Hunting & Fishing New Zealand has officially opened its new Tauranga store at Bethlehem Town Centre, relocating to a larger space and bringing an expanded range of gear for outdoor enthusiasts across the Bay of Plenty.

Locally owned by Ben and Aynsley, the new store reflects a genuine passion for the outdoors. As keen hunters, fishers and adventurers themselves, they understand exactly what locals need.

Inside, customers will find a comprehensive range of equipment and apparel, including hunting and fishing gear, camping essentials, diving equipment and outdoor clothing. The new, larger format store allows for a more immersive experience, with more space to explore, compare and get advice.

The Hunting & Fishing team are known for their hands-on knowledge… they’re not just selling the gear, they’re ‘out there doing it’.

It’s this combination of expertise, passion and product range that makes Hunting & Fishing more than just a retail store – it’s a destination for the local outdoor community.

And this is just the beginning; stay tuned for exciting promotions and events in the coming months.

We’re proud to welcome Charmaine as the new owner of Immerse Nail & Beauty – a name some long-time clients may already recognise. Charmaine began her career right here at Immerse nearly 18 years ago, spending four formative years learning not just the craft of skin therapy, but the importance of care, connection, and the confidence that great skin can bring.

Since those early days, Charmaine’s journey has taken her far and wide. After leaving Immerse, she moved to Perth, Australia, where she trained in advanced dermal therapies within a plastic surgery clinic. That experience shaped her passion for results-driven skin treatments that are thoughtful, supportive, and genuinely transformative.

After returning home to New Zealand, Charmaine went on to create Dermal Glow, now with clinics in Pāpāmoa and Ōhope, known for advanced skin treatments, education, and real results. And now, in a full-circle moment, she’s bringing that expertise back to Immerse — this time as its owner.

“I’m incredibly committed to protecting the calm, nurturing, spa-like experience that Immerse has always been known for,” says Charmaine. “Any evolution will be gentle, intentional, and always in the best interest of our clients.”

Over time, clients will see the thoughtful introduction of advanced skin technologies where they truly enhance results. Nothing rushed, nothing overwhelming. Just meaningful progress, delivered with care and integrity.

As part of this evolution, Immerse will be introducing two advanced professional skincare ranges that Charmaine has trusted and worked with throughout her career:

• iS Clinical, with a strong focus on anti-ageing, pigmentation, and rosacea
• DMK, designed to support more complex skin concerns including acne, congestion, and sensitivity

Rest assured, the much-loved ranges many clients already enjoy will remain, including Janesce, Lira, and Pure Fiji.

All existing appointments, treatment plans, and gift vouchers remain unchanged, and the Immerse team is here to make this transition smooth and supportive.

We’re excited to see this next chapter unfold and can’t wait for you to experience the future of Immerse at Bethlehem Town Centre.

Bethlehem Eye Care has a new location, but… they’re still proudly part of Bethlehem Town Centre.

You’ll find them next to Rodney Wayne, just two doors down from The Coffee Club – making it even easier to pop in before or after your coffee run.

A familiar face, with decades of local experience

Owned and operated by Stuart Willats, Bethlehem Eye Care has been looking after local eyes for over 23 years. Stuart is not only the owner, but also the practising optometrist, offering personalised care backed by decades of experience in the Bethlehem community.

Bethlehem Eye Care offers thorough 40-minute eye examinations, including OCT retinal scanning, allowing for detailed assessment of eye health. The team also provides:

• Contact lens fittings
• Myopia control treatments
• A wide selection of spectacle frames
• Quality lenses and contact lenses to suit all lifestyles

Whether you’re booking a routine check-up, updating your frames, or managing long-term eye health, you’ll find expert care in a relaxed, professional environment.

📍 Next to Rodney Wayne, Bethlehem Town Centre
👀 Same trusted care. New easy-to-find location.

Big news for donut lovers (and coffee fans too). Dunkin’ has officially landed at Bethlehem Town Centre with the first Dunkin’ store in Tauranga.

Famous around the world for their iconic donuts, Dunkin’ brings all the classics you know and love, plus a whole lot more. Chocolate frosted, strawberry, Bavarian and vanilla donuts…. all the classics! Fresh, delicious and dangerously easy to say “just one more” to.

But Dunkin’ isn’t just about donuts.

You’ll also find a full range of hot drinks, along with iced teas, iced coffees and thick shakes, perfect for a mid-shop pick-me-up, a summer cool-down.

