"Tauranga is a growing city and as the population shifts there is a growing demand for quality arts programming, a sign of a city that appreciates that live storytelling is the backbone, and the heart, of any and every community."
Ms Mabey said organisers were excited about how the event was coming together.
"There is lots of work going on behind the scenes and there is currently artwork going up all over town."
She said two shows, Back of the Bus and Music and Words of Jacques Brel, were already sold out. She said the festival catered for everyone, regardless of their budget.
"There really is something for everyone. From shows to pop-up galleries, to music and comedy acts."
One of the aims of the festival was to make the arts accessible to everyone.
"I think we achieve that and it is growing each year."
As well as the shows, Ms Mabey said the Crystal Palace was something everyone needed to see.
The Crystal Palace is a venue which is put up especially for the festival.
This year the Crystal Palace will feature a range of music and comedy acts, as well as a place to find out what is happening throughout the festival.
Local businesses were also getting involved, with several bars and restaurants on The Strand offering specials throughout the festival. Comida would provide a special Festival Menu, while La Mexica would also offer a range of express platters.
Anyone with a ticket to an Arts Festival event could get a 25 per cent discount on pizzas at Brew, while Macau was also offering a festival express menu.
