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.
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International Affairs – Join Us Now
International Affairs is open to new members. The only requirement is to have access to Zoom on your computer.
The Convenor, Ian Morrison, says ‘Given the current disturbed state of the world, there might be U3A members who do not know about our group’s approach and might wish to take advantage of these gatherings.
If you would like to join this group, please contact: ianmorrison887@gmail.com
Read about our May Speakers -
Groups Seeking New Members
New Group – Pilates
We now have a venue, and two Co-convenors in place for Pilates. Unfortunately, the Pilates instructor we were hoping to engage has withdrawn. If anyone knows of a Pilates instructor who can charge an hourly rate, and would be keen to teach seniors on a Wednesday morning for an hour, please contact Linda Clifford, the i2p Coordinator.
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: 15th May 2026
Main Speaker: Sue MacDougall (U3A Tauranga Member)
Topic: ‘How Love, Courage and Art Shaped my life in Greece.’
Short Speaker: Tereasa Peterson and Ella Rose, Registered Legal Executives, Estate Team, Holland Beckett Law Firm.
Topic: Estate Administration 101About main speakers talk
‘In this heartfelt talk, I share the journey that led me to Greece, where love opened unexpected doors, courage helped me embrace change, and art became my language of expression. Through personal stories and creative discovery, I reveal how following these three guiding forces transformed not only my life, but also the way I create, connect, and inspire others through my art retreats.’
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Katikati: 13th May 2026
Main Speaker: Liz O’Riordan
Topic: The Plague
Short Speaker: Diana Donker from Grow On KatikatiThe meeting starts with general business for a few minutes, followed by our short talk. This month Diana Donker from Grow On Katikati will come and tell us about the activities of her group in support of growing edibles in our gardens.
Our main speaker, Liz O’Riordan, will talk about the Plague. Which started its dramatic appearance in Britain in with the Black Death in 1348, wiping out half the population of Europe. There were no vaccines, no knowledge of how disease spreads. How did they cope? Liz will take us there, and relate it to the 21st century.