Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},
Spring is here! But oh what a wet and windy start! Let’s hope the temperatures start rising soon.
In this issue we’re featuring the suburb of New Lynn! As mentioned last issue, we’re highlighting a small sample of what each suburb has to offer. And of course The Great Westie Burger Battle is back for 2026!
Here's what's happening:
Free Kids' Health Services!
KiwiSaver Smart Moves & Plan Change 120 additional Feedback.
Avondale Reserve Set for Major Upgrade & Glen Eden Speed Table Gets a Fix.
Hirepool Free BBQ for your Crew!
Henderson Shuffle, Art Awards & Open Studios for Local Creatives.
New Opshop, Ice Cream Shop Reopening.
Caramel Apple Exclusive promo & Fried Chicken promo
Performers, Artists, Stallholders, and Business Rep needed!
42 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:
News section
National & City Digest
💰 Expert warns against chasing top-performing funds as KiwiSaver switching increases Instead advises focusing on diversified funds and annual goal checks. NZ Herald
🩺 Health NZ: Free Online GP Visits for Kids Under 14 Consumer.org.nz
💉 Over 260,000 young children eligible for funded flu vaccines Children aged 6 months up to 5 years old will be funded starting April 2027. Beehive
🏘️ Aucklanders get another say on Plan Change 120 Auckland Council has opened an additional submission period for Plan Change 120, which proposes new planning rules to protect against natural hazards while enabling more housing. OurAuckland
Local Digest
🍔 The Great Westie Burger Battle Returns The Great Westie Burger Battle is back for 2026, with voting open from September 1-30 to find the West's best burger among 14 contenders. The Trusts
🏃♀️ Henderson Shuffle Returns for an Endurance Day The Henderson Shuffle endurance event is back on Sunday 27 September at Henderson Park, inviting everyone to walk, jog, or run as many laps as they like in 12 hours. Twisted Sisters Club
🚧 Glen Eden Speed Table to be modified after complaints and vehicle damage Auckland Transport is spending $350,000 to modify a steep speed table in Glen Eden town centre, installed in 2021, after numerous complaints of vehicle damage. RNZ
🌳 Avondale Central Reserve Major Upgrade Approved Avondale Central Reserve is set for a major upgrade with approved concept designs for a new playground, landscaping, path connections, and picnic facilities, funded by $2.76 million. Facebook
Business Bulletin
🍎 Love Dem Apples Launches Pre-ordering! You can now order your soft caramel apples and apple crumble in advance. Save $5 on your first $25+ order with code WESTIE5. Exclusive to West Auckland Digest readers for Love Dem Apples market pre-order pickup this week. They are back in Hobsonville food park September 3, 4, 16, and 17. Order by post is coming soon!
📍 102 Hobsonville Road, Hobsonville
🍦 Cream Ice Cream Reopens After Renovations Sep 5–6 with a fresh menu and grand reopening.
📍 58 Moire Rd, Massey
🛍️ Red Cross Op Shop Opens in New Lynn
📍 22 Clark Street, New Lynn
🍗 Alif by Sensational Chicken Opens in Kelston Grand opening special offers 20% off orders.
📍 4038 Great North Road, Kelston
🎨 Entries Open for The Trusts 39th Art Awards Exhibition Artists of the West can enter for a share of $16,000+ in prizes.
📍 Corban Estate Arts Centre, Henderson
🎤 Whau Youth Talent Show Seeks Performers with 11 finalists and an $800 prize pool.
🌺 Pasifika Festival 2027 Stallholder Applications Open Food, craft and retail vendors can apply for March 13–14.
🛠️ Hirepool Offers Free BBQs for Tradie Day Free feed. Your site. Their BBQ. 🌭Entries close Friday 11 Sep
🚚 Hobsonville Food Park Welcomes Returning Favourites Love Dem Apples, Street Treats and more return this week.
🤝 Business Northwest Seeks Kumeu & Huapai Representative Seeking a local business representative for its Executive Committee.
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Suburb Feature: 10 Things to Do in New Lynn
New Lynn is classic West Auckland: a busy, down-to-earth town centre with a mix of old-school character, families, local shops and plenty happening. Built on its clay and railway roots, it’s grown into a lively spot that blends heritage, everyday Westie life and a few surprises along the way.
