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Hi Westie,
A bunch of city news this issue, 12 must-try iconic eats, and a heartwarming story of a community kai movement that started with one post.
Sooo mannyyy music events!!
Starting this issue we’ll ask the real questions from you, dear subscriber.
In this issue: What is the true Kiwi Smoko king? Meat pies or Sausage Rolls?
Let’s get into it.
In today’s edition:
40+ Events this week!
- Adrian Domingo | Publisher
Holidays none
City News
🚨 CRL Testing Gets Intense
Auckland’s new City Rail Link is now running full emergency simulations before opening later this year, including smoke-filled tunnels, fake injuries, and evacuation drills. Read more
🚌 Big Change Coming to Transport Decisions
Parliament has passed major transport reform changes that could reshape how Auckland Council and Auckland Transport operate going forward. Read more
🎶 Emerging NZ Musicians Playing Across City
A new “Sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau” series is putting emerging local musicians on stage across Auckland during NZ Music Month, and most events are free. Read more
🥾 More Auckland Tracks Reopening
Auckland Council says more regional park tracks are finally reopening after years of closures, repairs and slip damage across the region. Read more
🇳🇿 NZ Citizenship Test: What You Need To Know
The Government plans to introduce a formal citizenship test from 2027, with questions on NZ laws, rights, government and values. Read more
Community News
West Auckland Dishes in Top 100 Iconic Eats List
AucklandNZ has released their Iconic Eats list, and a bunch of West Auckland spots made the list - with Avondale scoring 3!
Baby G Burger | Avondale The Cowgirl (smash burger)
Burnt Butter Diner | Avondale Smoked Fish Crumpet (smoked fish brunch crumpet)
Tokos Tacos | Avondale | Birria Tacos (slow-cooked beef tacos)
Bethells Beach Cafe Creamy Mushrooms on Sourdough (creamy garlic mushrooms)
iMAXX | Helensville | Prawn Biryani (spiced prawn biryani)
Lucky G’s | Glen Eden | #4 Thigh Guy (fried chicken burger)
Kanes Burger Club | Henderson | Aucklahoma Burger (Oklahoma smashburger)
Mae Nam Khong | New Lynn | Chicken Macadamia (creamy Thai curry)
Bunga Raya | New Lynn | Butter Prawns (Malaysian butter prawns)
Irene Dragon | Various Markets | Laksa (spicy coconut noodle soup)
Miss Riverhead Café Turkish Eggs (poached eggs with chilli butter)
Hapunan | Huapai | Adobo Del Diablo (spicy Filipino adobo)
Click here: To get the full list
🍲 Parrs Park Community Kai Started With One Post
A grassroots community kai effort at Parrs Park is quickly becoming one of the most heartwarming things happening in West Auckland.
It started when one concerned mum posted on Facebook about helping people doing it tough. Within hours, hundreds responded.
“Support began pouring in from all directions.”
Now heading into its third week, locals have been turning up with food, baking, water, utensils, koha, and volunteer support. What started online has grown into a real community effort, with youth, families, and Hoani Waititi Marae staff all getting involved.
“It really is community at its finest. And right here, in West Auckland.”
Big thank you to Shann and Paerau, Laura and Yohan, Soana, Jay and Topaz, Jade, Makere and Aunty Indira of Hoani Waititi, and Awhi of Koru Design, and AWHI SHED, and the amazing Glen Eden Community for helping make it happen.
Want to help? Contact the group here or send Shannon (Mō Āke Tonu) or partner Paerau Takimoana a DM.
What’s the TRUE Kiwi smoko king?
Hit Reply and send us YOUR go to bakery that NEVER misses!
🚧 Road and Rail Closures
Updated 1 May 2026
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Exciting Events this week: May 13-19
Hot Events
Weekdays
Catalina Bay Food Truck Night | Fri 5-8pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
2000's Hip Hop and RnB with Manchoo | Fri 6pm
📍 Kelston | Learn more
RADIATE | Fri 6:30pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
A genre spanning lineup of soulful pop, R&B, indie and alternative sounds.
