Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},
Local board consultations have closed. I hope you’ve had your say rather than just whinging on FB. 😁
It’s a big week with big events! Dinosaurs in Westgate, Iconic Mud Races in Kumeu, and plenty of markets all week!
Here's what's happening:
Western Springs Bowl Do-up & Baseball Scores New Facilities
Mortgage Rates & Petrol Prices See Potential Shifts
Plug-in Solar on the Horizon & Businesses Get Gas Transition Support
Food Safety Bylaw Review & Op-Shops Drive Community Reinvestment
Auckland Transport Reforms Rolling Out This October
Local Playground Upgrades & Muriwai Walkway Closure Announced
45 Events and 12 Markets this week!!
If you haven’t checked it already, we’ve recently 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.
- Adrian Domingo | Publisher
In today's issue:
National & City Digest
🏟️ Western Springs Stadium Rebranded as Western Springs Bowl It’s now a dual-purpose venue set to host large concerts and sporting events, with a $2.5 million transformation expected by October 2026. Auckland Stadiums
🏠 One-Year Home Loan Fix Recommended Over Two-Year Fix ANZ economists suggest a one-year mortgage fix might be a better option for homeowners right now, as financial markets price in higher Official Cash Rate increases than expected. RNZ
⛽ Petrol Prices Expected to Fall with Road User Charges Transition The government plans to transition light vehicles to electronic Road User Charges, eventually phasing out fuel tax. Newstalk ZB
☀️ Report Recommends Legalising Plug-in Solar for NZ Homes These are small, portable, and easy to install, potentially saving households money and benefiting renters. 1News
🍽️ Auckland Food Safety Information Bylaw Could Expire Auckland Council is considering letting the local Food Safety Information Bylaw expire next April, which currently mandates eateries to display their food grade certificates. RNZ
♻️ Second-hand Industry Reinvests $78M into NZ Communities A new report highlights that op-shop industry reinvests an estimated $78 million annually into communities, saving households money and diverting 41,300 tonnes of goods from landfills. RNZ
🚦 Auckland Transport Reform Reaches Milestone with New Structure Auckland Council and Auckland Transport have confirmed new roles and structures for a revamped transport model, coming into effect in October. OurAuckland
🏭 Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme Now Open for Businesses Offering up to $1.2 billion in guaranteed loans to help businesses reduce reliance on gas and switch to other energy sources. Beehive
Local Digest
🛝 Traditional Māori Playground Opens at Horowai / Roberts Field Henderson-Massey Local Board
🚶♀️ Muriwai Gannet Colony Walk Closure for Repairs The Takapu Refuge Walk and all Muriwai Gannet Colony viewing areas will be closed from August 3rd to 7th. Arataki Visitor Centre
🏗️ Huapai Triangle Playground Upgrade Starting The replacement for the existing small playground, is scheduled to happen from September to December. Rodney Local Board
🚲 Roadworks for Cycleway in Corban Estate Work has begun on a new cycleway at the Estate, with temporary traffic management in place around Shed 2. Corban Estate
Local Businesses
The Hybrid Collective hosts Open Day Experience their brand-new training facility with free mini classes, tours, fitness challenges, giveaway draws, and guest vendors including DJ Malix, Red Bull, and Ae Brew.
📍1/781 Te Atatū Road, Te Atatū Peninsula
AngLo Thai Kitchen opens in Henderson The new spot offers authentic Thai street food made fresh to order, featuring a $13.50 lunch special on Pad Thai, noodles, or fried rice, along with online ordering, takeaway, and pickup options.
📍374 Great North Road, Henderson
Gearvet Outdoor Power Equipment Repair This newly opened shop provides flat-rate and general repair services for various lawn and power tools to keep equipment out of the landfill.
📍Glen Eden
Reburger Avondale Grand Opening The new burger branch is having a grand opening giveaway to celebrate! Win 1 of 5 × $30 ReBurger Vouchers! Store opens Aug 10.
📍2057 Great North Road
Together with La Pranzo
Forget Restaurants. Bring Italy Home.
Imagine if for one night, your dining room became Italy.
Your guests arrive expecting dinner… They leave wanting to book a flight to Italy.
The conversation slows.
No one's watching the clock.
Glasses are topped up.
The aroma of slow-cooked ragù fills the room.
While everyone gathers around the antipasto, you catch a glimpse of fresh pasta being rolled out in your kitchen.
Soon, everyone is invited to the table.
Course by course, authentic Italian dishes are served in the traditional order.
