Techweek began with a bang in Tauranga on Monday – and it's not over yet, with plenty of tech-related events to participate in this weekend.

From today, May 20, to Sunday, May 22, there's still time to engage in the national festival of technology and innovation.

Although events are mostly free, registrations are required on the Techweek.co.nz website.

Today, May 20, from 4.30pm-6.30pm, there is a free informal panel discussion from awesome women of varying stages and ages sharing their experience in the tech industry.

The event, named BOP Women in Tech, is located at Cucumber, 293 Fraser St, Parkvale. Suited to people who want to get inspired about the vast range of opportunities of careers in tech, it is also about connecting with likeminded people. While the event will focus on women in the sector, it is open to everyone.

From 5pm-6.30pm today, May 20, there is also another free event to inspire careers in tech, named ‘Real stories from real people working in tech'.

Head to the University of Waikato Tauranga Campus, 101 Durham St, to hear about real career stories from local people. Speakers will cover their work, how they got into it, what their day-to-day looks like, as well as sharing their passion for tech and everything digital.

A panel question and answer discussion will follow individual presentations to explore the skillset and mindset required in a tech world in constant evolution.

This event is best suited for students starting out a tech career qualification, people looking for a change or returning to work, whānau, caregivers and teachers wanting to support those considering a career in tech; and anyone curious about the sector and its potential for human development.

On Sunday, May 22, from 9am to 12pm, there is a Tinkd makerspace session at Basestation, 148 Durham St, Tauranga. This paid event costs $15-$20 per person. Register on the Techweek website.

For those unsure what makerspaces are about, or want to find out more, you can register to have an introduction tour of Tinkd's six ‘maker zones'. The event will take attendees around the maker zones, explain how the space works, view example projects and provide answers to any questions.

Register for these events at: https://techweek.co.nz/whats-on/programme/ and filter the location to ‘Tauranga'.