Waitangi, Wattage & What's On

Author

Storm Grimwood
February 07, 2025

Morning Scoopers,

Full school week nearly done and dusted! If you’re one of the lucky ones who took today off for a 4-day long weekend, enjoy that extra day to relax, while the rest of us pretend we’re not jealous. Let us know what you got up to?

In today’s Tauranga Scoop:

  • Waitangi Day Celebrations Embrace Culture Diversity

  • Sam Ruthe Youngest to Win NZ National Senior Title

  • All the Events You Can’t Miss

SPONSORED BY YARD BARBERS

Waitangi Day Celebrations Embrace Culture Diversity

Tauranga’s Waitangi Day celebrations at the Historic Village were all about culture, community, and good vibes, with warm weather to top it off. He Iwi Kotahi trustee Buddy Mikaere said the event was about sharing the history of Waitangi Day while welcoming new cultures into the mix.

The lineup was solid, a Chilean group bringing Rapanui dance, African drumming lessons, and a Tai Chi fan dance from the Tauranga Chinese Cultural Arts Group. Locals Tu Watson and his mum Gail Borell loved seeing so many people from different backgrounds celebrating together. Richard Goodall reflected on Te Tiriti’s role in sharing knowledge, while Vanessa Zhu said it was cool to see so many cultures honoring Māori traditions.

☀️ Tauranga’s End of Summer Must-Do List ☀️

Summer’s coming to an end. Here are 5 things to tick off before the season fades:

🔥 1. Chase the Sunset at Mount Maunganui
Nothing beats watching the sun dip below the horizon from the Mount summit or Pilot Bay. Bonus points if you take fish & chips.

🌊 2. Take a Dip at McLaren Falls
Cool off in the secret swimming spots around McLaren Falls. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.

🍹 3. Sip a Sunset Cocktail at a Beachside Bar
Hit The Rising Tide or Astrolabe for a cold one and enjoy those golden hour views.

🎣 4. Try Your Luck at Fishing Off the Wharf
Grab a rod and see if you can land a snapper at Salisbury Wharf or the Tauranga Bridge Marina. Good thing, you don’t need a boat.

🎶 5. Catch a Summer Gig or Market
Check out some night markets around Tauranga, or find a live gig at Our Place Tauranga before the warm nights disappear.

How many have you ticked off? 🤔

Powerco Trials Pole-Mounted Batteries to Boost Greerton’s Power Supply

Powerco is testing pole-mounted battery storage (BESS) in Greerton, installing units on five streets to help keep the power flowing during peak times. These batteries charge overnight when demand is low and kick in when needed, taking the pressure off the grid.

This is the first trial of its kind in NZ, but it’s already working in Australia. Powerco’s keeping a close eye on how well it helps with demand spikes.

Long-term, these BESS units will act as a “solar sponge”, soaking up extra power from home solar panels and feeding it back into the network—making clean energy more accessible for everyone.

No plans for the weekend? Check these events out!

Thistle & The Shamrock

Beacon Bloom - Live at Totara Street

  • When: Saturday 8 February

  • Where: Totara Street

  • More Info: Beacon Bloom

Natural Nights - Blooming

  • When: Saturday 8 February

  • Where: The Jam Factory

  • More Info: Blooming

Comedy & Screenings🎭

Waterfront Family Movie - Encanto

Bridget Jones’ Diary

  • When: Friday 7 February

  • Where: Village Cinema

  • More Info: Bridget Jones

Di Filippo Marionette

Festivals & Special Events 🎉

Te Puke A&P Show

  • When: Friday, 7 February

  • Where: Showgrounds Rd, Paengaroa, Te Puke

  • More Info: Te Puke A&P Show

Sunday Funday

  • When: Sunday, 9 February

  • Where: The Crossing

  • More Info: Sunday Funday

THANKS!

Big thanks for reading, whether you’re out there backing local businesses, hitting up Tauranga’s best spots, or just here for a good read, we appreciate you.

Let us know what you’ve ticked off the Summer Must-Do List, and keep an eye out for updates on events and other exciting stuff to come!

— Storm, Tauranga Scoop