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
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: 18th September 2026
Main Speaker: Brenda Tahi
Topic: ‘Both Hands’: Diverse Knowledge Systems for Saving the Planet’s Biodiversity.Drawing on her role at the very centre of international biodiversity science, Brenda’s work alongside her colleagues in IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services), pushes back against the assumption that Western science alone can save us. She reveals how Indigenous Peoples, who manage lands containing around 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity, offer so much to the transformational effort needed to turn the biodiversity crisis around.
Short Speaker: Murray Armstrong
Topic: The History in Nursery RhymesWe also want members to be aware that our entry fee to all monthly meetings at the Yacht Club in Sulphur Point will be $10 per person.
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Katikati: 9th September 2026
Main Speaker: Francis Young
Topic: ‘Blue Smoke, the Story behind the Song’Francis says he was reviewing the collection of records that the Western Bay Museum had inherited, when he became aware of the significance of Blue Smoke to the history of NZ music.
Short Speaker: Jeanette Shepherd
Topic: ‘Steady As You Go (SAYGo)’, a popular exercise program for seniors.All are welcome to our monthly meetings. There is a $3 door charge to defray costs (venue hire and morning tea). Remember you can purchase a 5 x monthly meeting card for $15 from the registration desk.