Synergy Sports – Get active with indoor sports and activities.
Mae Nam Khong BBQ Buffet – Try Auckland’s only Thai mookata buffet.
What a BBQ – Get your fix of proper smokehouse BBQ.
Krispy Kreme + KFC Double Down – New Lynn has a Krispy Kreme right across from KFC. Create the once in lifetime monster of a sandwich - A KFC Double Down Between 2 Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Donuts.
Settebello – Grab some proper Neapolitan pizza.
El Mexicano Zapata Cantina – Tacos, burritos, fajitas and more.
New Lynn Community Centre – Check out activities like French jive, pickleball and tai chi.
New Lynn Community Market – Held on the first Friday of each month.
Explore the multicultural grocery shops – Aditi, Arjun, Tai Ping, Pino Plus, Food 4 Less, New Lynn Fresh, Swagat and Kia Ora Superette. Ask the staff what snacks they recommend.
Hospice Shop New Lynn – Go treasure hunting for bargains and unique finds.
The Weekend Top Picks
💃 Boogie Night with DJ Manchoo
📍 Mr Illingsworth, Te Atatū Peninsula | Fri 7pm–midnight Learn more
Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to groove, Te Atatu! DJ Manchoo is bringing the best of 80s hits and disco classics to Mr Illingsworth for an unforgettable night on the floor.
🎸 Maskara Live at The Hangar
📍 The Hangar | Fri 7:30pm–late Learn more
Get ready for a night of high-energy glam rock as Maskara brings their legendary big riffs and big hair to Henderson. It's the perfect way to kick off your Friday night with live music, great food, and refreshing drinks.
🌀 Auckland Beyblade Open: BX1 GSNZ Regional
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre | Sat 10am–7pm ($) Learn more
Get ready to rip! Join Auckland's first regional Beyblade tournament, a high-energy showdown featuring competitive play, casual stations, and your chance to qualify for the Aotearoa Beyblade Nationals.
🧸 re:generate Kids Market
📍 Glen Eden Intermediate School | Sat 10:00am–1:00pm ($) Learn more
Clear out the old and snap up the new! Join us at Glen Eden Intermediate for a fantastic morning of sustainable shopping, featuring pre-loved treasures perfect for your little ones.
🛠️ Build a Potting Table: Power Tools 101
📍 The ReCreators Green Space, Massey | Sat 10am–4pm ($) Learn more
Unleash your inner maker and gain hands-on experience with power tools in this full-day workshop, where you'll craft your very own functional potting table from reclaimed timber.
🌻 Sunflower Market Community Fundraiser
📍 Massey Community Hub | Sat 10am–2pm Learn more
Join the Massey community for a vibrant monthly pop-up market! Discover local treasures, enjoy live music, and support local fundraising efforts at this family-friendly grassroots event.
🧸 Gently Loved Markets: Big Kids
📍 Sunderland Lounge, Hobsonville | Sat 11am–2pm Learn more
Score some sustainable treasures at the Gently Loved Markets, specifically curated for big kids aged 5 to 12. Join us in Hobsonville for a morning of eco-friendly bargain hunting!
🎸 Five Wheel Drive Live at Greenfields
📍 Greenfields Bar, Westgate | Sat 7pm Learn more
Get ready for a massive night of live music in Westgate! Five Wheel Drive is taking the stage at Greenfields, bringing the energy and the best vibes to your Saturday night.
🎸 Saturday Sessions: Raindogg
📍 Workshop Bar, Kelston | Sat 7pm–late Learn more
Kick back at Workshop Bar this Saturday for an evening of live music with Raindogg. Following the Warriors game, it’s the perfect spot to catch some tunes, enjoy a drink, and settle into the weekend vibes.
🌲 Trails for Trees: Whānau Fun Day
📍 Arataki Visitor Centre | Sun 11am–2pm Learn more
Join the EcoMatters team at Arataki Visitor Centre for a day of nature, adventure, and community spirit. It's the perfect way to spend a Sunday connecting with your whānau while supporting local environmental efforts.
Markets
New or irregularly scheduled markets
None this week.
