Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},
Matariki, School holidays, and Whau Pasifika coming up! So expect a LOT of events listed in the next few weeks. :)
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Here's what's happening:
West Auckland Schools Recognised in New National Awards
Council AI is Saving Time & Free Inorganic Collections Return
New Visa Trial Makes Visiting NZ Easier & New Expectations for Pharmac
Fishing Rules Changing — Have Your Say
Local Board Plan Consultations open & Henderson's New Playground
A New Supermarket Opens in Helensville
Track Closures & a Popular Piha Walk Reopens
June poll finished! Fish and Chips VS Chinese Takeaways! Scroll down to know the winner!
A magnificent 96 Events and 10 Markets this week!!
- Adrian Domingo | Publisher
In today's issue:
National & City Digest
Congratulations to our local heroes!
🏆 West Auckland Schools Recognised in New National Awards Three West Auckland schools have been recognised in the inaugural Educational Excellence Awards. Avondale College was a winner, while Rutherford College and Iqra School were named finalists. OurAuckland
🌧️ Storm Recovery Ends, Focus Turns to the Future Auckland's Storm Recovery Office has officially wrapped up after more than three years [OurAuckland]. the focus is now shifting to making communities, including those across West Auckland, more resilient to future flooding and severe weather. [OurAuckland].
🚛 Inorganic Collection Bookings are Now Open Planning a big clean-up? Auckland's inorganic collections can now be booked through to May 2027, with June dates to be released later this year. OurAuckland
🤖 Council AI is Saving Time Auckland Council says its new AI assistant, Ask Auckland Council, is helping residents report issues faster, with more than 4,000 requests already submitted through the service. OurAuckland
✈️ Easier Visits for Family and Friends A new visa waiver trial is making it easier for eligible Chinese and Pacific travellers from Australia to visit New Zealand, helping more families and friends reconnect. Beehive
🎣 Fishing Rules Could Change — Have Your Say Fishos can have their say on proposed catch limit changes for species including snapper, tarakihi and trevally before 24 July 2026. Beehive
Local Digest
🗳️ Have Your Say on Your Local Area Auckland's Local Board Plans are open for feedback until 23 July. Have your say on the projects and priorities that will shape your local community over the next three years. Auckland Council
🛝 Help Design Henderson's New Playground A new playground is coming to Henderson Park, and locals can vote for their favourite play features. Visit the pop-up at Catherine Plaza on 18 July or have your say online. Auckland Urban Development Office
🌿 Kitekite Falls Loop Fully Reopens The full Kitekite Falls Loop has reopened for the first time since the 2023 floods after a new flood-resistant bridge was completed. Waitākere Ranges Local Board
🚧 Mercer Bay Track Access Temporarily Closed Planning a visit to Mercer Bay? Vehicle access to the loop track car park will be unavailable on selected days while maintenance is carried out. Alternative walking access is available via Karekare. Auckland Parks
Local Businesses
Helensville Supermarket - Helensville has welcomed a new supermarket, offering fresh produce, groceries and Asian and Indian food options for the growing local community.
📍68 Commercial Road
Road & Rail Closures
[email protected] or call 02108358812
View all road closures | View all Rail closures | source: Auckland Transport
Winner of the June Poll
Classic Fish & Chips (with extra scoops of chips) wins!
raking in 51.43% of votes!
versus A loaded Chinese Takeaway box (packed to the absolute brim)
The Weekend Top Picks
✨ Matariki Crafts & Kai
📍 Green Bay Community House | Wed 3pm Learn more
Celebrate Matariki with free family fun, including glowing star jar crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, and activities for all ages. Enjoy free kai as the community comes together to celebrate the Māori New Year.
✈️ Aviation Conversations: Where the stars speak
📍 MOTAT | Thu 7pm ($) Learn more
Learn about protecting New Zealand's night skies at this after-hours panel discussion at MOTAT's Aviation Hall. Hear from leading experts, followed by a Q&A session. Bookings required.
