Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},
Did you get the flu as well? There’s been an awful one going around recently. My family caught it, unfortunately and it’s been quite a week. We wish you and your family the best of health!
I’ve been thinking of doing a per suburb feature every issue. Something like a “10 things to do in X suburb“. I reckon it’s a great way to highlight the things that make our own corner of the West awesome. What do you think? Feel free to send me an email if you have thoughts: [email protected].
Here's what's happening:
NZ's Largest Kmart in Westgate Opening Date Revealed
Waitākere Hospital Seeks Additional Nurses & Kids' Dental Waitlist Shrinks
Clean Vehicle Standard Retained & Airport Calls for Future-proofing
Classroom Walls Return to Schools & Four Libraries Adjust Hours
Waitākere Ranges & Local Communities Get Funding Boosts
Bethells Beach Track & Avondale Toilets Update
Te Whau Pathway T-shirt Competition
72 Events and 12 Markets this week!!
Share the link below with one of your friends that need a weekly fix of events and once their subscription is 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
✈️ Auckland Airport Calls for Mass Rapid Transit Auckland Airport is pushing for immediate bus solutions and long-term mass rapid transit to cope with projected passenger growth. NZ Herald
🏥 Hospitals Boost Nursing Workforce Waitākere and North Shore Hospitals are recruiting over 50 additional nursing staff to manage high demand and increased sick leave, ensuring continued safe and professional care for Aucklanders. Health NZ
🦷 Auckland Children's Dental Surgery Waitlist Falls Auckland’s children’s dental surgery waitlist has dropped by two-thirds, from 2,200 to 743. Beehive
🚗 Government Retains Clean Vehicle Standard The government will keep the Clean Vehicle Standard, with future calibrations to make targets realistic for vehicle importers and ensure affordable vehicle choices for both families and businesses. Beehive
🏫 Government Investment for Calmer Classrooms Over 600 classrooms in nearly 90 schools will receive $31.3 million to install internal walls, creating less noisy and distracting learning environments. Beehive
Local Digest
🛍️ New Zealand's Largest Kmart Opening in Westgate The grand opening is on September 10 at 8 am, bringing a major retail boost to West Auckland. NZ Herald
🚶♀️ Investment for Waitākere Ranges Walking and Cycling The Waitākere Ranges Local Board has allocated $1.68 million for three projects to improve walking and cycling connections, including paths at Parrs Park to Sunnyvale, Waikumete Cemetery, and Waikumete Road. OurAuckland
🤝 Rānui and Henderson Community Recovery Funds Open Rānui and Henderson communities can now apply for two new $150,000 community-led funds to support local wellbeing, connection, and resilience following the 2023 severe weather events. OurAuckland
🏖️ Feedback Open for Proposed Te Henga Bethells Beach Track Community feedback is invited on a proposed new, more resilient beach access track at Te Henga/Bethells Beach. Waitākere Ranges Local Board
🚻 New Public Toilets Open in Avondale New public toilets at 59 Rosebank Road, Avondale, are now open daily from 7 am to 10 pm, with new exterior artwork coming soon. Whau Local Board
🚧 Waterview's Howlett Reserve Track Undergoing Major Upgrade Waterview’s Howlett Reserve track will be closed from August 24 to September 29 for a major upgrade with multiple improvements. Albert-Eden Local Board
📚 Henderson-Massey Libraries Adjust Opening Hours Four Henderson-Massey libraries and community hubs, including Te Atatū Peninsula, Te Manawa, Waitākere Central, and Rānui, add slight changes opening hours from October 10 to match community demand. OurAuckland
🎨 Te Whau Pathway T-Shirt Design Competition The Te Whau Pathway's 2026 T-Shirt Design Competition invites West Aucklanders to create designs inspired by car-free adventures, with entries closing September 15. Te Whau Pathway
Business Bulletin
🐟 Soul Batter Titirangi Launches New Online Ordering they now offer a new online ordering website for pickup and delivery, in addition to Uber Eats.
📍 421A Titirangi Road, Titirangi
🎲 Hobby Lords Grand Opening in New Lynn September 4th at 6:30 pm, promising an evening of community, giveaways, and hobby fun.
📍 5 Totara Avenue, New Lynn
🎅 Suburbs Rugby Club Christmas Market Seeks Stallholders for its "Quirky Christmas Market" on December 12 & 13, seeking fun, affordable, kid-friendly items for their festive event.
