Focus Paihia is delighted to once again offer community grants for art, cultural and sports initiatives in 2026 and we encourage local groups to apply for funds towards their exciting projects, equipment or opportunities this funding could help bring to life. The application window is 1 July - 31 August. This year, we’re introducing a new online application form, which is available on our website. This will make the application process simpler and ensure all applications are

Applications to become a stall holder at the Village Green Art Market for the 2026/27 cruise ship season open! The Village Green Art Market has become a much-loved feature of cruise ship days in Paihia, bringing colour, creativity and a wonderful atmosphere to the heart of our town. Set against the stunning backdrop of the waterfront, the market showcases talented local artists, makers and craftspeople, while providing visitors with the opportunity to purchase authentic, loca

We’re celebrating Matariki at the Focus Paihia Op Shop this month! Sandy has created a fabulous window display, complete with information about Matariki and its significance, so be sure to stop by and take a look next time you’re in town. Unfortunately, we also have some disappointing news to share. Our Focus Paihia truck was recently vandalised and, as a result, we are temporarily unable to offer our furniture collection service while repairs are carried out. Focus Paihia cu

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." -Oscar Wilde As we turn the calendar to July, we are reflecting on what has been one of the most heartwarming initiatives Focus Paihia has been involved with this year. Throughout June, our Facebook page hosted The Big Shout Out, a month-long celebration of the volunteers who quietly and tirelessly make Paihia and the wider Bay of Islands such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. Over the course

The Far North District Council has made its annual State of the Far North address available online, giving all residents access to the district's progress report and plans ahead.

Tai Kotuku Waka Ama Club once again made our rohe proud at the 2026 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals, joining more than 4,500 paddlers aged 5 to 85+ at the largest waka ama event ever held at Lake Karāpiro.

Another hugely busy December. Cruise ships are back in town again, and we love them visiting - their guests are great Op Shoppers and our days reflect that particularly when we get the big girls coming into the Bay!

With 64 participants coming together to light up 16 pōhutukawa trees, whānau, friends, community groups, neighbours, and workmates shared a single intention: to create warmth, connection, and a sense of care in our community.

Happy New Year to everyone working, living and spending time in Paihia, Waitangi and across the beautiful Bay of Islands.

November proved to be another strong month for the Op Shop. It was great to see so many of our volunteers come out to the Focus Paihia Community update. We are all strongly invested in our involvement with the shop, and wish Tricia Scott and her team on the Focus Paihia Board success going forward. As always, they have our total support. A significant change for the shop in how we are handling furniture pickups. Terry Smith and his team have put their hands up to be our furni

Community is the canvas on which we paint our shared dreams. October was a month to be proud of. The Pukenui Jump and Skills Park is riding high and attracting new and burgeoning talent. Paihia Volunteer Fire Brigade hosted an informative and fun day at The Village Green to celebrate 60 years of service for our community. People I’ve spoken to told me that the Bay of Islands Walking Weekend was excellent. Town was buzzing over Labour Weekend with the Bay of Islands Festival a