🎧 After Hours: RnB & Hip Hop
📍 571 Te Atatu Road, Auckland, New Zealand 0610 | Fri 6pm Learn more
Kick off your Friday night with DJ Manchoo spinning RnB and Hip Hop at Mr Illingsworth in Te Atatū. Expect great music, food and drink specials, and a lively local atmosphere.
🛍️ $5 Fill-A-Bag Sale
📍 990 Great North Road, Auckland, New Zealand 1022 | Sat 9am ($) Learn more
Fill a reusable shopping bag with clothing, books, toys, and more for just $5 at Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre. New stock arrives every hour, so there's plenty of bargains throughout the day.
👶 Dimples Factory Sale
📍 308 Rosebank Rd, Avondale, Auckland 1026, New Zealand | Sat 9am Learn more
The popular Dimples Factory Clearance Sale returns for one day only in Avondale. Shop discounted baby and children's products while stocks last.
🫰Flow Academy K‑Pop
📍 Western Springs Community Hall, Hall 2 - 4 | Sat 9:30am and 12:30pm Learn more
Tamariki can learn fun K-Pop dance moves at these free drop-in sessions led by Flow Academy of Motion. Suitable for all skill levels, with separate sessions for younger and older children.
✨Traditional Māori Instrument- Porotiti Making Workshop
📍 Piha Schoolhouse | Sat 10am Learn more
Learn how to make your own traditional Porotiti with instructor Tim Bailey in this free hands-on workshop. Spaces are limited, bookings are essential, and participants aged 12+. Bring a plate to share for lunch.
🏉 All Blacks Vs France
📍 iTi, Workshop Bar, Bricklane, Greenfields, The Taphouse, Good Home, The Hangar, Mr. Illingsworth | Sat 7pm Learn more
Watch the All Blacks take on France live and loud at participating venues across West Auckland. Gather your mates and enjoy the test match atmosphere on the big screen.
🎸 Rumpus Machine LIVE!
📍 The Hive Bar & Restaurant Kumeu - Auckland | Sat 8pm Learn more
Celebrate The Hive Restaurant & Bar's fourth birthday with live music from Rumpus Machine in Kumeū. Expect a night of dancing, singing, food, and great entertainment.
🌙 Halal Night Market
📍 Western Springs Garden Community Hall | Sun 4:30pm Learn more
Enjoy an evening of halal street food, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment at the Western Springs Garden Community Hall. Browse indoor and outdoor stalls while supporting local businesses.
Markets
New Markets to check out - not regular yet but well worth checking out!
Luna Bites Market 3 Jul Fri 5-8pm (Rescheduled from last week due to weather)
📍 Te Pai Centre, Henderson
Monthly Markets
Swanson Station Market 5 July Sun 7am-12pm (1st Sunday of the month (except January))
📍 760 Swanson Rd, Swanson
Weekly markets
New Lynn Farmers Market Wed 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn Memorial SquareHenderson Night Market Thu 5pm-11pm
📍 The Boundary, Henderson (Under Kmart)Catalina Bay Farmers Market Sat 8:30am-2pm
📍 1/3 Boundary Road, HobsonvilleShed Collective plant-based farmers Market Sat 8:30am-12pm
📍 99 Parrs Cross Road, OratiaTe Atatu Peninsula Artisan & Handmade Market Sat 10am-2pm
📍 Te Atatū Community CentreAvondale Sunday Market Sun 5am-12pm
📍 23 Elm Street, AvondaleCatalina Bay Farmers Market Sun 8:30am-2pm
📍 1/3 Boundary Road, HobsonvilleKelston Night Market Mon 5pm-11pm
📍 Kelston Mall (Under Countdown)
Events this week
Matariki Events are marked with an extra ✨
Wed 1 Jul
🌱 Native Seedling Sessions | 10am-12pm
📍 EcoMatters, New Lynn | Learn more
🧵 Sew a Dog Jacket | 10am-1pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
🥕 New Lynn Farmers Market - Fruit and Veges | 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
✨ Matariki Messy Play | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Te Atatu Peninsula Library | Learn more
✨🥬 Matariki Markets | 3-5:30pm
📍 Fruitvale School, New Lynn | Learn more
Community market stalls featuring food and plants for Matariki.
