Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},
The best thing about school holidays: no school pickup/drop off! I hope all the parents are holding up, we still have 2 weeks!
Matariki weekend is coming up! If you haven’t made plans to go on a bit of a holiday, We have heaps of things happening locally. Piha is having a smashing Matariki Festival, so it’s a chance to drive out. But remember to check your local events too. And if Matariki is new to you, here’s a quick explainer.
Here's what's happening:
Road Cone Crackdown & Bus Safety Upgrades & New Lane Rules for Cyclists
El Niño Declared, Stargazing Tips
Siren Battles Fined & Matariki Rail Closures Ahead
New Waitipu Park & Titirangi Library Reopens
Swanson Road Works & Hobsonville Tree of the Year
A New Nightmarket Debuts in Henderson
Where to watch FIFA World Cup
A staggering 104 Events (School holidays, FIFA, Matariki) and 12 Markets this week!!
- Adrian Domingo | Publisher
In today's issue:
National & City Digest
🚴 Road Rules Changing to Improve Safety New rules let children under 12 cycle on footpaths, require 1.5 m passing gaps, and allow e-scooters in cycle lanes. NZTA
✨ Matariki: What’s Open, What’s Not Here’s a guide to the public holiday on what can legally open and if you have to pay for a surcharge. NZ Herald
☀️ El Niño Officially Declared and Expected to Intensify An official El Niño event has been declared, with drier conditions expected across New Zealand. The Spinoff
🚧 Full Rail Network Closure Over Matariki Weekend Auckland's rail network will close 9–12 July for City Rail Link testing, with replacement buses running. AT.govt.nz
📢 Increased Fines for "Siren Battles" New laws increase penalties for excessive vehicle noise to help curb siren battles. 1News
🚌 Driver Safety Screens Installed in Auckland Transport Buses Safety screens have now been installed in more than 1,000 Auckland buses. OurAuckland
🚧 Government Cracks Down on Road Cone Overuse The Government wants fewer unnecessary road cones through a more practical traffic management approach. Beehive
🚆 City Rail Link Handed Over, Opening Day Nears The City Rail Link has been handed over, with public services expected to begin on a Sunday between mid-August and late September. 1News
Local Digest
Photo: Robert Gendler / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
✨ Stargazing in the Waitākere Ranges Discover the best local spots to see the Milky Way and Matariki away from city lights. Matariki
🏞️ Waitipu Park Opening Soon The former Waitākere Quarry will become a new local park by the end of the year. Have your say on what features to add. Waitākere Ranges Local Board
🅿️ New Carpark Extension Opens An extended carpark near Foodie and Wonderworld is now open for shoppers. Foodie Asian Supermarket
📚 Titirangi Community Library Reopens August 10 The library and foyer reopen after major upgrades. Titirangi Library
🚧 Major Roadworks on Swanson Road Started Late June Watermain upgrades are causing traffic delays between Sturges and Lincoln roads. Waitākere College
🌳 Hobsonville's "Old Goff" Nominated for Tree of the Year Hobsonville's iconic 146-year-old tree has been nominated for New Zealand's Tree of the Year. Local Community (Facebook)
Local Businesses
Move Dance Co - Construction on the floor of New Lynn Community Centre has finished earlier than expected. French Jive is back in New Lynn!
📍New Lynn Community Centre
Cropzy Produce & Grocery - The countdown is on for the grand opening of a new fresh produce and grocery store in the Waterview community on Monday, 13 July!
📍G08/2 Oakley Avenue, Waterview
Liquorland Maki Centre - A new westgate branch of Liquorland has opened.
📍Maki Centre, Westgate
Where in West Auckland is this?
Photo: Peter0027 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Postmark is a free daily guessing game about New Zealand. Look at four photos, drop a pin on the map, and see how close you get. The fourth photo is historical, so you guess the year too. No apps or sign-ups required. Tons of fun too!