📍 200 Portage Road, New Lynn
🍔 Flip Burgers Opens in Henderson Flip Burgers, known for its American-style comfort food like smashed-patty burgers and loaded fries, along with sweet treats, has opened a new location in Henderson.
📍 2/151 Lincoln Road, Henderson
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The Weekend Top Picks
🌸 Waitakere Orchid Club Spring Show
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre | Wed, Thu 10am–3pm ($) Learn more
Celebrate the beauty of nature at the Waitakere Orchid Club's flagship annual event, featuring an impressive display of blooms and expert growing advice.
🚚 Hobsonville Point Takeaway Night
📍 Harrier Point Carpark, Hobsonville Point | Fri 5pm–8pm ($) Learn more
Kick off your weekend with a relaxed evening of community vibes and a delicious rotating lineup of Auckland’s best food trucks.
🇹🇭 World Muay Thai Federation: NZ Team Trials
📍 Synergy Sports, 3/44 Portage Rd, New Lynn | Sat 1:00pm Learn more
Experience the very best of New Zealand Muay Thai as the country's top athletes compete in the WMF New Zealand National Team Trials.
🎸 R3PLAY Live at The Taphouse
📍 The Taphouse, Avondale | Sat 7pm ($) Learn more
Travel back in time to the neon era! R3PLAY is taking over The Taphouse to bring you an electrifying night of 80s hits that will have you rocking all weekend long.
🎸 Rumpus Machine Live!
📍 The Original Kaipara Tavern, Helensville | Sat 7pm–11pm ($) Learn more
Get ready to rock! Rumpus Machine is heading back to The Original Kaipara Tavern for a high-energy night filled with your favorite classic rock anthems.
🎸 ZOO.2: The U2 Experience
📍 New Lynn Memorial RSA | Sat 7:30pm ($) Learn more
Experience the soaring anthems and electric energy of U2 live! Join ZOO.2 at New Lynn RSA for a night dedicated to the iconic sound of one of the world's greatest rock bands.
🕺 Super Trouper: ABBA Tribute
📍 Swanson Memorial RSA | Sat 7:30pm ($) Learn more
Dust off your platforms and get ready to dance! Experience the magic of ABBA as 'Super Trouper' brings over 35 iconic hits to life in a high-energy three-hour spectacle.
🛍️ Titirangi Village Market
📍 Titirangi Village | Sun 9am–2pm Learn more
Spend your Sunday exploring one of West Auckland’s favourite community markets. Join the local community for a vibrant day out filled with unique handmade finds, delicious food, and a fantastic village atmosphere.
🪷 Krishna Mela 2026
📍 Hare Krishna Temple, Kumeu | Sun 11:00am–4:00pm Learn more
Celebrate the spirit of togetherness at the annual Krishna Mela, a vibrant day of culture, devotion, and community joy set in the beautiful grounds of the Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Temple.
🌸 Spring Market
📍 Green Bay Community House | Sun 1:30pm–4:30pm ($) Learn more
Celebrate the arrival of the warmer season at the Green Bay Spring Market! Gather with your neighbors for a vibrant afternoon filled with local finds and community spirit.
Markets
New or Irregularly scheduled Markets
Blockhouse Bay Community Markets Sat 8am-12:30pm
📍 524 Blockhouse Bay Road
Christmas Markets: 5 & 12 Dec. Oct 10 in Small Hall.Night Owl Markets Sunnyvale 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
Titirangi Village Market Sun 9am-2pm (Last Sunday of the month)
📍 Titirangi war memorial carpark and RSAViva Fair Brazilian Market Sun 1pm (Last Sunday of the month)
📍 23 Granville Drive Massey
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 26 Aug
🧠 Sips 3 | 9am-5:30pm ($)
📍 New Windsor | Learn more
A 2-day professional kinesiology course on movement and posture.
🧵 Sew pajama pants | 10am-1pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
Hands-on sewing workshop to make pyjama pants from reclaimed fabric.
💻 Digital Drop-In | 10am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Walk-in help for any questions about your digital devices.
🏐 Youth Volleyball | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
After-school volleyball session for local youth.
🛡️ Scam Awareness Info Session - Hobsonville, Auckland | 6:30-9:30pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Free information session on how to identify and avoid scams.
🧠 Weekly Quiz Night | 6:30-8:30pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Enjoy five rounds of trivia, bonus games, prizes, and great food and drink.
🎨 Paint and Wine Night in Titirangi, Auckland - Werewere-kōkako (Round Canvas) | 7-9pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Create a round canvas masterpiece at this guided painting night.
🔪 Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma | 7:30pm–9:30pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Slasher-themed launch party with costumes, spot prizes, and a special screening.
