Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},
Another awesome week in the west with rain coming midweek so pack your umbrellas. Awards are being given all over the west with pathways and pies taking home the gold!
The CRL opening date was let slip earlier this week by billboard! So it’s full steam ahead for the CRL. First look events coming up the following few weeks leading up to the Sept 13 opening! It’s gonna be awesome when the underground stations open!
Here's what's happening:
CRL Opening Confirmed, CRL's Century-Long Journey & Upcoming Station Reveals
3 West Auckland Bakeries Win Big!
Council’s Hospitality Hub Aids New Businesses & Earn-as-You-Learn Expands
Fairer Parent Visas & EV Charger Rollout Boosted
Te Whau Pathway Wins Award & Next Phase Progresses
Titirangi Library Opens, Avondale Hub Takes Shape & Ranui Project Funded!
Northwest Mall Adds Kids' Space & Local Parks Get Upgrades
Henderson Park Playground Input
47 Events and 15 Markets this week!!
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- Adrian Domingo | Publisher
In today's issue:
National & City Digest
🚆 City Rail Link Opening Date Confirmed Auckland's long-awaited $5.5 billion City Rail Link will officially open on Sunday, September 13 (Stuff) CRL: 100 Years in the Making Video (NZ Herald) CRL First Look Events available to book: Karanga-a-hape and Te Waihorotiu
🍽️ Auckland Council Launches Free 'Hospo Hub' for Entrepreneurs Auckland Council has introduced a free Hospo Hub service to help hospitality businesses navigate setup complexities. OurAuckland
👨👩👧👦 Fairer Parent Resident Visa Process Delivered The Parent Resident Visa is moving to a hybrid model, mainly using a chronological queue to give NZ citizens and residents a more predictable way to reunite with parents. Beehive
🚗 Zero-Interest Loans Accelerate EV Charger Rollout A second round of zero-interest loans is helping fund private investment in public EV charging, with a target of 10,000 chargers by 2030. Beehive
🛠️ Earn as You Learn Programme Expands to Auckland The paid training and qualifications programme for manufacturing careers is expanding to Auckland, creating new skilled-trade pathways for young people. Beehive
Local Digest
🏆 Te Whau Pathway Project Wins Award HEB Construction’s Te Whau Pathway work has won an Innovation – Anga Whakamua award after diverting 90% of waste from landfill and reusing concrete offcuts for play areas. Facebook
🚶♀️ Next Phase of Te Whau Pathway in Progress Piling is complete for the next Te Whau Pathway section, bringing the project closer to a fully connected walking and cycling route between Avondale and New Lynn. Te Whau Pathway
🥧 Blockhouse Bay Bakery Bags Supreme Pie Award Levain Artisan Bakery has won the Supreme Pie Award for its Bacon & Egg pie. Eurobake Espresso in Kumeū and Taste Bakery and Roast in Henderson also took home top honours. Time for a pie! NZ Herald
📚 Avondale's New Library, Community Hub, and Town Square Taking Shape Te Hono’s new library, community hub and upgraded town square are progressing well, with the major development expected to open in mid-2027. Auckland Urban Development Office
🤝 Ranui Action Project Receives Funding Ranui Action Project provides free learner licence courses, CV and job-seeking help, and legal clinics from its Swanson Road base. The Trusts has contributed $20,000 to support its work. The Trusts
🛝 Northwest Mall Opens Kids Space The mall in Westgate unveils ‘Into the Enchanted Forest’ a fresh indoor calming space for families with small kids. Northwest
🚧 Moire Park Boardwalks Under Construction Two new boardwalks are being built to replace washed-out sections of the Moire Park walking track. Works are expected to finish and the full track network reopen by early October. Henderson Massey Local Board
🗣️ Have Your Say on Henderson Park's New Playground Locals can provide feedback until 3 September 2026 on the design of a new Henderson Park playground, part of the wider Unlock Henderson Programme. Auckland Urban Development Office
📚 Titirangi Library Reopens After Refurbishment After a year of services from the Book Bus, Titirangi Library has reopened with programmes and events restarting. Titirangi Library
Business Bulletin
🚘 2 Cheap Cars opens new Henderson yard 2 Cheap Cars has opened a new yard, offering West Aucklanders better car prices and celebrating with a $40,000 giveaway.
📍157 Central Park Drive, Henderson
🧑🍳 Award-winning Filipino restaurant Hapunan is hiring The West Auckland restaurant is looking for a chef and kitchen assistant ahead of the busy summer season.
