U3A is an international organization for people in their ‘Third Age’—whether you are retired, semi-retired, or simply have time to spare. There are no age limits for joining.
We have over 800+ members (as at Dec 2025) in the Tauranga and Western Bay areas, with 70+ interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn and explore new ideas, skills and activities.
Interest Group categories include: Art, Design, Books, Cards, Computing, Current Events, Dining, Films, History, Languages, Music, Nature, Photography, Physical Exercise, Sciences, etc. Meetings are held in the members’ homes or in local venues.
Monthly Meetings are held every month in Tauranga and Katikati with an opportunity to hear guest speakers and socialise.
Newsletter
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Artificial Intelligence -New Group
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is constantly in the news, but what actually is it, and how can we use it practically or creatively in our daily lives?
We are launching a brand-new Artificial Intelligence group. No technical background or computer programming experience required—just an open mind and a bit of curiosity. Together, in a relaxed and social environment, we will demystify tools like ChatGPT, explore AI-generated digital art, and discuss the global impacts of this rapidly changing technology.
When: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Where: Members’ homes
Convenor: Ian Howell: ai@u3atauranga.org.nzVisit Artificial Intelligence page for more information.
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Groups Seeking New Members
New Group – Pilates
We’re thrilled to announce a new mat Pilates group starting Wednesday June 17th. Classes will be held every Wednesday from 9.30 – 10.30 in a central city hall guided by an experienced instructor. These sessions are designed to be safe, supportive and age appropriate. You will only need to bring a yoga mat and $10.
Attendance is by registration and spaces are limited so register by contacting Jenni Baxter via the I-P co-ordinator at i2p.groups@u3atauranga.org.nz.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Jenni & Joanne (co-convenors)
Monthly Meetings
Once a month we meet at the Tauranga Yacht Club or Katikati Community Hub for a social morning where invited keynote speakers present illustrated talks of major interest.
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Tauranga: 17th July 2026
Main Speaker: Tenby Powell
Topic: ‘Life in The Red Zone’Regretfully, we can no longer book additional space for this meeting and consequently, attendance registration is now closed as we have met the full quota of 140 people.
Short Speaker: TBC
Topic: ‘Inky Tales’About the main speaker’s talk
On February 24th, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine.
Over the following years many humanitarian organisations and individuals have rallied to provide critical support to the people of Ukraine. Tenby Powell put words into. action, travelled to Ukraine and established Kiwi K.A.R.E (Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation).
Tenby Powell’s story is one of courage, tenacity, strategic thinking and multinational teamwork at its very best.
His experience spans the private business sector, government entities and the military and he is using this broad, skill set to help the people of Ukraine.
In May 2022 he formed Kiwi K.A.R.E (Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation) a highly respected “last mile” Humanitarian and Medical Aid organisation, that operates in the Red Zones (newly liberated areas behind the front line), delivering aid to front line hospitals, medical centres and residents who have remained in Ukraine.
Kiwi K.A.R.E also provides an evacuation capability for those who need to escape dangerous areas and who often need medical and psychological support en route to safer locations.
Join Tenby as he shares his very personal and current perspective of the war.
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Katikati: 8th July 2026
Main Speaker: Vincent J. Gambino
Topic: ‘Find your Inner Latent Voice’
Short Speaker: Denise Forrester from Baywide Community LawOur main speaker, Vincent J. Gambino, is a master impressionist, actor, voice over artist, comedian and singer. His repertoire of vocal impressions is vast and entertaining. He has performed with various Legends and Tribute groups all over the world and in many different venues.
Vincent believes that all human beings possess a tremendous variety of vocal abilities, but that most of us don’t use many of them, or have never tried to. He would like to address this concept by discussing his evolution into becoming the human equivalent of a Parrot. During the process he hopes to bring out the latent inner voices of the merry makers in the audience.
Despite being an entertainer, Vincent is extremely introverted and shy off stage. You will be entertained, but just how that will happen will be up to your individual and collective interactions. He looks forward to this event and promises to bring a microphone……or two……or three ??