Monthly Markets
New Lynn Community Market 4 Sep Fri 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 New Lynn Community Centre
Looking for a fun Friday night out? Join us at the New Lynn Community Market, held every first Friday of the month! Come and support local small businesses, enjoy delicious food, browse unique stalls, and spend the evening with your community.Sunflower Market Community Fundraiser 5 Sep Sat 10am-2pm
📍 Massey Community Hub
Bringing together local people, local businesses, creators, music makers, organisations, activities, food, plants, treasures and SO much more!Swanson Station Market 6 September Sun 7am-12pm
📍 760 Swanson Rd, Swanson
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 2 Sep
🧤 Sew an Oven Mitt, The ReCreators Green Space | 10am-1pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
Workshop to sew an oven mitt using reclaimed fabric.
📱 Digital Drop-In | 10am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Drop-in assistance for questions about personal digital devices.
🏐 Youth Volleyball | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
After school volleyball for the youth.
🎬 Acting for Screen | 5-6:30pm ($)
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Learn script analysis, character development, and on-camera acting techniques.
🧀 Raclette Night at Ambler | 6:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
A cheesy French-style dinner evening with music and drinks.
Thu 3 Sep
🛠️ Milwaukee Mania | 7-10am
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Morning event with Milwaukee tool experts, free BBQ breakfast, and prize draws.
🌿 Friends of Taihinui Historical Reserve | 9:30am-12:30pm
📍 Greenhithe | Learn more
Help restore a beautiful native bush reserve.
📚 Greenhithe community stop | 11am-12pm
📍 Greenhithe | Learn more
Visit the mobile library for all your reading needs.
🪡 Free Beginners Sewing Class Term 3 | 12-3pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A free course to learn basic sewing skills.
🤝 Vaka Tautua Drop-In at Avondale Library | 12-2pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Drop-in social and support services.
🗣️ English Class for Chinese speakers - Beginners | 1-2:30pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Conversational English class for beginners.
🏓 Community Pickleball for Beginners! | 3-5pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Community-led pickleball sessions suitable for beginners of all ages.
🎲 Board Game Afternoon | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A relaxing afternoon playing board games.
🩺 Overdose Awareness + Harm Reduction | 3:30-4:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
An educational workshop on harm reduction and overdose awareness.
💻 Code Club | 4-5pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A coding session for club members.
🥋 Free Tai Chi with Monica | 4-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Free Tai Chi classes focused on balance and health.
🎲 Thursday Night Board Games | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Join the community for a fun night of board games at the local headquarters.
🎥 DIVA | 7:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
4K restoration screening of the French thriller Diva.
🎵 Karaoke with Scott & Aimee | 7-10pm
📍 Lynfield | Learn more
Enjoy weekly karaoke nights featuring inflatable guitars and fun performances.
🎨 Paint and Wine Night: Cathedral Cove | 7-9pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Step-by-step painting class in a social bar setting.
🎵 The Joy Club: Dark Dancers | 7:30-8:35pm ($)
📍 Waimauku | Learn more
A weekly dark-room dance party featuring a mix of hits from the 50s to present day.
Fri 4 Sep
♟️ Chess Club | 3-6pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Social chess club welcoming all skill levels and ages.
🎪 Friday Night Vibes Market | 4-9pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Weekly Friday night market featuring food, circus acts, and music.
🎪 HPPS Cultural evening | 5-8:30pm
📍 Hobsonville Point | Learn more
A celebration of diversity featuring food trucks, performances, and a cultural art expo.
🎥 Duck Soup by the Marx Brothers | 6pm
📍 Corban Estate Henderson | Learn more
Fundraise for Nico, a friend of Cinema Soup. Drop by for a movie, soup, bread and kōrero.
🎲 HOBBY LORDS NEW LYNN - GRAND OPENING! | 6:30-9:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Grand opening party for the hobby shop with games and $10K in giveaways.
🌙 New Lynn Community Night Market | 7-10pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Explore local stalls and food at our community market.
💃 Boogie Night with DJ Manchoo | 7-10pm
📍 Te Atatu | Learn more
Boogie the night away with DJ Manchoo.
🤘 LIVE BANDS @ The Hangar : MASKARA | 7:30-10:30pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A night of live glam rock music by Maskara with food and drinks.
