Do you dream of seeing your stories come to life on screen?

Tauranga Tablereads, a dynamic new initiative, is helping turn that vision into reality.

Born from the Film Bay of Plenty Screenwriters group, Tauranga Tablereads aims to foster local talent and create opportunities in the film industry.

Launched in March 2020 as New Zealand went into lockdown, the group connected via Zoom for weekly meetings that featured guest speakers, workshops, table reads, and peer support on screenwriting projects.

When the country moved to Level 1, the group moved to in-person meetings, holding monthly screenplay table reads with the support of Priority One and Film Bay of Plenty.

This led to exciting collaborations, including short films, Tauranga’s first full-length documentary, Taking Back Our Beach, and the development of ideas for TV series and films.

In early 2025, a renewed focus on establishing a viable local film industry led to an emphasis on monthly table reads.

These sessions, typically held on the last Sunday of each month, offer an opportunity for screenwriters to see their work performed by actors and discuss ideas with filmmakers.

The first session of the year, held in January, featured a screenplay by Mana Davis, drawing actors and filmmakers even from the Waikato.

“Helping to support the running of the screenwriters’ group and holding regular table reads is about more than just developing scripts,” said Tauranga Tablereads co-founder Sarah Oemcke.

“It’s about building momentum for local production and fostering a thriving creative community.”

Pāpāmoa writer/producer and makeup artist Sophie Garth. Photo/Supplied.

The next monthly table read will take place on Sunday afternoon, March 23, showcasing two compelling screenplays: Lighter by Pāpāmoa writer/producer Sophie Garth and Tuesday at Barry’s by Oemcke.

Lighter is a poignant story about grief and self-reinvention, set in a single night at a Papamoa Beach bar. The screenplay follows Daisy, a grieving young mother who is struggling to navigate life after loss.

What begins as a simple search for a lighter evolves into a profound journey through shifting friendships and the unexpected bond Daisy forms with a woman who understands survival in a way no one else does.

Garth, who has spent 15 years as a makeup artist, draws on her experiences hearing personal stories from people from all walks of life, creating deeply personal, character-driven narratives.

Tuesday at Barry’s is a character-driven comedy series that explores the life of an anxious, reclusive man who starts an astronomy club in his backyard.

When his chaotic sister and her children move in, his carefully controlled world is turned upside down.

Set in suburban New Zealand, the series explores unlikely friendships, family dysfunction, and the beauty of connection, all wrapped in dry humour and heart.

Tauranga Tablereads welcomes actors, filmmakers, crew members, artists, and writers to participate in the table reads.

“Listening to actors bring their words to life sharpens the script, sparks collaboration, and inspires action,” Oemcke said.

“If we want to see more stories told from this region, it begins by bringing people together into the same room; sharing ideas, supporting one another, and laying the foundation for a stronger, more connected filmmaking community.”

If you’re interested in participating in Tauranga Tablereads, contact the organisers at taurangatablereads@gmail.com or via Facebook.