23/09/2026
Imagine an event that shifts your perspective from consuming to creating. A gathering where you can engage with enthusiastic inventors, tinkerers, and problem solvers—whether it’s discovering how to capture biomethane from food waste, designing the ultimate karaoke system case, coding an interactive block coding activity, or finding innovative methods to enhance data collection for kiwi birds while utilising natural resources like slash.
That’s exactly what we accomplished at MakerFest 2026—the inaugural event in Tauranga that genuinely honoured grassroots innovation and problem-solving. Over the span of two days, nearly 700 individuals united to explore, create, and exchange ideas. Attendees of all ages participated—proving that anyone can be a maker. There’s something truly enchanting about conceiving an idea, designing it, prototyping it, and witnessing it come to fruition. This is why Tinkd Makerspace was founded; our mission is to inspire exploration and facilitate the rapid transformation of ideas into tangible items.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with a strong demand for more events like this. Do we want to see more innovators, creators, and makers? Absolutely! 🌟
A huge thanks to our amazing sponsors and funders who's support ensures that our festivals remain free to attend and accessible to all.
Powerco
Tauranga Western Bay Community Fund
Basestation
Grace Team +MORE
Beca
Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Downtown Tauranga
WNT Ventures
Tech Step
NDY
One NZ
Port of Tauranga
Trevelyan's
And finally, to all our friends, supporters, and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make events like this come to life. We see you and we thank you. 😀