Brought to you by our friends at Postmark
Road & Rail Closures
[email protected] or call 02108358812
View all road closures | View all Rail closures | source: Auckland Transport
The Weekend Top Picks
🌅 Dawn Hautapu Ceremony
📍 Lion Rock, Piha | Fri 5am Learn more
Welcome the rising of Matariki at the break of dawn with a traditional ceremony and communal warmth on the shores of Piha.
🌿 Matariki Pōhiri with Henderson High School Kapa Haka
📍 Piha Surf Life Saving Club | Fri 10am–11am Learn more
Join us for a powerful morning of cultural celebration as Henderson High School Kapa Haka welcomes the Māori New Year at the coast.
🪁 Big Kites at the Beach
📍 Piha Beach | Fri 11am–3pm Learn more
Celebrate Matariki with a spectacular aerial display on the west coast! Bring the family to Piha Beach for an unforgettable afternoon watching giant kites soar against the horizon.
🌿 History of the West and Taonga Pūoro
📍 Aryeh Piha | Fri 4pm Learn more
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the West as we explore local stories and the hauntingly beautiful sounds of traditional Māori instruments.
🌙 Friday Night Vibes Market
📍 The Trusts Arena | Fri 4pm–9pm Learn more
Kick off your weekend at West Auckland's newest evening hotspot, where local flavors, artisan crafts, and great community vibes collide under one roof.
🌸 NZOS Winter Orchid Show
📍 Western Springs Garden Community Hall | Sat 10am–4pm ($) Learn more
Immerse yourself in a floral wonderland this winter! Join the New Zealand Orchid Society for a breathtaking display of thousands of stunning orchid blooms and discover the beauty of these captivating flowers.
💃 Zumba Masterclass with Carolina Arias
📍 Hobsonville School | Sat 6:00pm–7:15pm ($) Learn more
Get ready to move! International Zumba sensation Carolina Arias is bringing her high-energy dance moves to New Zealand for a one-of-a-kind masterclass that you won't want to miss.
🪁 Family Kite Day
📍 Piha | 9:30am-1pm ($) Learn more
A fun family kite-flying day at Piha beach.
🌹 Let's Talk Roses with Kings Plant Barn
📍 Kings Plant Barn, Henderson | Sun 11:30am Learn more
Ready to get your garden blooming? Join the experts from the Auckland Rose Society for an insightful session on everything you need to know to grow stunning roses.
🍲 Piha Matariki Community Hangi
📍 Piha Campground | Sun 12:30pm–4pm Learn more
Celebrate the spirit of Matariki with a heartwarming community hangi at the beach. Join neighbors and friends for an afternoon of delicious kai, live music, and whānau-friendly fun as we wrap up the festival season.
Markets
New Markets to check out - not regular yet but well worth checking out!
Friday Night Vibes Market July 10 Friday 4-9pm
📍 The Trusts Arena, Henderson
Launching West Auckland's newest rain-or-shine night destination featuring free entry, food trucks, artisan stalls, and boutique shopping.
Monthly Markets
Blockhouse Bay Community Markets 11 July Sat 8am-12:30pm (2nd & last Saturdays of the month)
📍 Blockhouse Bay Community CentreGlen Eden Second Sundays Market 12 July Sun 10am-2pm (2nd Sunday of the month)
📍 Glen Mall Place, Glen Eden
Weekly markets
New Lynn Farmers Market Wednesday 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)
⚽ Breakfast & Football: Where to Watch the World Cup Finals
If you want to grab a coffee, a bite, and scream at the TV with a room full of locals, here’s where you can head each morning and watch it live from 6:30-11:30am:
Mr Illingsworth (Te Atatū) / Workshop (Kelston) / The Hangar (Henderson): July 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, 20
The Good Home (Henderson): July 15, 16, 20
iTi (Titirangi): July 15, 16, 20 (wraps at 11am)
(Looks like The Good Home and iTi are saving their energy specifically for the massive final stretch from the 15th onwards!)
Events this week
Wed 8 Jul
🌺 Whau Pasifika Festival: Wednesday Polyworkshop Avondale | 9am-3pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A full day of Pasifika-inspired creative workshops and dancing.