Between each course, you discover the history, regional traditions, and generations of craftsmanship behind every recipe.
Before anyone notices, more than three hours have passed.
Yet nobody wants the evening to end.
Because that's how meals are meant to be enjoyed in Italy.
Not rushed.
Not ordinary.
An occasion.
And for one unforgettable evening, you can experience it in your own home.
Where in New Zealand is this pier?
Francis Vallance (Heritage Warrior), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Click on your answer: Tolaga Bay | New Brighton | Petone | Oamaru
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
The Weekend Top Picks
🌙 Friday Night Vibes Market
📍 The Trusts Arena | Fri 4pm Learn more
Kick off your weekend with an evening of delicious street food, local artisan treasures, and vibrant community energy at The Trusts Arena.
♻️ FREE E-waste Drop off Day
📍 The Trusts Arena | Sat 9am Learn more
Clear out your clutter sustainably! Join Echo Tech NZ and One NZ for a hassle-free community e-waste recycling event at The Trusts Arena.
🧸 Auckland Mama Market: Preloved Rummage
📍 Western Springs Garden Community Hall | Sat 9am–12pm Learn more
Clear out the clutter or snag a bargain at the PRELOVED Rummage! Join the Auckland Mama Market for a morning of sustainable shopping featuring a treasure trove of kids' gear.
🏉 Mediaworks Throwback Fest
📍 Western Springs Stadium | Sat 1pm–2:05pmLearn more
Step back in time for the ultimate rugby celebration! Experience an afternoon packed with live music, intense match-day action, and family-friendly fun at the iconic Western Springs Stadium.
💰 Money Month Community Day
📍 Te Pae o Kura | Sat 1pm–4pm | Learn more
Join Ngā Tāngata Microfinance and Henderson Budget Service for a community-focused day dedicated to boosting your financial wellbeing and getting you sorted for the future.
🏝️ Island Night at Mr Illingsworth
📍 Te Atatu Peninsula | | Sat 7-10pm Learn more
A tropical-themed evening with DJ tunes spinning Island jams, drink specials, and spot prizes.
🏃 Tough Guy and Gal Challenge 2026
📍 Kumeu Showgrounds | Aug 9-13 Learn more
New Zealand’s iconic mud run series, bringing together adventure seekers of all ages for a day of epic obstacles, muddy mayhem, and unforgettable fun. Multiple categories from teams to families to men and women’s races.
🏃 Auckland Trail Series: Riverhead Forest
📍 Riverhead Forest | Sun 8am Learn more
Lace up your trail shoes and prepare for an adventure in the heart of Auckland's pine forests! Join the Auckland Trail Series for a morning of muddy, exhilarating fun through the scenic trails of Riverhead Forest.
🎺 Brass Bands Joint Concert
📍 Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre | Sun 2pm Learn more
Waitākere Auckland Brass joins forces with The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery under the baton of Musical Director Steven Booth.
🦖 The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery
📍 15 Fred Taylor Dr, Westgate | Aug 8–9 & Aug 15–16 Learn more
Explore an outdoor dinosaur adventure featuring over 30 life-sized dinosaurs, including a roaring T-Rex and moving robotic raptors, plus fossil digs, rides, crafts, and family-friendly activities.
Markets
New Markets to check out - not regular yet but well worth checking out!
Night Owl Markets Sunnyvale August 8 Saturday 5-9pm
📍 Te Pae o Kura, Kelston
Regular Markets
New Lynn Community Market 7 August Fri 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (1st Friday of the month)
📍 New Lynn Community CentreBlockhouse Bay Community Markets 8 August Sat 8am-12:30pm (2nd & last Saturdays of the month)
📍 Blockhouse Bay Community CentreTe Atatu Peninsula Artisan & Handmade Market August 8 Saturday 10am-2pm
📍 Te Atatū Community CentreGlen Eden Second Sundays Market 9 August 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)Friday Night Vibes Market Fri From 4pm
📍 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)
Events this week
Wed 5 Aug
🪡 Sew a Yoga Roll, The ReCreators Green Space | 10am-1pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn to sew your own eco-friendly yoga roll using reclaimed materials.
🔨 Rangatahi drop in | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Weekly upcycling workshops for youth using hand and power tools.
🎨 Textured Art and Wine Night - Textured Sunset Beach | 7:00-9:00pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
A beginner-friendly textured painting event in a bar setting, where you explore thick paint, palette knives, and layered techniques.
