Good morning and welcome to Saturday. Ko te ra tenei i hanga e te Ariki. Ka koa tatou, ka koa hoki ki reira.

MetService forecasts a stormy, thundery day, with fresh northerlies easing in the evening.

It's a day for rain jackets with an expected high of 23 degrees and an overnight low of 19 degrees. Low tide is at 5.14am and high tide is at 11.21pm. Sunset is at 5.44pm.

What's on today?

Jazz Festival

National Jazz Festival manager Marc Anderson (left) and Tauranga Jazz Society president Jeff Baker in 2021. Photo / George Novak

Get ready to immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms of the 62nd Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival, unfolding across Tauranga from April 7 to 21, 2025, and it is all happening indoors. This iconic celebration, the longest-running jazz festival in the Southern Hemisphere, crescendos over Easter weekend (April 18–21) with a dynamic lineup of events and performances.​

The Downtown Carnival on April 19–20 transforms Tauranga's city center into a jazz haven, featuring five stages across The Strand, Wharf Street, and Red Square. Experience live music, vibrant markets, and family-friendly activities in a festive atmosphere. ​Additional highlights include the "Celebrating Rodger Fox" tribute concert at Baycourt on Saturday, honoring the late jazz legend's legacy. Other events span from intimate gigs at The Jam Factory to the lively Hurricane Party and serene Jazz Sunset Cruises. ​

An Easter Journey

The exhibition is suitable for all ages, with parental guidance advised for children under 12.

​Experience the profound story of Easter at Bethlehem Baptist Church’s Easter Journey—a free, immersive walk-through exhibition open from April 17 to 20, 2025, in Tauranga. ​

Spanning over 800 square meters, this multi-sensory experience guides visitors through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each scene is thoughtfully crafted to evoke reflection and connection, from the creation narrative to the crucifixion and resurrection. ​

A notable feature includes live depictions of the crucifixion, with volunteers portraying Jesus on the cross for an hour each, offering a poignant and respectful representation of this pivotal moment.

The exhibition is suitable for all ages, with parental guidance advised for children under 12. A PG15-rated area is included, and alternative routes are available for those who prefer to bypass certain scenes.

Cupcake Decorating at Red Square

This free event runs from 10:30am to 12:30pm every Saturday, bringing a sprinkle of sweetness to your weekend plans.

What’s better than creative fun you can eat? Grab the kids and head down to Red Square for a hands-on Easter cupcake decorating session, hosted by the talented team at Bake with Me. Your tamariki will love getting messy and imaginative as they ice and decorate freshly baked cupcakes—ready to enjoy or take home.

This free event runs from 10:30am to 12:30pm every Saturday, bringing a sprinkle of sweetness to your weekend plans. It’s the perfect way to kick off the day with family-friendly fun, creativity, and a tasty treat.

No bookings needed—just drop by and join the deliciously fun action!

The Incubator. Photo: Supplied.

At The Incubator Creative Hub at Tauranga Historic Village, there are many exhibitions, workshops and events happening daily. For more information click here.

The Mission House at The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga in Mission St is open from 10am - 4pm. Come and view the Mission House and gardens. For more information click here

Love public art? CITY ART WALK TAURANGA app is a free to download walking tour of 20 public artworks in Tauranga's city centre. For more information click here

Diana Bomford, Tony Fraser and Hugh Bomford at the Lion and Tusk Museum at Mount Maunganui. Photo: Daniel Hines.

Have you been to the Lion and Tusk Museum yet? It's open today from 10am - 3pm at Unit 4, 14 Portside Dr, Mount Maunganui. Come and see a massive display of Rhodesian military history records and exhibits of uniforms, medals and equipment. Opening hours are 10am – 3pm Thursday to Sunday. For more information click here

What else is on today?

Art in the Park
Original art for sale. Weather permitting. 9am - 4pm . Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui. Tauranga Society of Artists

Association Croquet
On Sat, Mon, & Wed. 9.15am for 9.30am start at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. Visitors & new players welcome. Ph. Peter 07 5749232

AYO Tchaikovsky Symphony Concert
Sibelius, oboe and Tchaikovsky symphony (no.6): pastoral meets drama, Sat. 22 March 4pm, Holy Trinity Tauranga. $10-$25, EFTPOS. Musicians ages 14-26. ayo.org.nz

Bay Singles Social Group
Join a bunch of over 50's young singles. Weekend dinners, pot-lucks, occasional outings. Have a go! Ph Delia 027 284 8762, Andrea 021 133 0313

Papamoa Playcentre Fundraising Gala
Saturday 1st March 10am-2pm, Simpson Reserve. Come along and enjoy a fun, family day out! There'll be games, bouncy castles, face painting, yummy food and more!

Sing Music from Tinā
NZCF Workshop in Tauranga with music director of award-winning ensembles, David Squire. Perform iconic songs from the film Tinā,Sat 10 May 1-4pm! Register online NZCF.org.nz

St Stephen's Jigsaw Library
Every Saturday 10am-12noon. Hire for 2 weeks a variety of 600 puzzles. Cnr of Brookfield and Highmore Terrace.