Whether you’re grabbing something sweet on the go, meeting a friend for a coffee, or introducing the kids to their new favourite donut spot, Dunkin’ has already become a fast favourite for locals.

You’ll find Dunkin’ right next to Subway at Bethlehem Town Centre.

👉 View the full menu at dunkindonuts.co.nz

Bettie Monroe has opened a bright new summer popup shop at Bethlehem Town Centre. Designed by Helen and Lucy, Bettie Monroe offer a curated mix of unique NZ-made designs alongside a few handpicked international labels.

Discover effortless summer styles that celebrate comfort, colour, and individuality.

Bettie Monroe’s styles are created for women of every age, shape, and size — made from ethically produced fabrics, including 100% organic bamboo 🌿. Luxuriously soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and eco-friendly. Comfort that feels as good as it looks!

Pop in to their Main St store – just along from Options Gifts, and meet Helen, Lucy, and the Bettie Monroe team.

Big news from Patrick’s Pies Gold Star Bakery — apprentice baker Srun Keo has taken out this year’s Bakels Apprentice Pie Maker Award! And it doesn’t stop there… fellow apprentice TayHak Hour also brought home second place!

See Sruns inspiring story below, and here are all the winners:

1. Srun Keo – Patrick’s Pies Goldstar Bakery
2. TayHak Hour – Patrick’s Pies Goldstar Bakery
3. Banjamin Crosby – The Baker Tirau
4. Thomas MacGibbon – Sydenham Bakery
5. Creag Fraser – Rangiora Bakery
6. Brooke Rowbotham – Rangiora Bakery
7. Monica Estefania Rivera Suarez – Fairlie Bakehouse
8. Justin Faulkner – The Clareville Bakery
9. Lianna MacFarlane – U-Bake
10. Janine Peligrino – Fat Bastard Pies

Apprentice Pie Maker winner motivated by hope

Srun Keo of Patrick’s Pies Goldstar Bakery in Tauranga has won the Apprentice Pie Maker Award for 2025 and he’s now hoping that his skills as a baker will help reunite his family.

Judging for the award took place in Auckland yesterday, June 11, with 24 apprentices waiting anxiously by their phones to hear if the judges had given them the winning score.

For Srun, whose bakery trainer is none other than Patrick Lam, seven times Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Award winner, the phone remained silent!

Patrick Lam says: “It was very exciting this morning and he kept checking his phone so that Brent (Brent Kersel NZ Bakels managing director) could call but basically it was the wrong number! Brent had to ring my number to get him. When I see on the phone that Brent is ringing me I say, ‘must be the winner then’.”

Still, there is no mistaking the excitement in Srun’s voice: “I feel so happy! This is my first time at entering and I was so nervous.”

The Apprentice Pie Maker competition is judged on two categories: Mince and Cheese and Gourmet Meat.

Srun explains the way his gourmet meat pie developed: “In our bakery one flavour of the pie is garlic prawn and I like the taste of that. I thought to try another meat like chicken to go with the garlic sauce but it wasn’t good. So I was asking the boss’s opinion on what can improve the flavour and he give me a lot of opinions. Finally, because everybody liked the chicken, I put the chicken in the garlic sauce and I thought to add some vegetables, some leeks and I tasted it and it was good. I added a bit of cheese. Then I give to my boss and he said it good, really good.”

For Srun’s mince and cheese pie, he layered the cheese to give the flavour a rich mince and gravy taste blended beautifully with creamy melted cheese. His pastry had just the right level of top lift, glazing and golden colour. But it was in the Gourmet judging that his chicken with leek, garlic sauce and cheese stood out from an impressive range of internationally inspired flavours.

Patrick says on a visit back to Cambodia he met up with Srun and his family, who he knew, and he offered Srun a chance to come and work for him in New Zealand. Srun was already a baker producing cakes and bread.

The prospect of working and living in New Zealand was a great opportunity for Srun and his wife, who also works in Patrick’s bakery, but they felt they could make a better go of it if they left their young son in the care of their family, hoping that they could eventually get permanent residency in New Zealand and bring him to their new homeland. This award will look good in Srun’s employment records and he hopes it will go towards making his new life here complete with his son.

“Three years ago he came to New Zealand to work for me as a baking assistant and then he thought he might go to NZ Bakels for the apprenticeship certificate (NZ Certificate in Trade Baking) because it would be a good thing for him. He joined last year to be an apprentice,” says Patrick.

Drop in to try one of the latest award-winning pies!