📍316 Main Road, Huapai
🍲 Fusion7 launches new dine-in menu Fusion7 has introduced a rotating 3-course menu, available Wednesday to Saturday evenings. Bookings are required at least two days ahead for fresh preparation.
📍167 Parkhurst Road, Parakai
♻️ The ReCreators seeks volunteers in Massey The community organisation is looking for volunteers to share skills, learn new ones and help with its restoring, reviving and reselling work.
📍135 Chamberlain Road, Massey
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The Weekend Top Picks
🚚 Food Truck Night - Open Circle Market Tour
📍 Rautawhiri Park | Fri 5-8pm Learn more
Join the Helensville community for a vibrant evening under the stars at Rautawhiri Park. Grab a bite from local food trucks and connect with your neighbors for a fantastic Friday night out.
🤼 Live Wrestling: Evil Intentions
📍 Kelston Community Centre | Fri 7pm ($) Learn more
Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled night as Hughes Academy brings high-octane wrestling action to Kelston. Watch your favorite stars and rising talents clash in the ring for an unforgettable evening of championship drama.
🚜 Auckland RC Crawlers: NZ Rainforest RC Challenge
📍 Moire Park | Sat 8:30am–3:00pm ($) Learn more
Get ready to hit the mud! New Zealand's first-ever RC Rainforest Challenge is coming to Moire Park for a high-octane day of winching, crawling, and epic testing.
🛍️ $5 or Less Mid-Winter Tunnel Sale
📍 MPHS Tipping Point, Auckland | Sat and Sun 9am–4pm ($) Learn more
Get ready for the ultimate winter bargain hunt! Tipping Point is transforming their tunnel into a massive discount zone where everything is priced at $5 or less.
🧸 Blockhouse Bay Kids Market
📍 Blockhouse Bay Community Centre | Sat 9am-12pm Learn more
Bring the little ones along for a fun-filled day at the Blockhouse Bay Kids Market, the perfect place to discover pre-loved treasures and community spirit.
👗 re:generate Fashion Market
📍 595 Te Atatū Road, Te Atatū Peninsula | Sat 10-1apm Learn more
Refresh your wardrobe sustainably at the re:generate Fashion Market! Discover a curated selection of preloved, vintage, and designer gems all under one roof.
🚲 Bike Disco: Waterview to Ōwairaka
📍 Waterview Community Hub to Murray Halberg Park | Sat 4pm–7pm Learn more
Dust off your bike and shine up your glitter! Join us for a fun, music-filled community bike ride from Waterview to Ōwairaka followed by an epic disco at Murray Halberg Park.
🍸 Gangsters & Gatsby Roaring 20s Party
📍 Hobsonville Primary School | Sat 7:30pm–late ($) Learn more
Step back in time for a night of glitz, glamour, and dancing! Celebrate Ceroc Norwest's birthday in true 1920s style for an unforgettable evening.
🛍️ Kumeu Monthly Market
📍 Kumeu Showgrounds | Sun 9am–2pm Learn more
Spend your Sunday browsing, eating, and enjoying a great day out at the Kumeu Monthly Market. With over 120 indoor and outdoor stalls, it's the perfect spot to support local makers and discover unique finds.
🎸 The Renegades Live at Huapai Tavern
📍 Huapai Tavern | Sun 3pm–6pm Learn more
Kick back and soak up the Sunday vibes at Huapai Tavern with The Renegades. This popular three-piece acoustic band brings the best of classic rock to your afternoon, delivering all your favorite hits in the perfect pub garden setting.
Markets
New or Irregular Markets
Food Truck Night - Open Circle Markets 14 August Fri 5-8pm
📍 Ratauwhuri Park, Helensville
A free community food truck event featuring local vendors and good vibes at the park.Night Owl Markets Sunnyvale 15 August Sat 5-9pm
📍 Te Pae o Kura, Kelston
Join us for a curated selection of Auckland’s delicious food, dessert creators, and artisan craft vendors.
Monthly Markets
Blockhouse Bay Community Kids Market 15 August Sat 9-12pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay Community CentreGlen Eden Community Market 15 August Sat 10am-2pm (2nd Saturday of the month)
📍 Glen Eden Community HouseKumeū Market 16 August Sun 9am-2pm (3rd Sunday of the month)
📍 Kumeū ShowgroundsThe Village Market Helensville 16 August Sun 8:30am-1pm (3rd Sunday of the month (except February))
📍 Helensville A&P Showgrounds
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)
Check out our Markets page
Events this week
Wed 12 Aug
🏃 West Auckland (Kumeu) Secondary Schools Tough Guy and Gal Challenge | 9:30am-1pm ($)
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
Take on a muddy obstacle course challenge for secondary school students.
