City Rail Link: Journey Planner and Station Tours | Te Whau Pathway Up for Major Award

Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},

City Rail Link updates, Auckland housing rules, FamilyBoost changes, local upgrades, and plenty more in this week's update.

Here's what's happening:

45 Events and 12 Markets this week!!

And we’ve launched our Referral Program!

Refer one friend and, once they're confirmed, you'll receive our exclusive 50 Things to Do in West Auckland guide, packed with local adventures, hidden gems, family activities, food spots, walks, and more.

We're also working on additional rewards for future referral milestones.

Scroll to the very bottom to check it out.

- Adrian Domingo | Publisher

🗺️ New Journey Planner Preview for City Rail Link Network Explore how travel will change with the upcoming City Rail Link. Instagram

🚇 Public Tours of City Rail Link Stations Announced The public can get a sneak peek inside Auckland's new City Rail Link stations, Maungawhau, Karanga-a-Hape, and Te Waihorotiu, across three weekends in August. Register your interest: iTicket

🏠 Bunnings to Expand Flatpack Pod-style Housing to New Zealand a more affordable and quick-to-build alternative for homeowners looking for additional space coming to your local soon. Yahoo Finance

🌊 Auckland's Central Interceptor Sewer Pipe Now Operational Auckland's massive $1.66 billion sewer pipe, is now active, aiming to reduce wastewater overflows and improve the city's water quality over time. RNZ

🏘️ Auckland Council Revised Plan Change 120 for Public Feedback The council has approved proposed changes to the plan. Feedback opens in late August 2026. OurAuckland

📚 We Read Auckland Festival Returns This August Auckland Council Libraries' free month-long festival, returns in August. Featuring author talks, writing workshops, a teen writing competition, and a new collection of local reads. OurAuckland

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Over 97,500 Families Benefiting from FamilyBoost Payments Expanded eligibility and increased rebates designed to help with early childhood education costs. Beehive

🛑 New Workplace Guide to Support Staff Experiencing Stalking Launched "Recognise, Respond, Support," has been launched by the Ministry for Women to help workplaces identify stalking behaviours, manage risks, and support employees affected by stalking. Beehive

🚶 Te Whau Pathway Named Awards Finalist The Te Whau Pathway project, a significant development for West Auckland, has been recognised as a finalist in the 2026 CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards. Facebook

🌳 Have Your Say on Sandys Parade, Laingholm Upgrades proposed upgrades include more shade trees, a larger grass area, and a defined boat launching spot. Facebook

🎨 New Mural for Blockhouse Bay Community Centre Artwork by Kākano Youth Arts Collective and funded by the Whau Local Board and incorporating community input. Facebook (Blockhouse Bay Community Centre)

🥳 Rodney Local Board Announces Event Partnership Fund Recipients The Rodney Local Board has allocated $43,500 from its new 3-year Partnership Fund to support community events across the region, including the Helensville Santa Parade, A&P Show, and ARTS in the VILLE. Facebook (Rodney Local Board)

🖼️ New Art Installations Brighten Henderson Town Centre Henderson town centre now features new temporary art installations from the Vacant Spaces project, including Penny Howard's "Ngā Taonga o Te Wao Nui ā Tiriwa" and Te Kawerau ā Maki "Kaawai Kauri" works. Facebook (Corban Estate Arts Centre)

✍️ Te Manawa to Host Indie Writers Festival The Te Manawa Indie Writers Festival is set to take place on August 29th during We Read Auckland 2026, offering market stalls, panels, workshops, and prizes for independent writers and artists. Facebook (Te Manawa)

🚧 Concrete Correction for Picnic Table Tui Glen's new picnic table shelters were removed after a fault was found in the concrete foundations. The contractor is fixing the issue at no cost to ratepayers, with the shelters expected to be reinstalled by early September. Facebook (Waitākere Council)

Boston Cafe announces expansion in Hobsonville - the new location will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday 15 August from 5pm.
📍6/120 Hobsonville Road, Hobsonville

Toyworld NorthWest has moved - Toyworld NorthWest has relocated to a larger store in front of ASB within the centre, offering more space for its extensive toy range.
📍NorthWest Shopping Centre, Westgate

Cutting Crew Barbers to become Big Boss Barber - To mark the transition, customers can access discounts on haircuts, beard trims, and haircut-and-beard packages.
📍Shop 3/268 Lincoln Road, Henderson

Hobsonville gets its own Repair Café - This gives locals the chance to repair household items with the help of volunteers instead of sending them to landfill. The first event is scheduled for 19 September.
📍Hobsonville, Auckland

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View all road closures | View all Rail closures | source: Auckland Transport

🌙 Friday Night Vibes Market
📍 The Trusts Arena | Fri 4pm Learn more
Kick off your weekend with an evening of delicious street food, local artisans, and vibrant community energy at The Trusts Arena.

🌙 Luna Bites Henderson Night Market
📍 Te Pai Centre | Fri 5pm Learn more
Te Pai Centre
West Auckland, get ready! Luna Bites is back at the Te Pai Centre for another massive Friday night of delicious food, sweet treats, and community vibes.

🎾 4th Annual 2026 Ace Tennis Cup
📍 West Harbour Tennis & Pickleball Club | Sat 830am-Sun 7pm ($) Learn more
Ready to test your skills on the court? Join the competitive action at the 4th Annual Ace Tennis Cup and see how you stack up against local players!

🌻 The Sunflower Community Market
📍 Massey | Sat 10am-2pm ($) Learn more
The Sunflower Community Market is back and better than ever! Gather the whānau and head down to the Helensville Showgrounds for a vibrant community day filled with local treasures and friendly faces.

👗 Gently Loved Markets: Curvy
📍 New Lynn Community Centre | Sat 10am Learn more
Get ready for a sustainable fashion treasure hunt! Gently Loved Markets Curvy is back in New Lynn, bringing you a fantastic selection of preloved gems specifically curated for sizes 16+ and XL+.

🔥 Eros Returns (All genders)
📍 Blockhouse Bay Boat Club | Sat 12pm ($) Learn more
Journey into the heart of eros as a living current of life in this transformative one-day temple. Awaken your senses, deepen your presence, and explore the intelligence that moves through the body in a sacred, myth-inspired space. This is not a space to explore sexual intimacy.

🎻 Books to Bows: A Narrated Concert
📍 Waitākere Central Library Henderson | Sat 2pm Learn more
Embark on a captivating musical journey as the West City String Orchestra brings beloved literary worlds to life through iconic soundtracks. From the magic of Hogwarts to the distant stars of a galaxy far, far away, experience an afternoon of storytelling through strings.

🥨 German Winter Market 2026
📍 The Crossing Titirangi | Sat 3pm Learn more
Beat the winter blues and immerse yourself in the cozy, vibrant spirit of a traditional German celebration right here in Auckland!

✨️ Matariki Night Market
📍 Avondale Art Park | Sat 4pm Learn more
Experience a magical winter evening under the stars as Avondale Art Park transforms into a vibrant celebration of Matariki, featuring local kai, live performances, and community spirit.

🎤 Titirangi Comedy Night - with Guy Montgomery
📍 Titirangi RSA | Sat 7:30pm Learn more
Get ready for a night of world-class laughter right in the heart of Titirangi! Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring some of New Zealand's brightest comedic talents.

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

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