Bethlehem Town Centre is delighted to present its very own Christmas story, A Starry Night in Bethlehem. This enchanting tale reveals the magic that unfolds after the sun sets and the stars come out to play.

For a minimum donation of just $5, you can bring this beautiful story home and help spread the joy of Christmas throughout our community. Every dollar raised goes directly to support local charitable groups, with 100% of the proceeds helping those in need this holiday season.

You can purchase your copy today from PaperPlus Bethlehem and other select stores at Bethlehem Town Centre. Keep an eye out for the posters and in-store displays to find your nearest location.

Together, we can make this season truly magical.

UPDATE: A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has purchased a copy of A Starry Night in Bethlehem so far. Your generosity has made it possible for us to donate to Tauranga Women’s Refuge, helping some awesome children have the best Christmas possible.

Do you know a group that could use an extra boost this Christmas? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know!

We’ve got a cute new playground for littlies, complete with generous bench seats, right next to Patrick’s Pies and Bin Inn. Grab a coffee from Columbus Coffee Bethlehem and enjoy some sun while the kids play in a fully enclosed space. 🙌

FYI: Our well-loved original playground at the rear of the Centre has now closed for the creation of a new outdoor space. More news to come!

Looking for fast Tauranga EV charging? Bethlehem Town Centre’s ChargeNet NZ EV charging stations are now live 🌟 With three mighty 150kW chargers, we can power up to six vehicles at once. The project was co-funded by the Low Emission Transport Fund, administered by EECA (The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) & Gen Less. Swing by for a charge, opposite BurgerFuel Bethlehem.

Locky Docks have arrived at Bethlehem Town Centre (just along from Countdown – opposite SBS Bank). So, first up what’s a Locky Dock?

With reinforced steel arms, CCTV cameras, and built in alarms, Locky Docks are the safest place to lock up your bike when you’re visiting Bethlehem or any other Locky Dock location – and they’re absolutely FREE to use!

In short, FREE lock, dock and charge stations for your bike.

With free secure parking, charging and wayfinding, Locky Docks are helping revolutionise urban mobility,  making it easier for more people to ride more often. Everyone wins with reduced congestion, reduced emissions and healthier streets.

The Locky Dock network is ebike infrastructure that removes the barriers to travelling around urban centres by bike. The barriers to cycling include fear of personal safety and fear of bike theft. Bike thefts are on the rise, particularly theft of ebikes, making secure bike parking essential to remove fear.

The lock, dock and charge function of Locky Docks removes the ability for thieves to steal bikes which are correctly locked.

Screens provide safe riding route information with wayfinding maps co-designed by BSB and local councils, in cooperation with Waka Kotahi. This creates a nationwide visual language to increase awareness for bike paths. Waka Kotahi supported the pilot and research for these maps in Christchurch which has become the template for Locky Dock digital maps nationwide, including here in Tauranga.

Many forget that biking safely is about knowing bike path routes and back streets, rather than having to ride the big streets.

The Locky Dock network also capitalises on local and central government investment in bike paths for tourism and commuting purposes around the motu.

The docks operate with a BYO charger model which is safely stashed in a sealed compartment. This also means if you’re running low on smart phone charge, you can use a Locky Dock to power up. Bonus!

The vision is for lockable stations to be located at all transportation hubs including airports, train stations and bus stations, enabling transport hubs and modeshift. Placement next to key destinations – schools, cafés, bars, venues, offices, malls, hospitals, universities, libraries, parks and other council facilities – creates convenience for users.

Big Street Bikers (the creators of Locky Docks) recognised that increasing numbers of staff ride a bike to work as a way to make their commute more reliable and enjoyable. It also means people can cut down on emissions and get some exercise before and after the work day.

Co-founder Cleve Cameron says, “We have installed Locky Docks around our main centres and users are constantly asking us for more. This is part of a planned 300 sites around the country and we’re all about giving people more transport options, to reduce emissions and to improve wellbeing on the streets of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

So now you know what a Locky Dock is, how do you use them? 

1. Download the app from either the Google Play or Apple store, and find your nearest Locky Dock ~ near Countdown Bethlehem!
   Locky Dock App Download Links 
   Google Play Store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bikeep.app&hl=en&gl=US 
   Apple Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bikeep/id1320858642ee
2. Carefully align your bike to the dock and lower the bar.
3. Scan the QR code on the dock to lock!
4. BYO charger to plug in and power up if you have an e-bike.

Remember.. it’s totally free!

For more about Locky Docks, visit https://www.lockydock.co.nz/