🎥 GET SHORTY! Local Short Film Festival #1 | 7:30-10:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Local short film showcase and music videos at the Hollywood Avondale.
Thu 6 Aug
🎓 Auckland, New Zealand - Spinning Babies® Foundational Workshop w/ Claire | 9:30am-5:30pm ($)
📍 Waitakere | Learn more
Professional workshop for birth workers covering physiological birth techniques.
🎞️ Saccharine | 4:30-7:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Afternoon film screening at the Hollywood Avondale.
🎨 Paint and Wine Night - Cherry Blossoms | 6-8pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Unwind with a guided painting session in a local bar.
🛠️ Make a Garden Bed: Power Tools 101 | 6-9pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn how to use power tools safely while building your own timber garden bed.
🎞️ Betty Blue [Director's Cut] | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Evening film screening of Betty Blue at the Hollywood Avondale.
🎲 Thursday Night Board Games | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Join the community board game group for a fun night of strategy.
💃 The Joy Club (Dark Dancers) | 7:30-8:35pm Thu 6 Aug
📍 Waimauku | Learn more
A weekly dance gathering held in total darkness, allowing complete freedom of movement to music across the decades.
Fri 7 Aug
🎨 Acrylic Painting with Naomi Azoulay | 2-5pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Unlock your creativity with a seven-week acrylic painting course for beginners.
🥦 Plant Based Cuisine Training Retreat | KULA | 7 Aug 3pm- 10 Aug 2pm ($)
📍 Muriwai | Learn more
A luxury retreat with Daily Yoga Classes | Qigong | 16+ hrs Cooking workshops & theory | Sauna + Icebath
🏓 Waitakere Table Tennis Association Friday Club Nights | 5:45-8:30pm Fri 7 Aug
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
A friendly social night for table tennis players of all skill levels, with equipment and a robot on site.
🎞️ 100 Nights of Hero | 6:15-9:15pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Catch a movie screening at the historic Hollywood Avondale.
Frequent Bowler BATTLE OF THE LANES | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Pins Lincoln Road | Learn more
🎸 LIVE BANDS @ HANGAR: Recliner Rockers! | 7:30-10:30pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Rock out with The Recliner Rockers for a night of live blues and roots music.
🏉 Warriors 2026 Games | 8-10pm
📍 Greenfields, The Hangar, Taphouse & Workshop | Learn more
Watch the Warriors match live at local partner venues.
🎬 Body Blow | 8:30-11:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A screening of the film 'Body Blow' (R18).
Sat 8 Aug
🦖 The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery ($) Aug 8, 9, 15, 16
📍 Westgate | Learn more
An outdoor, walk-through dinosaur adventure with life-sized, moving, and roaring creatures.
🛍️ Blockhouse Bay Community Market | 8:00am-12:30pm Sat 8 Aug
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
A community market offering handcrafted goods, plants, baking, local honey, and second-hand items.
🎪 Kua Rewa Te Aihikirīmi | 9:30am-12:30pm and 1-4pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
An enchanting circus show about melting ice cream and environmental fun.
🐔 Chook Kaitiaki- Make a chook coop and Learn about Keeping Chickens | 10am-4pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Build your own timber chook coop in this hands-on workshop.
🏠 Open Day - Bupa Glenburn Retirement Village | 10am-2pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Visit the Bupa retirement village for a chat and a tour.
🛟 CORO/NR - Instructors Training Course (ITC - SLA) | 10am-4pm
📍 Muriwai | Learn more
Certification course for surf lifeguards wanting to become instructors.
🎨 Te Atatu Peninsula Artisan & Handmade Market | 10:00am-2:00pm Sat 8 Aug
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
A monthly market featuring kiwi artisans, handcrafted body products, art, candles, gifts, and live DJ music.
🎬 The Ice Tower | 11:15am-2:15pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Catch a screening of The Ice Tower at the historic Hollywood Avondale.
🍝 Bottomless Bites - Spaghetti & Meatballs | 12:00-4:00pm Sat 8 Aug
📍 Massey North | Learn more
Enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited spaghetti and meatballs with optional drink upgrades available.
🌱 Community Planting- Ōpanuku streamside, Henderson Valley | 1-4pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Help plant native trees to restore the streamside in Henderson Valley.
🎬 Chronicles from the Siege | 2-5pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Watch the film Chronicles from the Siege at Hollywood Avondale.
🎤 Winter Poetry Festival: Free Workshop & Open Mic | 4-6pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
🎬 Jim Queen | 4:15-7:15pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Catch a screening of Jim Queen at the local cinema.
