Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},
Matariki celebrations are still ongoing as we have more this week! We’re now in the 2nd week of school holidays!
Here's what's happening:
2 Commitments from CRL & Indian Prime Minster Visit
Gull + NPD Merger Impacts & Power-hungry appliances Unveiled
Telehealth & Food Safety Initiatives Launched
Local Board Plans STILL Open for Feedback & Pet Parks Explored
West Auckland's Miss Universe Hopeful & Piha Track Redesign Revealed
Titirangi and Henderson Park Playgrounds Calling for Your Ideas
Helensville War Memorial Hall Unveils Stunning New Mural!
FIFA 2026: Best places to watch live for free
85 Events and 15 Markets this week!!
- Adrian Domingo | Publisher
In today's issue:
National & City Digest
Photo: @narendramodi on Instagram
🇮🇳 NZ-India Relationship Elevated to Strategic Partnership Discover the details behind a historic visit from the Indian Prime Minister and what this strengthened partnership means for New Zealand's future. Indian PM update on X, 100 Years Unity through Sport, NZ-India Partnership
🚆 Two CRL Commitments Announced Ahead of Opening No major works for at least 3 years AND Transitional reduced timetables for only 6 months. Further details: 1News
⛽ Gull & NPD Complete Merger Find out how the newly merged NPDGull entity could impact your wallet at the pump and what it means for the local fuel market. NZ Herald
🐶 Pet-Friendly Parks 4 Parks named West Auckland’s best spots where you and your furry friend can enjoy the outdoors. OurAuckland
🧑⚕️ Government Makes $10M Investment in Telehealth Significant government investment in telehealth aims to provide faster access to mental health support from home. Beehive
🍽️ Additional Food Safety Course Made Free by Government Keen to start a food business or train your existing staff? The govt just made it easier and cheaper. Beehive
🧾 eInvoicing Helps Kiwi Businesses Get Paid Faster Hate paperwork? Want better cashflow? eInvoicing provides major boost. Govt leads by example by smashing target for paying more than 95% of invoices in 10 days. Beehive
💡 Power-Hungry Appliances That Might Be Costing You Common household appliances could be secretly driving up your power bill. Here’s how you can save energy and money. RNZ
Local Digest
🗣️ Local Board Plans Open for Feedback Don't miss your chance to have a say on the future of your West Auckland community; feedback closes soon! AK Have Your Say (Auckland Council)
🦖 Dinosaur Nights & Lights at Auckland Zoo Last chance to catch the dinos this school holidays, featuring glowing animatronics and a silent dino disco! Auckland Zoo
👑 West Auckland's Own Julie Mae Dela Cruz is Miss Universe Finalist Follow the inspiring journey of a registered nurse from West Auckland as she vies for the Miss Universe New Zealand crown with a powerful advocacy. Voting is still open. Miss Universe New Zealand
🏞️ Design for Rebuild of Tasman Lookout Track Entrance Released Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area
🛝 Titirangi Beach Reserve Playground Upgrade Feedback Have your say! Waitākere Ranges Local Board
🛝 New Playground Coming to Henderson Park Vote on exciting new features and share ideas. Auckland Urban Development Office
🎨 Stunning New Mural Unveiled in Helensville Gifted by Mei Hill and painted by Ross Liew, which beautifully reflects the area's connection to land and local history. Rodney Local Board
Local Businesses
Little Haven Studio - Avondale has welcomed a new creative studio, offering a space for families, friends and individuals to slow down, get creative and enjoy hands-on activities. Open days available while school holidays.
📍1660 Great North Road, Avondale
West Burger Joint - Henderson has welcomed a new family-owned burger restaurant, serving fresh burgers, loaded fries, nuggets and other favourites, all cooked fresh to order seven days a week.
📍11 View Road, Henderson
Delicious Bistro - Te Atatū Peninsula's popular local eatery has launched a new menu, introducing fresh dishes and flavours for diners to enjoy.
📍574 Te Atatū Road, Te Atatū Peninsula
Whare Hau Ako - A new permanent community learning and gathering space is opening in Avondale, creating a home for workshops, events and opportunities for the local hapori to connect and grow together.
📍Avondale Centre, Avondale
Road & Rail Closures
[email protected] or call 02108358812
View all road closures | View all Rail closures | source: Auckland Transport
Enjoying this content?
Every weekend there’s heaps happening across the west — from markets, live music and cultural celebrations to family activities, workshops, community events and outdoor adventures.
There’s more going on than most people realise.
Know someone who'd enjoy discovering more local events, news and community stories? Share this with them!
The Weekend Top Picks
🎪 Matariki Evening Market
📍 Henderson | Fri 4.30-8.30pm Learn more
An indoor evening market with 40+ local makers, food stalls, and live music.
