Pole Climbing, chip shovelling, chainsaw carving, woodchopping. It is amazing what can be achieved with wood. Kawerau has the whole spectrum over three days of Woodfest whichi ncorporates the Woodskills Festival in the Ron Hardie Recreation Centre. Enter the public vote and see whose pieces has won from a prize pool of more than $20,000. click here for more info...

Entry forms are now online at www.kaweraudc.co.nz for the National Woodskills competition to be held September 10-12 as part of the annual Woodfest. There are some new categories this year, including Wearable Wood and novice for newbies to the art of wood crafting. Overall there are 10 categories with more than $20,000 in prize money to be won. The public vote will be rather bizaare this year, so imagination is the key. Watch this space for more details over the next few months.

Let's get ready to rumble... MOVE over, David Tua … the Eastern Bay’s boxing talent is ready to step into the ring. Local identities are volunteering to glove up and put their bodies on the line … all for a good cause. click here for more info...

Enjoy a scrumptious meal, listen to an amazing speaker. $55 tickets on sale at the Hospice Shop (beside Whitcoulls), Kerry Nott Pharmacy Opotiki or Smiths City Kawerau. There will be no door sales, and a cash bar only. The evening includes live and blind auctions. Uzabus will provide a bus Whakatane return for $5, bus route included with tickets. click here for more info...

Whakatane Rod & Custom Club Inc Presents an a day of fun for all ages Registration/Breakfast at 9am Autoholics Paint Shop then a mystery cruise, games, show 'n' shine, ending with prizegiving at the Whakatane Sportfishing Club click here for more info...

visiting gardens in the Eastern BOP and other places of interest. click here for more info...

Dinner & Show Cost $45 per person click here for more info...

A Truck Show featuring some of the big rigs. Come have a look at the trucks and help raise funds for Child Cancer. A drive through town will take place at 11AM. Gold coin donation, raffles and a sausage sizzle. The kids will love it! Harley's also on show. click here for more info...

Support child cancer in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and see some of New Zealand's gruntiest machines while you are at it. A wonderful day the whole famiily will enjoy. Truck rides, entertainment and food all on offer. Stay tuned to whakatane.com for more details.

A fun, safe and enjoyable family event! The day will kick off with an 'Amazing Race' followed by a 'family game of cricket' with the afternoon's entertainment starting at 12 pm. More information will be posted soon

Motorbike Ride around the East Cape

Street Fiesta, street entertainers, kidszone, Headline act: TBC Entertainment from 2-10pm. click here for more info...

Welcome the Steam Train to Matata. The main road will be closed and the street will come alive: Craft and food stalls, Classic planes, helicopter rides,vintage and classic cars. 12 noon to 2:30pm

Ball of The Year

A tour of 10 stunning and unique properties. click here for more info...