🪡 Sew a Fabric Basket | 10am-1pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn to sew a fabric basket using reclaimed materials.
💻 Digital Drop-In | 10am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Drop-in tech help session for your phones, tablets, and laptops.
🏐 Youth Volleyball | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
After-school volleyball session for local youth.
🎬 The Piano 4K | 6-9pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Screening of the 4K version of The Piano.
🧀 Raclette Night at Ambler | 6:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
Indulgent evening of French raclette cheese and music.
🎲 Wednesday Night Bingo | 7-10pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Monthly community bingo night at the club.
🎬 The Ungrateful Tenant | 8:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Thu 13 Aug
🤣 Giggle for Good ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
A charity comedy night featuring Guy Montgomery, Tony Lyall, and more to support Zeal Youth.
🏃 West Auckland (Kumeu) Secondary Schools Tough Guy and Gal Challenge | 9:30am-1pm ($)
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
Sold out muddy obstacle course challenge for secondary school students.
🧵 Free Beginners Sewing Class Term 3 | 12-3pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Free 10-week beginner sewing course for women.
📖 English Class for Chinese speakers - Beginners | 1-2:30pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Conversational English class specifically for Chinese speakers.
🏓 Community Pickleball for Beginners! | 3-5pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Friendly community pickleball games for all skill levels.
🎲 Board Game Afternoon | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A relaxed social afternoon playing classic and modern board games.
💻 Code Club | 4-5pm
📍 Auckland | Learn more
Coding session for club members.
🥋 Free Tai Chi with Monica | 4-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Free Tai Chi class for all ages focusing on balance and health.
🎧 Whānau Silent Disco | 5:30-6:30pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Headphone-based silent disco party at the library for families.
✍️ Writing Workshop | with Gavin Strawhan | 6-7:30pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Writing workshop focused on dialogue and character development.
🎬 Mockbuster | 6:15-9:15pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Film screening event requiring mobile tickets.
🎥 The Chronology of Water | 8:15-11:15pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Movie screening at Hollywood Avondale.
Fri 14 Aug
📱 Senior Digital Club | 10:30-11:30am
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A supportive digital club helping seniors navigate devices and the internet.
♟️ Chess Club | 3-6pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Casual social chess club open to everyone.
🎵 Ukulele Jam Session | 3:30-4:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Drop in for a casual ukulele jam session at the library.
🛍️ Friday Night Vibes Market | 4-9pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Weekly evening market with food, shopping, and entertainment.
🎪 Ratauwhuri park food truck night Helensville - Open Circle Markets | 5-8pm
📍 Helensville | Learn more
A free community food truck event featuring local vendors and good vibes at the park.
🖼️ Witipū and Tūturu Kāenga Exhibition Openings | 6-8pm
📍 Corban Estate, Henderson | Learn more
Opening reception for the Witipū and Tūturu Kāenga art exhibition.
🎬 The Man I Love | 6:15pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
🤼 Live Wrestling - Evil Intentions | 7-10pm
📍 Kelston | Learn more
Catch local wrestlers in action at this live event.
🎬 Ghost in the Cell | 8:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Sat 15 Aug
🚗 NZ RAINFOREST COMP | 8:30am-3pm ($)
📍 Moire park | Learn more
RC crawler competition featuring challenging mud trials.
🦖 The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery | Sat and Sun ($)
📍 Westgate | Learn more
An outdoor, walk-through adventure featuring life-sized, moving, and roaring dinosaurs.
🛍️ Tipping Point’s Massive $5 Mid-Winter Tunnel Sale | 9am-4pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Massive mid-winter sale with everything priced at $5 or less.
🛍️ Blockhouse Bay Community Kids Market | 9am-12pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay Community Centre | Learn more
Toys, books, games, jewellery, handmade crafts, baking & more. Johnny Green will be returning with his fabulous vintage games and ready for a challenge 😉.
🌀 Auckland Beyblade Clash | 10am-5pm ($)
📍 Te Pae o Kura | Learn more
Competitive Beyblade tournament and casual play sessions for all ages.
🖼️ Val Enger - 'Beyond the Realm' Exhibition Opening | 10am-1pm
📍 West Coast Gallery | Learn more
Opening of an abstract landscape art exhibition.