🌙 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.
✨ Mānawatia a Matariki ki Waitākere
📍 Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Henderson | Fri 5pm Learn more
An evening celebration of culture, food, and music under the stars for Matariki.
🎸 Sonic Boom - A Concert for Kids
📍 Te Puna Creative Hub | Sat 6pm Learn more
A high-energy live music show packed with singalongs, dancing, crowd interaction and hit songs for kids and parents alike.
🏉 All Blacks Vs Ireland
📍 Bricklane, The Goodhome, Greenfields, The Hangar, iTi, Mr Illingsworth, The Taphouse, The Workshop Bar | Sat 7pm Learn more
Watch the All Blacks take on Ireland live and loud at venues across West Auckland this July.
🎻 Fables - Full Band at Kumeū Arts Live
📍 Kumeū Arts Live | Sat 7:30pm Learn more
Intimate full-band folk performance by Fables celebrating the release of their debut album.
🛍️ The Village Market Helensville Showgrounds
📍 Helensville A&P Showgrounds | Sun 8:30am Learn more
🚜 Kumeu Market
📍 Kumeu Showgrounds | Sun 9am Learn more
🛍️ Queers & Wares - Winter Glow Market
📍 Western Springs Garden Community Hall | Sun 10am Learn more
Browse local crafts, vintage fashion, art and ceramics, plus join a fun community clothes swap in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
🎸 Auckland Music Market
📍 Auckland | Sun 2pm Learn more
A second-hand gear market featuring music and tech workshops, aftermarket guitar/bass parts, live demos, food, and drinks.
🎶 Life in the Slow Lane- The Nukes in Concert
📍 Titirangi Theatre | Sun 3pm Learn more
The beloved ukulele band reunites for a special concert featuring classic favourites, new songs and the launch of their first-ever vinyl album project.
Markets
New or One-off Markets to check out
Matariki Evening Market July 17 Friday 4.30-8.30pm
📍 Corban Estate Arts Centre (Shed 2)Auckland Music Market July 19 Sunday 10am-3pm
📍 New Lynn Community CentreQueers & Wares: Winter Glow Market July 19 Sunday 10am-2pm
📍 Western Springs Garden Community Hall
Monthly Markets
Glen Eden Community Market 18 July Sat 10am-2pm (2nd Saturday of the month)
📍 Glen Eden Community HouseKumeū Market 19 July Sun 9am-2pm (3rd Sunday of the month)
📍 Kumeū ShowgroundsThe Village Market Helensville 19 July Sun 8:30am-1pm (3rd Sunday of the month (except February))
📍 Helensville A&P ShowgroundsTe Piha Market 19 July Sun 10am-1pm (Selected Sundays)
📍 Piha Bowling Club
Weekly markets
New Lynn Farmers Market Wednesday 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn Memorial SquareHenderson Night Market Thu 5pm-11pm
📍 The Boundary, Henderson (Under Kmart)Friday Night Vibes Market Fri From 4pm (NEW WEEKLY MARKET!)
📍 Trusts Arena, HendersonCatalina 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, OratiaAvondale 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
Mr Illingsworth (Te Atatū) / Workshop (Kelston) / The Hangar (Henderson): July 15, 16, 19, 20
The Good Home (Henderson): July 15, 16, 20
iTi (Titirangi): July 15, 16, 20 (wraps at 11am)
Events this week
Wed 15 Jul
💻 Learn to code in Python - Henderson School Holiday Programme | 9am-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Educational coding workshop for kids to learn Python programming.
🧸 FREE Loose Parts Play | 10am-1pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
A free, imaginative play session using recycled materials.
🪵 School holiday-Make a raised planter box and take plants home: Power Tools 101 | 10am-4pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
DIY workshop teaching youth to use power tools and build garden boxes.
🥁 Dragon Beats | 10am-12pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Family-friendly drumming and dance workshop.
✨ Make a Matariki decoration | 10am-12pm
📍 Oratia | Learn more
Clay craft activity for kids to make Matariki decorations.
🌱 Native Seedling Sessions | 10am-12pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Volunteer session at the native plant nursery to help grow and care for seedlings.
⚙️ Robogals - Elastic Catapult Workshop | 10:30am-12pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
STEM workshop for kids exploring physics through building catapults.
🗣️ Whau Local Board Plan Drop-in Session | 3:30-5:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A drop-in session to provide feedback on the Whau Local Board Plan.
🧠 Mana Wahine | Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop | 6:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Workshop on mental health, resilience, and confidence.
🖨️ Print with Pasifika pattern | 6:30-8:30pm
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
Creative printmaking session inspired by Pasifika patterns.
💃 Learn to Dance in the Wild Wild West | Modern Jive Classes New Lynn | 7-9:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Weekly social dance class featuring modern jive for beginners.