🧒 Kids' Sewing Workshop | 3:30-5:30pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Free sewing workshop for kids aged 8-13.
🧠 Churly's Rise - Weekly Quiz | 6-8:30pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
🛠️ Make a canvas frame and painting | 6:30-8:30pm ($)
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
🧀 Raclette Night at Ambler | 6:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Ambler Café & Bistro, Point Chevalier | Learn more
An indulgent French-style raclette evening with communal dining.
Thu 2 Jul
✨🎭 Te Atatū Kura Kapa Haka Festival | 9am-3pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula Community Hub | Learn more
Celebrate Matariki with local school Kapa Haka performances.
🗣️ Henderson-Massey Local Board Plan drop in event | 11am-1pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Drop in and share your feedback on the local board plan.
🪧 DSS Petition Handover at Parliament- Stop the Disability Support Services Bill | 12:30-3pm
📍 Britomart | Learn more
Rally at the station to protest the Disability Support Services Bill. Included since this movement started in West Auckland.
✨🌿 Harakeke Weaving Workshop | 1-4pm
📍 Avondale Library | Learn more
Learn traditional Māori harakeke weaving techniques in this workshop.
💃 Line Dancing LATIN Daytime | 2:15-3:15pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A fun, low-impact Latin-themed line dancing class for all levels.
🌿 Native Planting Workshop | 4-6pm
📍 Rānui | Learn more
Learn about local native plants and planting for a healthy environment.
✨ Mako & Matariki; A Matariki celebration for tamariki & whānau | 4:30-6pm
📍 Pt Chevalier Community Centre | Learn more
A community Matariki celebration with storytelling and kai.
✨ Whenuapai Matariki Event | 5-7pm
📍 Whenuapai School | Learn more
A community Matariki celebration featuring performances, food trucks, and lawn games.
✨🎓 Whau Schools Debate | 5:30-8pm
📍 Kelston | Learn more
A debate competition featuring local schools.
🏃 The Tappy Striders | 6-9pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
A relaxed, inclusive social run ending with a chat and a drink.
🎲 Thursday Night Board Games | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Join the local board game community for a night of friendly tabletop competition.
🤠 Queer Country Line Dancing | 7-8pm ($)
📍 Western Springs Garden Community Hall | Learn more
Inclusive, sober queer-friendly line dancing classes for all experience levels.
🍿 JACKASS, BEST AND LAST | 7:30-9:15pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Final cinematic celebration of the Jackass crew's stunts.
Fri 3 Jul
💰 Whau Funding Expo | 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn Community Centre | Learn more
Networking opportunity to connect with funders and improve your project's chances.
💻 Digital Together - Drop in sessions | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Helpful drop-in sessions to learn about using Auckland Council's digital services.
🌱 Organic Gardening Sessions | 11am-2pm
📍 EcoHub, New Lynn | Learn more
Get hands-on experience with organic gardening and seasonal harvesting.
🍔 Luna Bites Henderson Night Market | 5-8pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A vibrant night market in West Auckland featuring food vendors and community spirit.
🧘 Soul Revival Retreat | 6pm-2pm ($)
📍 The Loft Yoga Longe, Waitakere | Learn more
A rejuvenating weekend getaway with yoga, nature, and healthy food.
🏀 ALL-IN Sports Night! | 6:30-8:30pm
📍 Helensville War Memorial Hall | Learn more
A fun, free sports night packed with games and prizes for youth.
⚓ Wellington Sea Shanty Society EP release tour | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
A high-energy, participatory sea shanty gig and album launch.
🎵 Live Music: Mintah! | 7-10pm
📍 The Hangar, Henderson | Learn more
Enjoy a night of live music by Mintah with drinks and good company.
🎞️ WRONG TURN | 8-9:30pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Catch a screening of the 2003 slasher film Wrong Turn.
Sat 4 Jul
✨🎶 Pūrerehua Design Workshop | 9am-3pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Create and personalize your own traditional Pūrerehua instrument.
🎬 Fight For Camera - Beginners Stunt Workshop | 9am-5pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Two-day workshop covering basic stunt fighting and weaponry skills.
