While some are making New Year resolutions, I’ve asked people from around the Western Bay of Plenty for ‘one cool thing’ they’d like to do in 2024.

Many asked for time to think about it, while others immediately knew what was that one thing on their bucket list, or a long-held desire or goal they have yet to enjoy or achieve.

Greg Bold, director of Tauranga’s and Rotorua’s Mitre 10 Mega, and Waihi Mitre 10, says: “I’m looking forward to firing up the outside barbecue. We had bad weather last year and are really looking forward to the outdoor barbecue season so we can go outdoors”.

Bird show

Sheryl Baron, president of Tauranga Bird Club, says: “I am so keen for the Topflite National Bird Show, being hosted at Baypark Arena at the end of July, to be a wonderful event that huge numbers of the local community will flock to and learn heaps about bird keeping here in our area”.

“It would be so cool to share our hobby with people from all over the Bay and for people to enjoy see 1500 birds in one place at one time.”

Sheryl Baron, president of Tauranga Bird Club. Photo: John Borren.

Kyle Bryant, director of SkyHooksNZ, says: “I’m looking forward to going away on the boat over Christmas. Getting some really good summer cruising done with nice sunny weather and a good breeze. That would be an awesome set up for the 2024 year”. 

We live in a paradise here at the Mount, I enjoy getting people out on the water and opening the possibilities of sailing to them. Let’s see more of that in 2024.”

Putake O Te Riri

Buddy Mikaere says his one cool thing he’d like to get done in 2024 is the full launch of the Putake O Te Riri – New Zealand Wars Centre.

“The challenge will be finding the funding to build it. We will be holding an exhibition about the centre at the Historic Village in Waitangi Week and it will also be an opportunity for people to find out about the project and sign up as supporters”.

“The project launch will probably be in the week of April 29, 2024 – which is the 160th Anniversary of the battle”.

Rachael McKoy, a mother and primary teacher, says “in 2024 I intend to engage more with the wonderful arts and cultural events that Tauranga has to offer”.

“I want to hear more live music, view more art, and learn more creative skills than I have done in recent years.”

Debz Turner’s goal is to “get fit and be more positive”.

Andrea Sinden, of Tauranga Swim School, has an aspiration to secure funding, grants, or scholarships from our broader community to support 20 children in acquiring the necessary skills through swimming lessons “thereby enhancing their safety in the water”.

Active retiree Wayne Shadbolt has a bucket list thing that’s been on his heart for a while to try to achieve.

“It is to revisit Japan. 2024 is the year to accomplish this as we are heading there in March around blossom time.”

Singer, songwriter and teacher Frances Ellen would like to “perform to more people with my local band in new venues, after writing and recording more new songs, and release more singles in the New Year, working towards an EP”.

Kristina Clayton, office/reception at Sun Media, says:  “I am looking forward to some days outside, rain or shine, to do some kayaking and increase my girl’s confidence in and on the water”.

Marine industry fabrication engineer Darren Axelrad wants to get outside more with the family “and finally get around to doing a Coromandel trip in our 79 SR coupe”. 

Mānawatia a Matariki

Papamoa Unlimited’s event and marketing manager Julia Manktelow, says:  “In the upcoming year, I aspire to elevate Mānawatia a Matariki as a prominent national Matariki event in Papamoa, uniting Kiwi from all walks of life. Bringing people together beneath the stars, fostering a collective celebration of our history and culture”.

“By illuminating the significance of Matariki, we strive to create a profound sense of unity, joy, and community for everyone who steps into our region. It’s a shared journey to embrace the beauty of diversity and celebrate the spirit that unites us as New Zealanders.”

‘Hot Spot’

Merle Cave, editor of The Weekend Sun, says: “I want to finally get to the World of Wearable Arts. I had tickets during Covid but it got cancelled. The following year I had my ticket transferred but I couldn’t get there due to various commitments. But I’m making it happen this year!”

And for myself? I want to film the pilot episode of ‘Hot Spot’, a fictional dramedy TV series based at Mount Maunganui where a tourism manager for a small NZ coastal holiday town must learn to engage her diverse community, despite their enthusiastic mishaps and quirky antics, to help her deal with greedy developers, red tape and disasters.

Let’s go people!