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

MetService is forecasting a fine day at first. Cloud will be increasing in the late morning, then showers from afternoon, which will be possibly heavy and thundery until evening. Also southeasterlies, easing early.

It's a one-layer clothing day with an expected high of 23 degrees, and an overnight low of 12 degrees. Low tide is at 11.23am and high tide is at 5.37pm. Sunset is at 8.40pm.

What's on today?

The second NZ Nepali Sports Festival 2025 is happening this weekend at Tauranga Boys' College. This multi-sport event which runs from January 10-12 celebrates Nepali talent, sportsmanship and community spirit. Sports played include badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, Futsal, running, swimming, table tennis and volleyball. 

Decibel. Photo/Supplied.

NZ rock band Decibel are returning to Jack Dusty's Ale House from 7.30pm for another fun filled night of dancing and singing.

Come along and join the fun. 

Do you love art?  Check out the Lovers of Art Summer Exhibition at The Peoples Gallery at Tauranga Historic Village. Come and see work by six local artisans - 'Alison', Deidre Callaghan, Jo Hamilton Weir, Liam Aitkens, Lois Parish Evans, and Sue MacDougall.  This exhibition which opened on December 21, will run until January 17. 

Katchafire. Photo/Supplied.

One of the Bay of Plenty’s favourite summer events, the Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival, returns today, Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Uretara Domain. From noon to 6pm, festivalgoers can expect a day filled with live music, delicious food, family-friendly activities, and of course, an abundance of avocados.

Celebrating the best of the region’s food, music, and local culture, the festival has become a must-visit event since its launch in 2004, attracting big crowds. This year’s festival will feature a stellar line-up of live music performances, including Katchafire, Tiki Taane, White Chapel Jak, and Kokomo.

In addition, festivalgoers can enjoy a variety of activities. Chef Brad King returns to the festival to host avocado-themed cooking demonstrations in the Seeka Kitchen Tent. For the youngsters the Kid’s Zone will offer fun activities including face painting, giant games and circus workshops.

And with more than 40 food and beverage vendors, the festival will serve up an impressive array of tasty treats, from avocado-inspired dishes to refreshing drinks. The Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival is 12 noon-6pm Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Uretara Domain. Tickets are available at: www.katikatiavofest.co.nz.

Digger Balme in action shearing a sheep. Photo/Supplied.

The annual Te Puna Speed Shear will take place today at the Point Ale House, 17 Plummer’s Point Road, Whakamārama, marking the event’s 24th year.

Among the regulars is Digger Balme, a 60-year-old shearer who has participated in every Te Puna Speed Shear since its inception. Digger and his crew will be travelling up from King Country.  Te Puna Speed Shear starts 5.30pm, Saturday, January 11. Entry – gold coin.

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.

For more events visit My Tauranga.

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. Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui. Weather permitting. 9am - 4pm. Tauranga Society of Artists

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

Beginners pétanque
Saturday afternoons en famille Pétanque is fun for all ages/abilities Boules (of steel) and assistance provided Call Ray on 027 756 3565 for more info

Rotary Tauranga Book Sale
Donation sites open 20 January to 23 February 2025. Books, jigsaws, magazines, DVD's, CD's, music sheets, records, curtains, oil heaters. Site list https://www.facebook.com/taurangarotary.newzealand/ or https://taurangarotary.org.nz/

Tauranga Senor Citizens Club
Indoor Bowls. Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 12.45 am start. 50+ and over. Afternoon tea is provided. 14 Norris Street (behind Pacnsave) Phone carol 022 639 2411

Te Puna Speedshear
The Point Ale House in Plummers Point rd some of the top NZ Shearers shear a sheep as fast as, from 5:30pm

Toy fair
Te Puke toy and collectibles fair 7th of December at the Te Puke Baptist Church. Doors open at 10am until 4pm.