⚙️ July School Holidays: Inventors Guild | 9am-3pm ($)
📍 Te Atatu Peninsula | Learn more
Hands-on tech and craft holiday programme for young makers.
🎮 Develop Games With Gamemaker: Henderson School Holiday Programme | 9am-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Learn game development and coding using GameMaker in this holiday programme.
🎲 CM Westcity - Board Game Day! | 9am-6pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Enjoy a free day of board game play in the store library.
🌌 Kupenga O Matariki | 10am-4pm
📍 Helensville | Learn more
Opening celebration for a Matariki exhibition featuring weaving and readings.
🎪 Te Kapu Community Matariki Lunch | 10am-2pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
Hearty lunch with music and community vibes celebrating Matariki.
🌲 Ngahere Exploration with Harry from Barefooted NZ! | 10am-12pm
📍 Oratia | Learn more
A nature exploration hike for whānau in the ngahere.
🌱 Native Seedling Sessions | 10am-12pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Get your hands dirty volunteering at a local native plant nursery.
🐦 3D Native Bird Craft for Tamariki with The ReCreators | 10am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Make a cool 3D native bird artwork using fabric and paint.
🍲 Whānau friendly Love Food Hate Waste workshop for Matariki | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
Family workshop to reduce food waste by making soup together.
🎭 Rumpelstiltskin | 10:30am-2pm Jul 8-11 ($)
📍 Oratia | Learn more
A magical theatrical quest perfect for the July school holidays.
📖 Matariki Storytime + Craft | 10:30am-1:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Fun Matariki-themed storytime and star-crafting session for the family.
💃 Let's make Poi and Learn how to swing it! | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Rānui | Learn more
Learn how to craft your own poi and master the art of swinging it.
💡 Matariki STEM Card | 11am-12pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Create a cool Matariki constellation circuit with LEDs and batteries.
📔 Junk Journaling | 2-3:30pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Creative session for kids to make personalized journals using recycled materials.
🥽 Kauri Virtual Reality Experience | 2-4pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Explore kauri ecology and culture in this virtual reality experience for kids 7+.
⭐ Fabric Whetu sewing | 2-4pm
📍 Rānui | Learn more
Hands-on sewing workshop for kids to make their own fabric star toy.
🌺 School Holidays: Ribbon Lei Braiding | 2:30-3:30pm
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
Drop-in session for kids aged 5+ to learn how to braid a ribbon lei.
🐟 Bluefin Tuna Seminar Night | 6-9pm
📍 Westgate | Learn more
Seminar on techniques and strategies for catching Southern Bluefin Tuna.
🎄 Quizmas | 6:30-9:30pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
A festive mid-winter Christmas trivia night.
🎓 WEST AKL - Young Professionals & Business Owners: Mix, Mingle, Grow Your Network | 7-9pm
📍 Westie Bistro, Glendene | Learn more
A monthly networking gathering for entrepreneurs and professionals in West Auckland to share honest business insights.
🧠 Understanding Cannabinoids - with Peter Thorburn | 7-9:30pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
An informative community talk on understanding cannabinoids.
Thu 9 Jul
🌿 Tiaki Taiao/Enhancing Habitat - Volunteer with us! | 9am-12:30pm
📍 Cornwallis | Learn more
Volunteer with park rangers to remove weeds and restore local native habitats.
🌿 Weaving for Tamariki | 10am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Creative workshop learning traditional Māori flax weaving techniques.
🪵 School holiday - Make a Chopping Board: Power Tools 101 | 10am-1pm
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
Learn woodworking and power tool safety by making a chopping board.
🥁 Dragon Beats at New Lynn Community Centre | 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Interactive family workshop exploring Chinese performing arts.
🎨 Matariki Makers Day | 10am-2pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
Hands-on makers day with a Hāngī and Matariki activities.
🐉 Dragonfly - Te Kapowai Workshop | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Rānui | Learn more
A commemorative workshop crafting beaded dragonflies.
💃 Poi Making and Waiata | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Learn traditional poi making and singing for kids aged 7+.
