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: 19th June 2026
Main Speaker: David Lyon
Topic: ‘Doing Time’
Short Speaker: U3A Tauranga Opera Appreciation Group.
Topic: ‘Your Invitation to the Opera – try something new for 2026’About main speakers talk
Background: David was employed by the Justice Department, the forerunner of the current Corrections Department, from 1978 to 1995. Initially employed as a Probation Officer in Rotorua and Tokoroa David subsequently managed Probation Service operations on the West Coast of the South Island and Tauranga. He then simultaneously managed both the country’s oldest and newest prisons in Hawkes Bay before becoming the National Projects Manager for the Prison Service in Wellington.
David would like to share his experiences of working with both those employed to work for the Justice Department and those who were subject to incarceration after conviction for one or more imprisonable offences. He would also like to share his thoughts on how imprisonment can most effectively be used to protect society and reduce the likelihood of further offending.
David enjoys being a member of the Hikers 1 and Hikers 2 walking groups within U3A.
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Katikati: 10th June 2026
Main Speaker: Steve Subritzky
Topic: Highlights of a trip to India and Nepal in 2024
Short Speaker: Dianne ArlidgeThe meeting starts with general business for a few minutes, followed by our short talk. This month Dianne Arlidge from U3A Katikati will tell us about their Adventures in the UK with ‘Animal Aunts’.
Our main speaker this month is Steve Subritzky. Steve travels widely overseas, and will talk about Highlights of a trip to India and Nepal in 2024 as part of an extended South East Asia trip with GolBus Tours. He visited the Mumbai slums as well as the usual tourist hot spots, from close up to Mount Everest to the Taj Mahal. “Countries with a difference, and with many interesting stories.”