🍷 Paint and Wine Night | 7-9pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Beginner-friendly social painting class at a bar.
🎤 Beats By Bingo | 7:30-10:30pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
A fun night of bingo, music, and prizes at the local pub.
Thu 16 Jul
💻 Develop Websites with HTML/CSS-Henderson School Holiday Programme | 9am-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Holiday tech course teaching kids how to code websites.
🎨 Roots&Shoots Community Event | 10:30am-1pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Family day out featuring kids' activities and face painting.
👕 School Uniforms, Connection & Cake! | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Helensville | Learn more
Community morning tea to share or pick up pre-loved school uniforms.
🎨 Kids Art Workshop with Mutu Community Arts | 10:30am-12pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Hands-on creative art workshop for children during school holidays.
🪡 It's sewing time! Sew your own creatures of the Moana | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Rānui | Learn more
Craft workshop for kids to sew their own plush sea creatures.
🎯 BINGO - Hobsonville Bowling Club | 12-3pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Community bingo afternoon with cash prizes and hot food.
✂️ Mārama Mood Boards: Collage Craft for Rangitahi | 2-4pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Collage crafting workshop for rangatahi aged 12-18.
🎈 Balloon Art and Face Painting With Shad | 2-4pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Enjoy a free afternoon of balloon twisting and face painting for the kids.
🌿 Pakeke Harakeke Weaving (Adults Weaving Workshop) | 4-6pm
📍 Rānui | Learn more
Learn traditional flax weaving in a relaxed Matariki-themed adult workshop.
💼 Talanoa information evening Henderson | 6-8pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
An information session to learn about a career as a Corrections Officer.
🎓 West Auckland Tenants' Union Community Hui | 6.30-8.30pm
📍 Kelston | Learn more
A community meeting to discuss renting rights with dinner and activities provided.
📖 Whānau Fun at Pyjama Storytime | 7-8pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Cosy pyjama-themed storytime with singing and games for ages 5-8.
🎲 Thursday Night Board Games | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Join the community board game night for a fun, friendly competition.
🎰 BINGO | 7-10pm
📍 Waitakere RSA | Learn more
A fun night of Bingo, prizes, and community atmosphere.
🥅 Avondale Scrimmage | 8-9:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Evening sports scrimmage session open to all ages.
Fri 17 Jul
🚀 School Holidays: Elastic Catapult Workshop with Robogals | 10-11:30am
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
Fun educational workshop for kids building elastic catapults.
🏺 Animal Air Dry Clay Workshop (Ages 6+) | 10:30-11:30am
📍 Avondale Library | Learn more
A hands-on workshop for children aged 6+ to create clay animals.
🐝 Beeswax Wrap Making with Aotearoa Sustainability Grid | 11am-12pm
📍 Waitākere Central Library Henderson | Learn more
Sustainable wrap-making workshop for youth aged 7-15.
🐉 Dragon Beats at Blockhouse Bay Community Centre | 1-4pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Experience traditional Chinese performing arts in a free interactive family workshop.
🍿 THE SANDLOT KIDS | 4-5:45pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A nostalgic screening of the classic coming-of-age film The Sandlot.
🌌 Ol' Mate Matariki Menu | 5-8pm
📍 Haven Avondale | Learn more
Matariki celebration with live music, special kai, and community connection.
Sat 18 Jul
🐴 Cowhorse Clinic with Bryan Lowcay and Kelly Keenan | 8am-5pm ($)
📍 Helensville | Learn more
A professional clinic focusing on cowhorse and ranching skills.
🩹 First Aid Certificate Course | 8am-4pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Full first aid certification course at Titirangi Community House.
🎬 Fight For Camera - Beginners Stunt Workshop, Auckland | 9am-5pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
A two-day weekend introduction to stunt fighting, weaponry, and performance basics.
🛝 Have your say on Henderson’s new playground! | 10am-1pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Pop-up event to vote for new features at Henderson Park's playground.
🎪 Te Hā Oranga Matariki Whānau Day | 10am-2pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
A free family day featuring hāngī, stalls, health services, and kids activities.
✨ Star Beads Keyrings | 10:30-11:30am
📍 Avondale Library | Learn more
Creative craft session for kids to make beaded keyrings.
🎨 Community Art Show - Mega Event | 10:30am-1:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A mega community art show featuring live artists, local works, and family-friendly activities.
🏍️ Rosebank Rd Trackday | 11am-2pm ($)
📍 Rosebank Speedway | Learn more
Track day event for MiniGP and bucket bikes.
🃏 CM Westcity - Grand Archive Auckland Regionals | 11am-2pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Competitive Grand Archive trading card game regional tournament.
🌳 Matariki Community Planting | 1-4pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Help plant native trees to support our local stream and environment.