🎨 Matariki Collaborative Colouring Workshop | 10:30am-1:30pm
📍 Oratia | Learn more
Drop-in and help create a giant collaborative community artwork.
🎪 School Holiday Circus Scramble | 11am-2pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
Family-friendly circus fun featuring magic, juggling, and popcorn.
🛠️ Free Woodwork Workshop for Women | WomenzShed × Bunnings | 1-2:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A free hands-on woodworking workshop building spice racks for women.
🐉 Dragon Beats at Te Pae o Kura | 1:15-4:45pm
📍 Sunnyvale | Learn more
Free family workshop featuring Chinese dragon dancing and drumming.
🪀 Matariki - Have a Go! | 2-4pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Family-friendly session trying out traditional Māori games.
🧸 Soft Toy Sleepover | 3-6pm
📍 Helensville | Learn more
Drop off your soft toy for a fun library sleepover adventure.
✨ Matariki Star Quest | 5:30-7:30pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Find the hidden Matariki stars around the village and join the celebration.
🏃 The Tappy Striders | 6-9pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
A social, inclusive running club event for all paces.
🎤 Matariki Singalong | 6-9pm
📍 Helensville | Learn more
Celebrate Matariki with a community singalong at the local taproom.
🧟 EVIL DEAD BURN | 7:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Experience a wild ride with the latest Evil Dead installment.
🏃 Avondale Scrimmage | 8-9:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
An evening sports scrimmage session for all ages.
🍻 Thursday Post-Class Social - Harleys! | 10-11:30pm
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
Unwind after dance class with some drinks and social time.
Fri 10 Jul
📽️ Whau Pasifika Festival: 12-Hour Polyfilms Marathon | 9am-9pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A full day of Pacific-focused films and panel discussions.
🎸 The Harvest with Hannah Neville | 11am-2pm
📍 Piha | Learn more
Acoustic music performance and special Matariki food menu.
🃏 CM Westcity - Star Wars Unlimited Ashes of the Empire Pre-Release Events | 2-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Get your hands on the new Star Wars Unlimited set at these pre-release events.
👪 New Lynn Community Church Family Event | 3-6pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A community family event for the Matariki long weekend.
🎵 History of the West and Taonga Pūoro | 4-7pm
📍 ARYEH PIHA | Learn more
Explore local history and traditional Māori music and instruments.
🕺 SAVE THE DATE: RSFC Junior Matariki Glow Disco | 6:30-9:30pm
📍 Ranui | Learn more
A glowing disco night to celebrate Matariki and support the club.
Sat 11 Jul
🤝 RISE UP WITH STRENGTH | 8am-5pm
📍 Karekare | Learn more
A men's day camp focused on vulnerability and mutual support.
🕯️ School Holidays: Matariki Candle-Making with Fayora Candles | 10am-12pm
📍 Pt Chevalier | Learn more
A creative candle-making workshop for ages 10 and up.
🌀 Beyblade Landscape School Holiday Youth Division Tournament | 10am-2pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Monthly competitive Beyblade tournament for youth in the West Auckland community.
🌱 Matariki celebration at Millbrook Edible Garden | 11am-2pm
📍 Sunnyvale | Learn more
Community garden celebration with weaving, bird feeders, and kai.
🏍️ The Ride: Puhoi Hotel | Sat 10:30am–11:00am
📍 Z Te Atatū Peninsul | Learn more
Gear up for a scenic Saturday adventure through Auckland’s best riding roadbefore pulling up for a classic lunch at the iconic Puhoi Hotel.
🍲 Free Love Food Hate Waste Matariki workshop – Glendene | 11am-2pm
📍 Glendene | Learn more
A hands-on workshop focused on reducing food waste by cooking soup.
⚽ Auckland FC Powerchair Football | 11am-3pm
📍 Albany | Learn more
An open club day for powerchair football enthusiasts.
🔥 King of the Wing Piha Matariki | 11am-1pm ($)
📍 Piha | Learn more
Watch or compete in the annual intense chilli-eating wing contest.