👗 re:generate Fashion Market — Preloved, Vintage & Designer Pop-Up | 10am-1pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Pop-up fashion market for preloved, vintage and designer clothing.
🎪 Glen Eden Community Market & Ooshie Swap Meet | 10am-2pm
📍 Glen Eden Community House | Learn more
📚 Titirangi Book Swap | 10:30am-2:30pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Community book swap event for sustainable reading.
🎬 Portobello (Eps 1 - 3) | 10:30am ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
⚽ Auckland FC Powerchair training | 10:30am-12:30pm
📍 Albany | Learn more
Training session for the powerchair football club.
🧘 Qigong Classes New Lynn | 10:45-11:45am
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Qigong exercise class.
🍝 Bottomless Bites - Spaghetti & Meatballs | 12-4pm
📍 Massey North and New Lynn | Learn more
Enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited spaghetti and meatballs with optional drink upgrades available.
🐰 Everybunny Reads | 1-4pm
📍 Helensville | Learn more
Interactive reading event for children aged 6-12 featuring toy rabbits.
✍️ Zentangle drawing class | 2-3pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Creative drawing class for ages 6 and up, no booking required.
🎬 The Samurai and the Prisoner | 3:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
🍚 Food Truck at Waterview Coffee Project: Riceburger Bond | 4-8pm
📍 Waterview | Learn more
Japanese fusion burgers - with a burger made from rice. And miso soup!
🚲 Bike Disco! Waterview to Ōwairaka | 4-7pm
📍 Waterview | Learn more
Community bike ride ending in a disco and celebration of cycling.
🎟️ Beats By Bingo Fundraiser | 6:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Adults-only musical bingo night supporting local Girl Guides.
💃 Gangsters & Gatsby - Roaring 20s Party | 7:30-10:30pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
A 1920s-themed dance party to celebrate a birthday.
🏉 Warriors Games | 7:30-9:30pm
📍 Greenfields, The Hangar, Taphouse & Workshop | Learn more
Watch the Warriors play live on the big screen with your mates.
Sun 16 Aug
🛍️ The Village Market Helensville Showgrounds | 8:30am-1pm ($)
📍 Helensville | Learn more
Local market with 50+ stalls, food, fresh produce, and live music.
🧺 Kumeu Market | 9am-2pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
A monthly community market with food, crafts, and family fun.
🎪 Kumeū Kids Market | 10am-1pm
📍 Kumeū Community Centre | Learn more
A community market run by local kids featuring handmade crafts, treats, and raffles for the Child Cancer Foundation.
🎸 The Renegades live at the Huapai Tavern | 3-6pm
📍 Huapai | Learn more
Enjoy live acoustic rock covers at the local tavern.
🎬 Lomu | 3:50pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
An intimate biographical documentary that explores the complex life of legendary All Black Jonah Lomu.
Mon 17 Aug
🧘 Taiao Flows - Gentle movement and cultural somatic for women's wellbeing | 9:30-11am ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Gentle movement and wellness class for women combining Yoga and Pilates.
🌱 Make compost bin/garden bed, Mahi māra/ Gardening, The ReCreators Green Space | 12-3pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn to build a compost bin or garden bed using sustainable practices.
🧵 Free Beginners Sewing Class Term 3 | 12-3pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Free 10-week beginner sewing course for women.
🎨 Printing With Pacific Patterns | 12:30-2:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Creative printmaking session celebrating Tongan Language Week.
🧘 Chair Yoga with Harmony Yoga! | 12:30-1:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Accessible chair yoga class to improve mobility and relaxation.
🛠️ Makerspace | 3:15-6:15pm
📍 Avondale Library | Learn more
Fun after-school activities during the term.
🎬 Monday Movies: The Lion King | 3:30pm ($)
📍 Waitākere
Enjoy a screening of The Lion King at the library.
🏓 Community Pickleball for Beginners! | 6-9pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Friendly community pickleball games for all skill levels.
Tue 18 Aug
🧱 Lego Build Sessions | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Creative building fun with Lego for children aged 5+.
💃 EveryBODY Dance | 12:30-1:30pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
An all-abilities inclusive dance fitness class.
🧵 Repair Cafe: Free clothing repairs! | 4-6pm
📍 Waterview | Learn more
Bring along damaged clothing for free repair services.
🧠 Quiz Night | 7-10pm
📍 Titirangi RSA | Learn more
Join the weekly local quiz night at the pub.
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted! See you next week!
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