📦 FREE Pop Up Playground: Cardboard Edition | 9am-1pm
📍 Western Springs Garden Community Hall | Learn more
Kids build and create with cardboard at this creative pop-up.
🏕️ Survival Confidence | 9am-4pm ($)
📍 Waitakere Ranges Regional Park | Learn more
Practical two-day course on bushcraft and wilderness survival skills.
🌳 Auckland: Matuku Link restoration | 9:30am-12pm
📍 Waitakere | Learn more
Join a community restoration project with planting and wetland conservation.
🧵 School Holidays: Nau Mai Haere Mai Poi-Making | 10am-12pm
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
Celebrate Matariki by making your own poi from recycled materials.
🗣️ Meet the Manawa aa Whenua Clover Drive Flood Resilience Project team | 10am-2pm
📍 Corner of Clover Drive and Meadowcroft Way, Henderson | Learn more
Kōrero about the project and other local initiatives including interim land use and the Rānui Recovery plan.
✨🌱 Matariki Planting at Te Kōtuitanga | 10am-12:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Community event to plant native shrubs along the stream.
⚽ Auckland FC Powerchair Football training | 10:30am-12:30pm
📍 Albany | Learn more
Weekly club training session for the Auckland FC Powerchair Football team.
🏺 Two-Day Wheel Throwing Pottery Course | 11am-2pm ($)
📍 Kumeū | Learn more
A beginner-friendly workshop to craft your own pottery bowls.
🧶 LGBT+ Craft Club | 2-3pm
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
A monthly craft meetup for the LGBT+ community to work on projects.
🎥 WELCOME SPACE BROTHERS | 4-5:45pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
An encore screening of the fascinating documentary about a unique spiritual filmmaking collective.
🎨 Funk up my junk Exhibition opening. | 5-7pm
📍 Te Uru, Titirangi | Learn more
Celebrate reclaimed wood art at this solo exhibition opening.
🎭 Swanson RSA Changeover | 5-8pm ($)
📍 Swanson RSA | Learn more
Masquerade-themed board changeover event featuring a buffet dinner.
✨🎨 Art & Kokotini | 5-7pm
📍 Moana Fresh, New Lynn | Learn more
An artistic and social gathering.
💃 Mid-Winter Ball | 6-9pm ($)
📍 Avondale Union Parish | Learn more
Alcohol-free winter ball with a DJ, karaoke, and dancing.
🎯 Bingo Fundraiser Night for Wolves Netball | 6:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Kelston | Learn more
An action-packed night of bingo to support local netball.
🎟️ Piha Preschool Fundraising Auction Night! | 6:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Piha | Learn more
Support the local preschool at this community fundraising auction night.
🎞️ DIRTY HARRY | 6:30-8:15pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Watch a classic 35mm presentation of the action film Dirty Harry.
Sun 5 Jul
🐴 Kumeu Western Riding Club: Club Day | 9am-12pm ($)
📍 Helensville | Learn more
A club day event featuring patterns, riding, and community connection.
🌱 Explore healing techniques with free workshops and taster sessions | 10am-1pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
Explore various natural health and wellness modalities in free workshops.
🧘 Community Wellness Discovery Day | 10am-4pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
Try various wellbeing and healing modalities in a mini-festival setting.
✨⭐ Make a Matariki Star: Harakeke Weaving & Māori Tikanga | 10:30-11:30am
📍 Ecohub New Lynn | Learn more
Learn to weave a harakeke star and share in local traditions.
🍦 Kids' Sunday Funday | 12-3pm
📍 Hallertau Brewery, Riverhead | Learn more
A family-friendly Sunday with crafts, face painting, and ice cream.
🧩 FREE Junk Play | 12-4pm
📍 Helensville War Memorial Hall | Learn more
A free indoor play event using recycled materials.
🐾 Animates New Lynn Adoption Day | 12-2pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Visit for an adoption day event with cuddles and fundraising support.
🎸 JEAN REID | 2:30-6pm ($)
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Enjoy a solo performance by acclaimed folk singer Jean Reid.
🎬 LEVITICUS | 3-4:30pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Catch an encore screening of the violent thriller Leviticus.