🃏 CM Westcity - Disney Lorcana Attack of the Vine! Pre-Release Event | 2-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Disney Lorcana card game pre-release tournament.
✍️ Winter Poetry Festival - Titirangi Poetry Collective | 2-3:45pm
📍 Glen Eden Library | Learn more
A special gathering celebrating local poets. Featuring guest Roger Horrocks, editor of Happy Moments
✍️ Winter Poetry Festival - Narrative Poetry | 4-7pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula Library | Learn more
'Narrative Poetry: Writing Your Story-poem' hosted by poet, novelist, and teacher Anne Kennedy
🧘 Sacred Sound Journey: Inner Rising | 4-5:15pm ($)
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
A meditative and restorative sound-based wellness journey.
🌙 Matariki Dusk Trail Walk | 4-8pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
A community event featuring a dusk walk, food trucks, and a market.
🌍 D.R Congo Independence Day Celebration 2026 | 6-11:30pm
📍 Westgate | Learn more
Celebrate the 66th anniversary of D.R. Congo independence with unity and solidarity.
📽️ Film Screening: From the Breach | 7-10pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Curated short film programme exploring nature and humanity.
🎉 eveNout x Loveher One Year Birthday Celebration | 9pm-2am
📍 Avondale | Learn more
One-year anniversary party featuring local DJs and music.
Sun 19 Jul
🚗 Offroad Meeting in Rimmers | 8:30-11:30am ($)
📍 Helensville | Learn more
Off-road adventure convoy and track day event.
🐾 CATZ Inc Nationals / Karnak Show 2026 | 9am-3:30pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
Catz Inc National cat show featuring guest judges.
🌱 Matariki Planting with Laingholm Restoration Ruatuna | 10am-1pm
📍 Laingholm | Learn more
Community planting day to restore the local stream and habitat.
🏳️🌈 Style Queen with Miss Trinity Ice | 10am-2pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Inclusive styling space for self-expression and fashion tips.
🛍️ Queers & Wares - Winter Glow Market | 10am-2pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
A family-friendly community market with crafts, clothes, and ceramics.
🌊 Te Piha Market | 10am-1pm
📍 Piha | Learn more
Local market featuring produce, arts, and community goods.
🍲 Hākari Rangatahi Wānanga | 10am-2pm
📍 Oratia | Learn more
Wānanga for youth focusing on Matariki feast preparation and storytelling.
🌤️ LIVE Day: Weather Science | 10am-4pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Interactive family fun day exploring weather science and Matariki stars.
🧶 Macramé Adult Workshop | 10am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Adult workshop to create Matariki-inspired macramé stars.
💧 Waipunarangi Tokens of Rain | 1-3:30pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Family-friendly workshop to craft rain-themed bag tags.
✍️ Winter Poetry Festival - Found Texts & Collage | 1-3pm
📍 New Lynn Library | Learn more
A creative, hands-on poetry workshop using found texts and collage materials sourced from old magazines.
💃 Kids Disco Fun | 1-4pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Pirate and fairy-themed disco afternoon for children aged 4-11.
🏛️ Annual General Meeting | 2-5pm
📍 Huia | Learn more
Support your local museum at their Annual General Meeting with afternoon tea provided.
⛳ Term 3 Junior Golf Helensville Golf Club | 3:30-6:30pm ($)
📍 Helensville | Learn more
Fun, structured golf program for local youth.
🎶 Probasee Rabindra-Nazrul Sondhya | 5-8pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Free celebratory evening of cultural music and performance.
🎶 Waitemata Country Music Club | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Glen Eden Community & Recreation Centre | Learn more
Fortnightly club nights for country music lovers. Live music. Supper provided. All welcome!
Mon 20 Jul
🛠️ Make a wooden house sign: Power Tools 101 | 11am-2pm
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
Hands-on workshop to build a wooden sign using power tools.
🌱 Make compost bin/garden bed | 12-3pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
Workshop on building compost bins and learning sustainable gardening.
🪚 Introduction to the Wood Workshop | 6-9pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Introductory woodworking series for beginners using power tools.
Tue 21 Jul
✨ Dawn Wishes to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi | 6.30am
📍 Henderson
A dawn event to send wishes to the stars.
🧵 Adults Fabric Basket Workshop with West Auckland Resource Centre | 10am-1pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Transform fabric scraps into a Matariki themed storage basket in this free adult workshop.
🧶 Textile Tuesday's Midwinter Fashion Show | 1-4pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A midwinter fashion showcase featuring wool-spun creations.
🛠️ Rangatahi Drop In , Triangle Park by Massey Matters | 3-4:30pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Sustainability-focused upcycling workshop for youth using wood and tools.
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted! See you next week!