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (1975) | Fri 8-9:45pm
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Saturday
FREE E-Waste Drop off Day | 9am-3pm
📍 Green Bay | Learn more
🌲 FREE Adventurous Nature Play - Henderson Park | 9am-1pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A guided outdoor play session for families in the park.
🌍 Cultures of the Whau | 10am-3pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
A multicultural celebration with food, performances, and community activities.
🛍️ Glen Eden Community Market and 🚲 Try an ebike for free | 9am-12pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more + Learn more about trying an ebike
A community market featuring local makers, coffee, and neighborhood vibes.
🍪 Cookie Time Bakery Shop FLASH SALE! | 10:30am-4pm ($)
📍 35 Keeling Road, Auckland, New Zealand 0612 | Learn more
A bakery flash sale featuring free cookies and great deals.
Sunday
Kumeu Monthly Market | 9am
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
120+ stalls of handmade goods, local arts, crafts, homewars, food trucks!
LIVE Day: Steam | 10am
📍 MOTAT | Learn more
Events
Wed 13 May
🎨 Rānui Graffiti Workshop | 11am-1pm
📍 Rānui | Learn more
Hands-on workshop exploring graffiti techniques.
🎵 NZ Music Month Live Performance | 10:15-11:15am
📍 Rānui | Learn more
Celebrate NZ music with performances by St. Dominic’s Catholic College musicians.
✨ Resin Workshop | 12:30-2:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A creative workshop learning the techniques of pouring and mixing resin.
Thu 14 May
🦈 JAWS (1975) Presented by Nick Von K - Live Ocean Charity Screening | 7:30-9:45pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Charity screening of Jaws to support ocean conservation.
Fri 15 May
🎳 2026 BOWLING HOSPICE FUNDRAISER | 6-8:30pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A bowling fundraiser to support Hospice West Auckland.
Sat 16 May
🤠 Cowgirl Clinic - Learn how to Rope! | 10:30am-3pm ($)
📍 Helensville | Learn more
A fun weekend clinic to learn or sharpen your roping skills.
re:generate Fashion Market - Preloved, Vintage & Designer Pop-Up | 10am
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Whau Community Wellness Day with an African Twist! | 12pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
THE CASTLE (1997) | 6pm
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
🎵 Library Live: Harp Music by Joelle Ireland
11am-12:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
1:30-3pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Enjoy a soothing morning of live harp music in the library.
🎷 Auckland Youth Symphonic Band Performance | 11am-2pm
📍 Rosebank | Learn more
A concert band performance featuring young musicians from across Auckland.
🎻 Live Music in the Library | 1:30-2:30pm
📍 12 Glendale Road, Auckland, New Zealand 0602 | Learn more
Enjoy live pop music and Studio Ghibli themes at the library.
🎸 The Trusts Live! at Corban Estate | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
An evening of live local music in an intimate setting.
🎸 Songwriters in the Round | 7:30-10:30pm ($)
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
An intimate evening of live performances from local songwriters.
Sun 17 May
🗿 Pounamu Workshop | 9am-5pm ($)
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Learn to carve traditional pounamu neckpieces or earrings in a guided workshop.
Equine gear market | 9am
📍 Waimauku | Learn more
🛍️ Piha Market @ The Bowling Club | 10am-2pm
📍 Piha | Learn more
Local market featuring food, crafts, and community stalls.
🎨 Natural Dying Workshop, The ReCreators Green Space | 10am-4pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn ancient natural dyeing techniques using plants and flowers.
🎺 Library Live: Kumeu Brass Band | 11am-2pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A live performance by the Kumeu Brass Band at the library.
Mon 18 May
💃 Line Dancing Lunchtime | 12:30-1:30pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
A casual, low-impact line dancing session during your lunch break.
Tue 19 May
🎱 Bingo @ the Brewery | 6:30-8:30pm ($)
📍 Riverhead | Learn more
Grab your daubers for a fun monthly night of Bingo and prizes at the brewery.
If you want to collaborate or promote your business, please send me an email.
[email protected]
Or consider making a donation to help the newsletter.
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted!
See you next week!
Adrian Domingo - Publisher | West Auckland Digest
You reckon that’s enough cones?