✨🎓 Tagata Moana: Understanding Te Tiriti | 3-5:30pm
Online | Learn more
A workshop focused on understanding Te Tiriti.
🎞️ THE BOYS IN THE BAND (1970) | 5-8pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Watch the 1970 classic film The Boys in the Band at the historic Hollywood cinema.
🎞️ PILLION *Encore | 7:30-9:15pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Watch the acclaimed love story Pillion on the big screen.
⛸️ Avondale Scrimmage | 9:15-10:45pm ($)
📍 Paradice Avondale | Learn more
Late-night ice skating scrimmage for experienced skaters.
Mon 6 Jul
⚽ AFC West Holiday Camp | 9am-2pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A professional-style football camp for kids to develop their skills.
🎨 Church of the Saviour: July School Holiday Programme | 9am-12:30pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
A fun school holiday programme for children featuring games, music, and crafts.
🎭 TAPAC July Holiday Programmes | 9am-3pm ($)
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
High-energy holiday programs covering circus, musical theatre, and ceramics for young performers.
🚜 Farm Day Out - Waimauku - School Holiday Programme | 9am-12pm ($)
📍 Waimauku | Learn more
A fun outdoor farm day out for primary school-aged kids.
🤖 Vex Robotics Workshop | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A fun, drop-in robotics workshop for kids to build and code during the school holidays.
💧 Be A Water Hero! | 10:30-11:30am
📍 New Lynn War Memorial Library | Learn more
Interactive workshop teaching kids how to be water-wise heroes.
🧠 BrainCharge | 11am-12pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Engaging activities for adults designed to boost brain health and wellbeing.
✨🎵 Play Along, Sing Along | 2-6:30pm
📍 Kelston | Learn more
A pop-up community orchestra and choir. Sing and Play along, no experience required.
✨🎵 Transglobal Matariki Residency | 3pm-12pm ($)
📍 Waitākere | Learn more
A 4-day immersive educational residency focused on intercultural music and community.
Tue 7 Jul
✨🌺 Whau Pasifika Festival: Tuesday Polyworkshop | 9am-3pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A lively, family-friendly day filled with Pasifika-inspired activities.
🤖 Bring Stories to Life - Create Videos Using AI - Henderson School Holiday Programme | 9am-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Creative workshop for kids to make videos using AI tools.
✨🎓 Poly Workshops New Lynn | 9am-3pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Cultural workshops held in New Lynn.
🎨 FREE Messy Play | 9:30am
📍 Western Springs Community Hall, Hall 1 - 7 Learn more
Little ones can explore colourful sensory play through paint, water, goo, and other hands-on activities in this free Messy Rainbows session.
✂️ The Scrap Lab: Junk Journal Edition | 10am-1pm
📍 Green Bay | Learn more
Get crafty with junk journaling and collage at this creative lab.
✨🎋 Harakeke Weaving Workshop for Tamariki | 10am-12pm
📍 Rānui | Learn more
A hands-on harakeke weaving workshop specifically for children.
🏺 School Holiday Kid’s Clay Workshops | 10am-2:30pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Guided clay workshops for kids to make birdhouses and pots.
🧵 School holiday- Sew a Duffle Bag | 10am-2pm ($)
📍 The ReCreators Green Space Massey | Learn more
Workshop for kids to sew their own handmade duffle bag.
⚽ FREE Hungerball | 11am-1pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
High-energy, interactive ball games inside an inflatable arena.
🎨 Art and Crafts School holiday Fun | 12-3pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Messy afternoon of school holiday arts and crafts for kids.
🐉 Dragon Beats - School Holidays Event | 1-4pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
An interactive family workshop featuring traditional Chinese performing arts.
🪵 Creative Woodwork | 2-4pm
📍 Kumeū | Learn more
Kids learn to build, sand, and paint wood creations in this workshop.
🎬 Movie Afternoon | 2:30-4pm
📍 New Lynn War Memorial Library | Learn more
Bring your family and friends for a relaxing winter movie afternoon.
🏒 Avondale Stick n Puck | 5-6:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A fun ice hockey session for those aged 16 and under.
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted! See you next week!
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