News and Views

Speakers Notes & General News

• 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… Read more: Artificial Intelligence -New Group
• Groups Seeking New Members
• Your Invitation to the Opera…. try something new for 2026
  The Opera Appreciation group – join us and see what it is all about!
• Join Our Website Team
  As many of you have seen in our February Special Website Edition Newsletter, U3A Tauranga has launched a new website in February 2026.
  Ian Howell has now stepped into the role of Web Manager, following the valued work of the late Jim Pryor.
• New Group: Spanish for Beginners
  Convenor: Ian HowellStarts February 2026 Many members have told us they want to learn a new language, especially one as useful, fun, and friendly as Spanish. Here’s why I think Spanish is perfect for U3A: We’ll be using a professional tutor who specialises in… Read more: New Group: Spanish for Beginners
• New Group: Inky Tales – Memoir Writing
  Convenor: Helen D’AthStarts February 2026 Yes, we now have the much-wanted writing group starting up from February 2026. Helen has a range of amazing skills. She will provide you with a new slant to your Memoir writing. Please read what she… Read more: New Group: Inky Tales – Memoir Writing
• Susan Paris – 19th April 2024
  Title:  “Getting kids reading with an old classic – Annuals!”   Remember the old annuals? Bunty? Boy’s Own? Girls’ Crystal? Well the good news is annuals are back so your grandchildren can enjoy them too. Finally, something to compete with… Read more: Susan Paris – 19th April 2024
• Greg McManus – June 21st 2025
  Speaker: Greg McManus, Museum Director, Tauranga City Council. Has titled his talk‘A New Museum for Tauranga: Challenges and Opportunities.’ Drawing on his 30+ years’ experience as a museum director, Greg will discuss what is involved in conceiving, designing and delivering… Read more: Greg McManus – June 21st 2025
• Matariki Concert – Flax Fingers Weave the Moonlight
  Tauranga Civic Choir – 6th July 2025 Several U3A members belong to this choir and  do a great job. The Matariki Concert is the World Premiere of: Flax Fingers Weave the Moonlight, composed and directed by Nigel Williams. FULL DETAILS IN… Read more: Matariki Concert – Flax Fingers Weave the Moonlight
• Jenny Rush
  Tauranga – September 2024 Born in Taihape some time ago, Jenny married in Wellington and has three daughters, 3 granddaughters and a great grand-daughter as well as 5 step grandsons and 3 step great grandchildren. In 1986 Jenny decided to… Read more: Jenny Rush
• Graham Dainty: A Life in Aviation
  Graham Dainty was born in Wiltshire and has lived in many places within the United Kingdom and around the world. He was a pilot, ‘A’ category instructor and examiner in the Royal Air Force for 18 years, and won the… Read more: Graham Dainty: A Life in Aviation
• Classical Music Lovers B – 9th November 2023
  About London: As both a magnet for the great performers and a creative melting pot, London has been one of the great cities of music for several centuries. That they came to London rather than any other English city with… Read more: Classical Music Lovers B – 9th November 2023
• Early NZ History group (Katikati), Visit to Tauranga
  We have a new, very active U3A here in Katikati. Our Early NZ History group was recently privileged to spend the day, on a bus tour of Tauranga with Buddy Mikaere, a Māori community leader. He took us to all… Read more: Early NZ History group (Katikati), Visit to Tauranga
• Anne Withy Travelling through time in Morocco
  For me it was awesome to experience this country which has been shaped by the forces of Nature for over 2 billion years. It has been invaded by the Carthaginians, the Romans, Arabs, Spanish, Portuguese and the French over 2,300… Read more: Anne Withy Travelling through time in Morocco
• NetSafe – Tips for older people
  Margaret Marsh received the following information and attachments from NetSafe via SeniorNet: Following on from our recent discussion, I’m pleased to send you some initial resources for older people to share with your network:. As part of Netsafety Week 2023… Read more: NetSafe – Tips for older people
• Acoustic Performers. February Report
  Report from the Acoustic Performers Group,February 1st saw the birth of a new group in U3A, The Acoustic Performers Group. We had our first get together at Cliff Road Hall yesterday with 12 attending but I know this will grow… Read more: Acoustic Performers. February Report