🌿 Taonga Tākaro & Flax Weaving with Conscious Kids | 12:30-4:30pm
📍 Piha | Learn more
Hands-on Māori games and weaving for the whole whānau.
📿 DIY Beading Workshop | 1:30-2:30pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
A fun beading session for teens to create unique accessories.
🎸 PORTABLE PANIC FOR OUR JULY CLUBNIGHT! | 7:30-10:30pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Folk music club night featuring Portable Panic.
Sun 12 Jul
💍 He Taonga mō Matariki (Adults Jewellery Making Workshop) | 11am-1pm
📍 Rānui | Learn more
Create a meaningful piece of jewellery in this reflective workshop.
✂️ Pruning Demonstrations at Kings Garden Centres Henderson | 11:30am-2:30pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Demonstration on gardening pruning techniques.
🥣 Soup Lunch Talks with the Friends of Arataki Society! | 12-2pm
📍 Oratia | Learn more
Enjoy warming soup and interesting talks with the local society.
⭐ Whetū Workshop with Haser | 12-4pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A free creative workshop making whetū stars followed by a movie screening.
📓 DIY Journal Workshop | 12:30-3:30pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A guided workshop to create a personal journal for the year ahead.
🎸 Jarni Blair live at the Huapai Tavern | 3-6pm
📍 Huapai | Learn more
Enjoy a live performance from musician Jarni Blair at the tavern.
⛸️ Avondale Scrimmage | 7:30-9pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Ice skating scrimmage session for medium-to-high skill levels.
Mon 13 Jul
💻 Let's Learn Makey Makey - Henderson School Holiday Programme | 9am-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Interactive technology holiday program using Makey Makey kits.
🐭 Cheesy Mouse's Monster Mash Up- Children's School Holiday Show | 10-11am
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
A delightful school holiday show about a mouse with big dreams.
🛠️ School holidays - Make a bench: Power Tools 101 | 10am-4pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn DIY power tool skills by building a bench.
🤸 Kumeu Circus Holiday Program | 10am-2pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
Learn circus skills for free these school holidays.
💻 Coding Workshop | 10:30-11:30am
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Workshop for kids to learn game creation using Scratch.
🍲 Free Love Food Hate Waste – Matariki Whānau Friendly Workshop | 10:30am-1:30pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Learn to reduce food waste and cook a hearty soup in this family workshop.
🎨 Art Workshop with Mutu Arts | 2-3:30pm
📍 Auckland | Learn more
Create some Matariki-inspired art in this workshop for ages 7 and up.
Tue 14 Jul
🧘 Yogalates with Nicky | 9:30-10:30am
📍 Oratia | Learn more
Drop-in yoga and pilates fusion sessions.
📖 Ururangi - Winds of Connection | Zine Workshop | 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Learn to make zines exploring themes of migration and Matariki.
🧸 School holiday- Sew a soft puppet friend | 10am-1pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Get creative these school holidays and sew your very own soft puppet friend.
✨ DIY Sensory Kit Workshop for Tamariki with Messy Rainbows | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Te Atatu | Learn more
Kids workshop to create their own Matariki-themed sensory kits.
🍪 Matariki Cookie Decorating & Origami Box Craft | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Rānui | Learn more
Kids craft session decorating star cookies and making origami boxes.
🤖 Moonbots VEX Robotic Workshop (Ages 9+) | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Hands-on robotics workshop for children aged 9 and up.
🪱 Free Worm Farming Workshop for Kids – New Lynn | 10:30-11:30am
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A hands-on worm farming workshop perfect for curious kids.
🔨 String and Nail art | 10:30am-12:30pm
📍 Māngere East | Learn more
Get crafty and create retro-style string and nail art.
🏺 Clay Creations | 2-3:30pm ($)
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Fun air-dry clay crafting session for kids aged 5 and up.
🧵 Star Bookmark | 2-3:30pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
A crafty session to learn basic stitching and design a star-themed bookmark.
🏒 Avondale Stick n Puck | 5-6:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Casual hockey session for ages 16 and under.
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted! See you next week!
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