Open Decks Tauranga: What It Is, Why We Started It, and How to Get Involved

Tauranga has no shortage of DJs. What it’s often lacked is accessible opportunities to actually play out, connect with others, and be part of something bigger than a bedroom setup.

That’s exactly why Open Decks exists.

Whether you’re brand new, finding your feet, or just looking for a supportive space to play music publicly, Open Decks Tauranga is about community first, skills and confidence follow naturally.

What Is Open Decks Tauranga?

Open Decks is a regular, low‑pressure DJ event where anyone can sign up and play a short set on a proper sound system, in a real venue, with a real crowd.

No gatekeeping. No cliques. No expectation that you’re already “established”.

Just DJs, music, and a shared love for the craft.

It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up.

Why We Started Open Decks

Like a lot of DJs, most of us started in our bedrooms. Practising alone. Mixing to empty rooms. Wondering how you actually make the jump from private practice to public performance.

That gap is where a lot of people get stuck.

We started Open Decks to:

• Bring the local DJ community together

• Create a safe entry point into playing live

• Remove the intimidation factor from club nights

• Give people a reason to support each other

  
  

Not everyone has access to bookings, connections, or established crews. Open Decks exists to level that playing field, even just a little.

Playing Outside the Bedroom Changes Everything

There’s something different about playing music in front of people.

You learn:

• How to read a room

• How your music actually feels at volume

• How to recover when something doesn’t go perfectly

• How to gain confidence behind the decks

  
  

And just as importantly, you start meeting other DJs, promoters, and venue staff, the real foundations of a local scene.

Open Decks isn’t about fast‑tracking success. It’s about building confidence, experience, and community, one set at a time.

Who Open Decks Is For

Open Decks is open to:

• First‑time DJs

• Bedroom DJs

• DJs returning after a break

• DJs wanting to test new styles or sounds

• Anyone who just wants to be involved

  
  

You don’t need a massive following. You don’t need expensive gear. You don’t need to prove anything.

If you care about music and want to be part of the Tauranga DJ community, you belong here.

How to Get Involved

Getting involved is intentionally simple.

All you need to do is:

1. Sign up via the link

2. Turn up

3. Play your set

4. Support others doing the same

   
   

👉 Sign up here: Sign Up Open Decks | Homebrewed DJs

That’s it.

No auditions. No judgement. Just an opportunity.

Why Open Decks Matters to the Wider Scene

Open Decks doesn’t just support DJs; it supports the entire local ecosystem.

By running regular, inclusive events:

• Venues get new audiences through the door

• Promoters discover new talent

• DJs build confidence and connections

• The city centre stays active and creative

  
  

It’s one small piece of keeping Tauranga’s music culture alive, and giving people a reason to come into town, stay longer, and be part of something local.

More Than an Event, It’s a community

At its core, Open Decks is about people.

It’s about:

• Encouraging each other

• Sharing knowledge

• Supporting local venues

• Creating a scene that feels welcoming, not exclusive

  
  

Everyone starts somewhere. Open Decks just makes that “somewhere” easier to find.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to play out, but I don’t know where to start”. This is it.