Tauranga Moana celebrations are off to a shining start with a great programme of events on the horizon next week.

Bring the little ones along to Mount Maunganui Library for a special Iti Pounamu, with songs, stories and fun for under 5's on Thursday, June 9.

Try your hand at Scratch coding and create an interactive scene at Tauranga Library, He Puna Manawa on Friday, 10 June. Aimed at beginner programmers, this activity will explore some digital design topics and give people of all ages a chance to write simple code using Scratch.

Learn about the tikanga of raranga and the basics of flax weaving from local weaver Parewhai Taikato at Tauranga Library, He Puna Manawa on Saturday, June 11.

Come along to Tauranga City Libraries' Seed Exchange to share your bounty with others and gain some diversity in your garden on Saturday, June 11.

Book your spot in one of the subsidised workshops at The Artery in The Incubator Creative Village.

Learn to make and bake rēwena bread on Saturday, June 11, or get your creative juices flowing by preparing your own pigments and painting your own masterpiece in the Kōkōwai/Painting with Whenua workshop on Sunday, 12 June. Only one subsidised workshop can be booked per person.

And if that's not enough, why not top off your weekend with a live performance by The Artist RED at The Jam Factory on Saturday, June 11. Bold, sassy, and enigmatic, RED's performance is not to be missed.

Throughout the week you'll also find a range of exciting events and exhibitions to explore, including the Pae Korokī Drop-ins, the Star Hunt at Tauranga Art Gallery, and seven exhibitions at The Incubator Creative Village.

Take part and discover the significance of with whānau and friends. Visit www.mymatariki.co.nz to view the full Tauranga Moana 2022 programme