🌙 Night Owl Markets - Saturday Nights | 5:00-9:00pm Sat 8 Aug
📍 Sunnyvale | Learn more
An evening market offering street food, drinks, indoor craft stalls, and sunset views over Auckland.
🎞️ On the Road | 6:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Evening film screening at the Hollywood Avondale.
🎸 Saturday Sessions: Level One | 7:00-10:00pm Sat 8 Aug
📍 Kelston | Learn more
A free live music performance blending modern hits and classic throwbacks.
🎬 Alpha | 8:45-11:45pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Experience a late-night screening of Alpha at the Hollywood Avondale.
Sun 9 Aug
🏃♀️ West Auckland (Kumeu) Tough Gal Team Challenge | 8am-1pm ($)
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
New Zealand's original mud run obstacle course designed to test endurance across mud pits, walls, and crawls.
🏃 West Auckland (Kumeu) Adult Tough Guy and Gal Challenge | 8am-1pm ($)
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
New Zealand's original mud run obstacle course designed to test endurance across mud pits, walls, and crawls.
🚗 Oogah Rodders Monthly Meet-Up | 8:30am Sun 9 Aug
📍 Swanson RSA, 633 Swanson Rd | Learn more
A fantastic day of classic cars, hot rods, and a special $25 buffet breakfast for enthusiasts of all ages.
♻️ Stream Clean - Oakley Creek Team Up 2 Clean Up | 10am-12pm
📍 Waterview | Learn more
Join the community to clean up Oakley Creek.
🎞️ Mouse | 11am-2pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A film screening hosted at the Hollywood Avondale.
💍 Vineyard Cottages: Wedding Open Day | 11am-2pm
📍 Waimauku | Learn more
Tour a boutique wedding venue perfect for small, intimate celebrations.
🧘 Journey to the Higher Heart | 1-4:30pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
An immersive workshop focused on self-awareness, presence, and living from a quiet inner strength.
🪵 Build a Plant Stand: Power Tools 101, The ReCreators Green Space | 1:30-5:30pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn basic power tool skills while building a custom plant stand.
🎞️ Buffet Infinity | 1:45-4:45pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Afternoon film screening at the Hollywood Avondale.
🎺 Brass Band Joint Concert | 2-5pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
An afternoon concert featuring over 50 brass band musicians.
🎸 Crowded Trousers live at the Huapai Tavern | 3-6pm
📍 301 State Highway 16, Auckland, New Zealand 0810 | Learn more
Live music performance featuring duo Crowded Trousers at the local tavern.
🎬 Butterfly Jam | 4-7pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Enjoy a film session for Butterfly Jam at the cinema.
🎬 No Rest for the Wicked | 6:15-9:15pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A screening of the film 'No Rest for the Wicked'.
🎶 Jubilation OH WHAT A TIME Album Release Party | Sun 7pm
📍 Western Springs Garden Community Hall Learn more
Join the soulful sounds of Jubilation as they celebrate a quarter-century of music with a special album release party.
🎞️ I Want Your Sex | 8:30-11:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Evening film screening at the Hollywood Avondale.
Mon 10 Aug
🧒 West Auckland (Kumeu) Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge | 9:30am-1pm ($)
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
A fun, muddy obstacle course challenge designed specifically for primary and intermediate kids.
🛠️ Chopping Board or House Sign: Power Tools 101, Waterview hub | 11am-2pm
📍 Waterview | Learn more
A workshop to craft a custom chopping board or sign using reclaimed timber.
🌿 Make compost bin/garden bed, Mahi māra/ Gardening | 12-3pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn sustainable gardening and build your own compost bin or bed.
🎬 Monday Movies: Soul | 3:30pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Enjoy a screening of the film Soul at the library.
🎬 Palestine 36 | 6-9pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
See the film Palestine 36 at the cinema.
Tue 11 Aug
🥾 West Auckland (Kumeu) Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge | 9:30am-1pm ($)
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
A muddy obstacle course challenge designed for primary and intermediate kids.
🎨 Volunteer Community & Garden Signs, wood and art Class | 10:30am-1:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Get crafty and paint colorful signs to brighten up our local community gardens.
🛠️ FREE Rheem Electric Storage Water Heater Training | 11:45am-2:30pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Technical training session on electric storage water heaters for industry interest.
🛠️ Rangatahi Drop In | 3-4:30pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Drop-in upcycling workshop where kids can get creative with wood and tools.
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted! See you next week!
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