City Rail Link: New Station Photos | Digital Drivers Licenses

Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},

I’ve started looking into West Auckland’s car culture and looking for recurring or annual events. So far I’ve seen Hot rod meetups (future issue), a JDM x Euro car faceoff (think Fast & Furious THIS WEEKEND!), And of course the annual Kumeū Classic Car and Hot rod Festival!

If you’re a petrol head and know of any upcoming, recurring, or annual events, feel free to send a message.

Here's what's happening:

Also, if you haven’t already, you can shape the future of the newsletter by having your say on the sections:

50 Events and 13 Markets this week!!

- Adrian Domingo | Publisher

📱Have Your Say on Digital Driver Licences The govt is asking for feedback on the proposed approach and what would give you confidence in the system. Beehive

🚢 KiwiRail to Operate New Cook Strait Ferries Named Kupe and Cook, they will operate from 2029 for 30 years. Beehive

⚡ John Harbord Appointed Chair of Electricity Authority with a mandate to ensure abundant, affordable, and reliable electricity for NZ. Beehive

📉 Major Gentailer Sees Significant Customer Losses Genesis Energy lost the most customers in the past year, primarily due to phasing out its Frank Energy brand, while Contact, Electric Kiwi, and Meridian gained customers, reminding West Aucklanders to compare power plans. RNZ

🚇 City Rail Link New Timetables: Who wins, who loses? Set to open between late August and early September, West Aucklanders both win and lose with the new timetables. 1News

🚂 CRL New Station Photos Released by Auckland Urban Development Office: Karang-a-hape & Te Waihorotiu

🦅 Auckland Prepares for Potential Bird Flu Arrival Auckland Council is working with government agencies to prepare for the possible arrival of the H5N1 bird flu strain, urging West Aucklanders to report three or more sick or dead wild birds to 0800 80 99 66 and not to touch them. OurAuckland

🗣️ Death Cafés Now Available at Auckland Council Libraries Auckland Council Libraries, in partnership with Honohono Tātou Katoa Trust and Mercy Hospice, are hosting monthly Death Cafés across the region, including Avondale, offering safe, informal spaces for West Aucklanders to discuss death and dying. OurAuckland

🗳️ What’s Important to You Where You Live? Don’t whinge on Facebook. Have your Say! Feedback open until 23 July. Auckland Council

🌳 Huapai Recreation Reserve Unveils 20-Year Development Plan The Rodney Local Board has adopted a 20-year plan for Huapai Recreation Reserve, allocating over $10.4 million by 2030 for a new destination playground, wheel play facility, fitness hub, and improved access for the growing Kumeū-Huapai community. OurAuckland

🎨 Youth Arts Collective Empowers Vulnerable West Auckland Rangatahi The Kākano Youth Arts Collective at Corban Estate in Henderson supports vulnerable youths through art, helping them build confidence, practical skills, and work experience, offering a safe space and vital support like transport and kai. RNZ

🚶‍♀️ Helensville Completes Cabeleigh/Awaroa Loop Footpath A newly completed footpath in Helensville finishes the Cabeleigh/Awaroa loop, making the Cabeleigh playground safer and more accessible for residents. Rodney Local Board

🍲 Avondale's Feed the Streets Celebrates 9 Years Having provided over 41,000 meals thanks to dedicated volunteers and partners Haven Avondale, Fair Food, KiwiHarvest, Kindness Collective Foundation, Avondale CAB, twotreats, and Orange Sky Aotearoa. Avondale Community

🎁 West Auckland Schools Show Matariki Generosity Several West Auckland schools, generously donated over 290 pairs of pyjamas, 100 warm clothing items, 400 boxes of cereal, and much more this Matariki to support local families. Visionwest

Hobsonville Food Park - Got a food truck? The recently opened food park is looking for additional self-powered vendors.
📍 102 Hobsonville Road, Hobsonville

RE Burger Avondale - The popular burger chain continues its West Auckland expansion with a new branch in Avondale.
📍 opposite KFC on Great North Road, Avondale

Kelston Fried Chicken - Kelston has welcomed a new fried chicken food trailer, serving freshly made chicken meals and takeaway options for locals.
📍 10 Brains Road, Kelston

Whenuapai Physiotherapy and Pilates - 50% off ACC physiotherapy appointments during its first week to welcome new patients.
📍 Whenuapai

New World Te Atatū - The new supermarket is getting closer to opening. The team has released a preview of the interiors.
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula

View all road closures | View all Rail closures

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!

🎵 Kumeu Record Fair
📍 Kumeu Community Centre | Fri 4pm Learn more
Dig through crates and discover hidden musical gems at the Kumeu Record Fair. Whether you are a dedicated collector or just love the warm sound of vinyl, come explore a massive selection of tunes in the heart of Kumeu.

🛍️ $5 Fill-a-Bag Sale
📍 Tipping Point, Henderson | Sat 9am ($) Learn more
Ready for a bargain hunt? Head down to Tipping Point for our popular Fill-a-Bag Sale and score pre-loved treasures while supporting a sustainable community.

🛍️ Gently Loved Markets: Hobsonville Flea Market
📍 Sunderland Lounge, Hobsonville | Sat 10am Learn more
Discover hidden treasures at the Gently Loved Markets indoor winter flea! Spend your Saturday morning browsing a fantastic selection of preloved gems all under one roof at the Sunderland Lounge.

🌙 Matariki Night Market - Open Circle
📍 Avondale Art Park | Sat 4-9pm Learn more
Gather your whānau for a magical winter evening under the stars! Celebrate Matariki at the Avondale Art Park with a vibrant community night market filled with food, live music, and creative experiences.

🛼 GLOW with PRIDE
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Sat 1-4pm Learn more
Light up the rink and celebrate community at this inclusive, queer-friendly skate meetup! Whether you're a seasoned skater or a first-timer, come along for an afternoon of connection, movement, and rainbow pride.

🎳 PINS 40th Birthday Party!
📍 199 Lincoln Road, Henderson | Sat 6pm Learn more
Get ready to roll back the clock! Join Pins Lincoln as they celebrate four decades of bowling, friendship, and community. 20% off drinks. Live music by Fifth Avenue.

🏍️ X-Grip NZ Woodhill Two Man Series - Dirtbiking
📍 Rimmer Road, Helensville | Sun 9am Learn more
Rev up your engines for the ultimate off-road challenge! Join the Endless Dirtbiking team at Woodhill Forest for the first round of the 2026 X-Grip NZ Two Man Series.

🇧🇷 Viva Fair! Brazilian Market
📍 23 Granville Drive, Massey | Sun 11am-3pm Learn more
Delicious food, local small businesses, live music, and a welcoming family atmosphere.

🎤 Once Upon a Time - Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Live Concert
📍 The Trusts Arena | Sun 4-7pm ($) Learn more
The World Tour 2026 is coming to The Trusts Arena! Join legendary Qawwali icon Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shahzaman Ali Khan for an unforgettable evening of live music in Auckland.

🚗 Streetrush NZ Car Community Meet
📍 Northwest Shopping Centre | Sun 5-6:30pm Learn more
Whether you’re Team JDM 🇯🇵 or Team EURO 🇩🇪, it’s time to bring your pride, your build, and your crew for another unforgettable community night.

Here’s a link to the new Markets page that we’re building. Feedback welcome!

That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted! See you next week!

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