Thu 27 Aug
🧘 Coping with Stress & Anxiety | 10:30am-12pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A practical session on managing stress and building emotional wellbeing.
🗣️ English Class for Chinese speakers - Beginners | 1-2:30pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Beginner conversational English class for Chinese speakers.
🏓 Community Pickleball for Beginners! | 3-5pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Learn how to play pickleball at these fun, beginner-friendly community sessions.
🎲 Board Game Afternoon | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Drop by for a relaxed afternoon playing board games.
💻 Code Club | 4-5pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Coding session for club members.
🥋 Free Tai Chi with Monica | 4-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Improve your strength and balance with free weekly Tai Chi classes.
✍️ Telling Your Story: Comic Creation Workshop | with Toby Morris | 4:30-6pm
📍 Rānui | Learn more
Hands-on comic creation workshop with Toby Morris for teens.
🧘 Restorative Yoga Session | 5-6pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Supported poses, long holds, and space to breathe.
🏔️ Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour 2026 | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Watch inspiring adventure films at this 10th-anniversary tour event.
🎤 Karaoke Night | 7-10pm
📍 Lynfield | Learn more
Sing your heart out with karaoke, inflatables, and games at the pub.
💃 The Joy Club (Dark Dancers) | 7:30-8:35pm ($)
📍 Waimauku | Learn more
Weekly dark-room dance sessions featuring hits from the 50s to today.
Fri 28 Aug
🌸 Waitakere Orchid Club Spring Show | 10am-3pm ($)
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Explore vibrant orchid displays and buy plants from local growers at this spring exhibition.
📱 Senior Digital Club | 10:30-11:30am
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Friendly digital skills club for seniors to learn device usage.
♟️ Chess Club | 3-6pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Social chess club for players of all ages.
🎶 Ukulele Jam Session | 3:30-4:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Drop into the library for a casual ukulele jam session.
✍️ Rangatahi Spoken Word Poetry Workshop | 3:30-5pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Express yourself through spoken word poetry in this supportive youth workshop.
🌙 Friday Night Vibes Market | 4-9pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
An evening of food, shopping, and entertainment at The Trusts Arena.
🚚 Hobsonville Point Takeaway Night | 5-8pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Relax with a variety of food trucks at this community takeaway night.
✍️ Young Poets Library Lock-In | 5:30-7:30pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
After-hours library event with poetry, pizza, and performances.
🍽️ C'mon Hobby, Let's Eat (community meal) | 6-7:15pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Share a meal with the community in this friendly potluck-style event.
🎟️ Beats By Bingo WCF Fundraiser - Waitakere College | 6:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Enjoy a fun bingo night for a good cause.
🎤 Open Mic Night | 8pm-12am
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Monthly open mic night for performers and music lovers.
Sat 29 Aug
🎓 Plunket Working with Kids Course for Teens | 9am-3pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Workshop for teens to learn leadership and babysitting skills.
🌳 Fruit Tree Planting Day | 9:30am-12:30pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Help plant a new food forest and enjoy a community lunch.
🛠️ Build a Plant Stand: Power Tools 101, The ReCreators Green Space | 10am-2pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn woodworking and power tool skills to build a plant stand.
🌀 Beyblade Landscape X 3on3 Ranked Tournament | 10am-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Monthly competitive Beyblade X 3on3 tournament for all skill levels.
🖨️ Printed Putiputi | 10am-2pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Free drop-in community print workshop inspired by local flora.
🎨 Curatorial Catch Up Mikala Tai | 10am-1pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
A relaxed peer-led discussion session for curators.
🛠️ DEANZ Repair Café | 11am-2pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A community event where volunteers help fix your broken household items for free.
🦖 The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery | Sat and Sun, 11am-12:30pm, 1:30-3pm ($)
📍 Kumeū | Learn more
Lifelike robotic dinosaurs, fossil panning, and live dinosaur encounters for the family.
🖨️ 3D Printing Workshop for Teens and Adults | 1-3pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Hands-on 3D design workshop using Tinkercad.
🥊 WMF New Zealand National Team Trials | 1pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
National team Muay Thai trials featuring elite amateur bouts.
🦖 The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery | 1:30-3pm ($)
📍 Kumeū | Learn more
Lifelike robotic dinosaurs, fossil panning, and live dinosaur encounters for the family.
🎞️ TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA (1985) 35mm Friedkin's Birthday | 6-8pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A rare 35mm screening of the action classic To Live and Die in L.A.
