EVENTS
Crossing seas, connecting countries, sharing stories
Crossing seas, connecting countries, sharing stories

Crossing seas, connecting countries, sharing stories

Thu
9 Jul
2026
Hamilton-born John Hodgson shares his family’s deep connection to China and why the nation and its people hold such a meaningful place in his heart. Raised in Hamilton, John spent his childhood surrounded by small trinkets from China—gifts sent to his mother by her brother, Harold Boyack. One of these trinkets was a very precious silver ring, engraved with Chinese words meaning “patience in heart” and “endurance.” The ring was originally gifted to Harold by a Chinese refugee whose life he saved during the devastating bombing of the 1920s. Uncle Harold was a master mariner. He travelled to China in the 1920s as First Mate on the Katy Muller, plying the coast from Hong Kong to Tianjin Xingang and Vladivostok, and up the Yangtze River. “I was too young to really appreciate his time in China,” John admitted, but the connection stuck. Over time, John uncovered more about his uncle’s courageous service during the Sino-Japanese War and World War II. In 2003, John went to China himself, tracing his uncle’s path, and becoming an English teacher along the way. He and his wife spent several years in Nanchang—“a small city,” he joked, with its five million people. Embraced by friendship and community, he has since returned many times to support school and teacher exchanges. Following his latest trip in April, John brought back a collection of student artworks, a selection of which will be on display at Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga Library from 22 June. A dedicated Q&A section will be included after the talk. Light refreshments will be served. Booking is required. All are welcome.

Event Dates

July 9, 2026

at

2:00 pm

Workshop

Make Your Own Boba | Ages 14-17

Join our hands-on Popping Boba workshop. You’ll learn the science behind these juicy flavour bursts and create your own colourful popping pearls from scratch. Experiment with flavours, get creative with colours, and discover how to turn simple ingredients into something seriously cool. Best of all, you’ll get to take your homemade boba home (if you don’t eat it first!). Registrations essential.

7 Jul

Workshop

Hawkins Community Open Day - Tauranga High and District Court Project

Hawkins Community Open Day - Tauranga High and District Court Project Rā Tuwhera a Hapori - Te Koti Matua Me Te Koti A-Rohe O Tauranga The community is invited to a special open day at the Tauranga High and District Court construction site, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s major public projects.

14 Aug

Talk / lecture

2026 National Poetry Day: Poetry readings plus Lines & Lyrics poetry competition

2026 National Poetry Day Event We are calling for poetry-lovers, both readers and writers, to join Lines & Lyrics for a celebration of poetry!

27 Aug

Talk / lecture

An afternoon with Deborah Wai Kapohe

Inachord Singers Tauranga are proud to invite you to a warm, community‑minded afternoon with Southland soprano treasure Deborah Wai Kapohe. Deborah will share stories from her extensive and varied professional career — a life lived across opera, contemporary Māori music, musical theatre, songwriting, guitar performance, arts leadership, and law. Bring a cushion (though seats provided!) and your favourite mug to maximise feeling at home, and settle into a relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere as she opens the door to her creative world with humour, insight, and generosity. Following an intensive workshop the day prior, the afternoon will also feature a small selection of songs from both Deborah Wai Kapohe and Inachord Singers Tauranga, offering a gentle touch of live music to complement the storytelling. With afternoon tea available, free tickets for children under twelve and a portion of proceeds supporting local charities, this gathering promises inspiration, wonder, beauty, and through fellowship, genuine community spirit. Come for the stories, stay for the songs, leave with connection.

23 Aug

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