy the view over the harbour while listening to the melodic sound of the harp, performed by the talented Margaret Harper. This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

Library Tour

Join staff as they take you on a guided tour through the new library, showing you where all the different collections can be found, along with a few design titbits and insights. Please meet by the ground floor central staff desk This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

BOP Boys Bhangra Performance

Be swept up in the energy and rhythm of the Punjabi Bhangra – a traditional Punjabi folk dance featuring energetic music, vibrant movements, and cultural traditions. This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

Library Tour

Join staff as they take you on a guided tour through the new library, showing you where all the different collections can be found, along with a few design titbits and insights. Please meet by the ground floor central staff desk This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

Kunza Dance Performance

Celebrate the energy, colour and rhythm of Chilean culture with Kunza dance group. Featuring Chile’s national dance, this vibrant performance showcases traditional music, lively footwork and beautifully crafted costumes, offering a joyful glimpse into Chile’s rich cultural heritage. This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

Lunchtime Storytime with Rebecca and Rachel

Join celebrated local authors Rebecca Larsen and Rachel Weston as they bring their beloved children’s books to life while you nibble some lunch. Whether it is rowing your waka or looking at bees’ knees, there will be plenty to join in with through story and song. BYO snacks This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

Hawaiiki Creation Station Showcase

Join our Innovation Specialists as they show off the equipment in Hawaiiki Creation Station. See the machinery at work and learn what creative possibilities can be realised in the space. Please note: closed footwear is normally required for entry into Hawaiiki Creation Station, however due to the nature of this showcase, that will not be required for this session. This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

Library Tour

Join staff as they take you on a guided tour through the new library, showing you where all the different collections can be found, along with a few design titbits and insights. Please meet by the ground floor central staff desk This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

A Chat with Vanya Insull of VJ Cooks

Join us as we talk with Vanya Insull, bestselling cookbook author and founder of the hugely popular VJ Cooks platform. Vanya has built a community of hundreds of thousands of followers by sharing simple, affordable, family-friendly recipes that make home cooking accessible and enjoyable. Vanya will share some behind the scenes stories of what it takes to put her cookbooks together, cooking tips and tricks, and even some cooking fails. Copies of Vanya’s new book, Always Delicious, will be available for purchase on the day. This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

The Teen Takeover

Get creative, share a little kindness, and become part of library history! Drop by the Library Teen Advisory Panel's pop-up space packed with fun activities for teens, run by teens. Design and create a custom badge, write a letter for a stranger to discover, and contribute to a time capsule for future library visitors to uncover in a decade. This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

Let Love Be Heard

Inachord Singers Tauranga warmly welcomes you to join us for an inspiring afternoon of music celebrating love, hope and belonging. Through contemporary choral works, timeless favourites and moments of joyful reflection, Let Love Be Heard explores the relationships, memories and experiences that shape our hearts. Whether you come with family, friends or simply for the love of music, you’ll leave lighter, more hopeful, and reminded that when hearts unite in song, remarkable things happen.

Library Tour

Join staff as they take you on a guided tour through the new library, showing you where all the different collections can be found, along with a few design titbits and insights. Please meet by the ground floor central staff desk This event is part of our He Puna Manawa Community Celebration Day. See a full list of activities and performances here

Opus Orchestra - String Ensemble

The Opus Orchestra Strings, directed by Concertmaster Lara Hall, will close out our community day with a 1-hour concert of glorious string music. Their programme brings together much-loved classics and contemporary New Zealand music. Expect to hear some well-known pieces such as Vivaldi’s sparkling Spring from The Four Seasons, Bach’s serene and timeless Air on the G String and Mozart’s exuberant Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, along with some rarely heard, but equally beautiful, New Zealand compositions. A celebration of music, community and a new chapter for Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, this special performance is the perfect way to mark the opening of this exciting new civic space.

Opening Weekend Drop-In Genealogy Help

Need help with your genealogy research? We’re celebrating the opening weekend of Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga Library & Community Hub with a special, extended Drop-In Genealogy Help session hosted by local genealogy experts. No booking necessary, just bring along your laptop if you have one and any details you have already collected.

Craig Smith - The Wonky Donkey Man Show - Sunday Show

Celebrated children’s author and performer, Craig Smith, will bring his books to life in this high energy show for children of all ages. From donkeys who are wonky to brussel sprouts hiding in the garden, there is a song and a laugh in every moment All children must be accompanied by an adult. *A very limited number of walk up places may be available on the day

FluroFest 2026

FluroFest 2026 is taking over Jordan Field for an afternoon packed with colour, live music, food, sport, circus fun, bubbles, community activations and plenty of surprises. This year, you can even grab the mic and front a real live band with Bandaoke - with $1,000 in prize money up for grabs. Held alongside Mental Health Awareness Week, FluroFest is all about bringing people together and celebrating the simple things that help us feel good.

Unst Family History – A One-Place Study with Guest Speaker Morag Hughson

Family history enthusiast Morag Hughson joins us on the opening weekend of Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga Library & Community Hub to talk about her “one-place study” of Unst, Scotland. By expanding beyond her family tree, to research the branches of the whole of the island of Unst, Morag developed a unique perspective of the island by uncovering patterns that would not be obvious to someone only researching their own branch.