🎪 Illuminated Horizons | 6-9pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
An immersive variety show featuring live poetry, music, art, and refreshments.
👻 The Exorcist (1973) | 8:30pm–10:30pm ($)
📍 The Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
A special screening of The Exorcist for director William Friedkin's birthday.
🎸 Rumpus Machine at the Original Kaipara Tavern, Helensville | 7-11pm
📍 Helensville | Learn more
Catch Rumpus Machine playing live classic rock.
🎸 R3PLAY at The Taphouse! | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Relive the best of the 80s with a live performance at The Taphouse.
💃 The Joy Club: Mini Rave | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Waimauku | Learn more
A judgment-free, lights-out mini rave environment for immersive dancing.
🎤 ZOO.2 - The U2 Experience NZ LIVE at New Lynn RSA | 7:30-10:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Enjoy a live U2 tribute concert at the RSA.
🕺 Super Trouper - ABBA Tribute | 7:30-10:30pm ($)
📍 Swanson | Learn more
A live tribute show featuring 35 ABBA hits.
Sun 30 Aug
🧭 The Shoe Science TrailNav Challenge (Rogaine) @ Riverhead Forest | 9am-1pm
📍 Riverhead | Learn more
Test your navigation skills in this forest rogaine challenge.
🛍️ Titirangi Village Market | 9am-12pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Monthly community market featuring local art, food, and crafts.
🔮 What Does the Universe Have in Store for You? Join Me This Sunday at Titirangi Community House! | 9am-2pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
A day of psychic readings and holistic wellness at the community house.
🎲 CM Westcity - Catan Cities Event | 11am-2pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A competitive regional qualifier tournament for the NZ Catan Championship.
🌭 Friends of Arataki - Monthly fundraising BBQ's! | 11am-2pm ($)
📍 Oratia | Learn more
Grab a sausage sizzle and support the Arataki community at this monthly BBQ fundraiser.
🎉 Krishna Mela | 11am-4pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
A vibrant family-friendly festival celebrating culture with music, dance, and food.
🦊 Youth Animal Ear Making Workshop | 1-3:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Youth workshop to design and make your own animal ears.
🧱 Riverhead LEGO Club | 1:30-3:30pm
📍 Riverhead | Learn more
A weekly community building session for LEGO fans.
☀️ Spring Market | 1:30-4:30pm
📍 Green Bay | Learn more
Celebrate the sunshine with a local community market featuring plants, crafts, and food.
🏉 Warriors 2026 Games | 4-6pm
📍Greenfields, The Hangar, Taphouse & Workshop | Learn more
Catch Warriors rugby league games live on the big screen.
🎬 Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) | 4pm–5:30pm
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Cult classic film screening featuring four legendary supernatural tales.
🐰 ALICE (1988) | 6:15pm–7:45pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
A surreal, stop-motion adaptation of Alice in Wonderland featuring puppets and bizarre transformations.
Mon 31 Aug
🧘 Taiao Flows - Gentle movement and cultural somatic for women's wellbeing | 9:30-11am ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Uplifting movement and yoga sessions designed for women's health and wellness.
🪡 Embroidery Class | 10am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Learn basic embroidery stitches with Sugi in this free class.
🌿 Make compost bin/garden bed, Mahi māra/ Gardening | 12-3pm ($)
📍 The ReCreators Green Space, Massey | Learn more
Build a compost bin and learn about gardening and lunar cycles.
🪡 Free Beginners Sewing Class | 12-3pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A 10-week free beginner sewing course for women.
🧘 Chair Yoga with Harmony Yoga! | 12:30-1:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Accessible chair-based yoga classes focused on health, relaxation, and community.
🎨 Makerspace | 3:15-6:15pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Fun after-school activities for students.
🏓 Community Pickleball for Beginners! | 6-9pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Evening community pickleball session suitable for all beginners.
Tue 1 Sep
🧱 Lego Build Sessions | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Creative Lego building sessions for kids aged 5 and up.
🛠️ Build a Plant Stand: Power Tools 101 | 10am-2pm ($)
📍 The ReCreators Green Space, Massey | Learn more
Learn woodworking skills and build your own plant stand using power tools.
📚 Book Chat | 10:30-11:30am
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A casual monthly catch-up to share and discuss books over tea and coffee.
🧵 Free clothing repairs! | 4-6pm
📍 Waterview | Learn more
Bring your worn clothes for free professional repairs.
🧠 Quiz Night | 7-10pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Join us for our weekly Tuesday trivia night.
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted! See you next week!
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