⛸️ Drum & Bass On Ice | 7:30-10:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Experience high-energy Drum & Bass music while ice skating under the lights.
🎥 THE ROOM | 8-9:30pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Screening of the cult classic 'The Room' on 35mm film.
🌱 Auckland Garden Club Monthly Meeting | 9:45am-12pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Gardening talks, raffles, trading tables, and community garden outings.
Sat 5 Sep
🌱 Beginners Vegetable Growing Workshop | 9am-12pm ($)
📍 Greenhithe | Learn more
Practical guide to starting your own home vegetable garden.
🌀 Auckland Beyblade Open | BX1 | GSNZ Regional | 10am-7pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
A regional Beyblade tournament with casual play stations.
🛠️ Build a Potting Table: Power Tools 101, The ReCreators Green Space | 10am-4pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn to use power tools to build a potting table.
👕 re:generate Kids Market | 10am-1pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
Shop for pre-loved baby and kid gear.
🌻 SUNFLOWER MARKET | 10am-2pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
A monthly community fundraiser featuring local creators, businesses, music, food, plants, and treasures.
🧪 Squish! Bang! Splat! | 10am-4pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Science shows, workshops, and fun experiments at MOTAT.
🎸 Beginner Guitar Workshop | 10:30am-1:30pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Free guitar lessons for beginner kids aged 9-13.
🧘 Qigong Classes | 10:45-11:45am
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Weekly Qigong classes for wellbeing.
🩺 Asian Hauora Day | 11am-3pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Free health checks and wellness support.
🛍️ Gently Loved Markets Big Kids! | 11am-2pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
A preloved market specifically for goods catering to children aged 5-12.
🎬 NZ's Top Dog Film Festival 2026 | 3-6pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A cinematic screening of dog-themed short films for the whole family.
🏉 Warriors 2026 Games | 5-7pm
📍 Greenfields, The Hangar, Taphouse & Workshop | Learn more
Catch all the live Warriors action on the big screen with drinks and food.
🛸 EVENT HORIZON | 6:30-8:15pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Sci-fi horror screening of the classic Event Horizon.
🎸 Saturday Sessions: Raindogg | 7-10pm
📍 Kelston | Learn more
Live music from Raindogg after the game.
🎸 Five Wheel Drive @ Greenfields | 7-10pm
📍 Westgate | Learn more
Live music performance by Five Wheel Drive at the local bar.
🎵 West City Youth Concert Band presents “Rhapsody In Blue” | 7pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
The West City Youth Concert Band performs a concert featuring Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.
🎸 Red Tonik Live | 7pm
📍 Massey North | Learn more
Enjoy a night of live music, pool, and sports at Greenfields Bar.
Sun 6 Sep
🎪 Swanson Station Market | 7am-12pm
📍 Swanson | Learn more
A community market held at the historic Swanson Railway Station.
🧪 Squish! Bang! Splat! | 10am-4pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Science shows, workshops, and fun experiments at MOTAT.
🚲 Trails for Trees: Whānau Fun Day at Arataki | 11am-2pm
📍 Arataki | Learn more
Family fun day with e-bikes, trail exploration, and free smoothies.
🍔 Father's Day at Bricklane | 11am
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Enjoy a special family dining experience and relaxed atmosphere for Father's Day.
☕ Death Café | 1:30-3pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A confidential and casual discussion group about death and making the most of life.
🍿 LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) *Fathers Day | 2-5:40pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Enjoy a cinematic classic on the big screen for a special Father's Day event.
🎸 Ruff Copy live at the Huapai Tavern | 3-6pm
📍 Huapai | Learn more
Live covers band playing party hits.
🎞️ THE GAME | 6:30-8:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Special 35mm screening of the classic thriller The Game.
Mon 7 Sep
🪡 Free Beginners Sewing Class Term 3 | 12-3pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A free course to learn basic sewing skills.
🧘 Chair Yoga with Harmony Yoga! | 12:30-1:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Relaxed chair yoga session for older adults and those with mobility needs.
🎨 Creative Matters After-School Art | 3-5pm ($)
📍 Pt Chevalier | Learn more
Weekly after-school art classes covering sculpture, illustration, painting, and creative storytelling.
🛠️ Makerspace | 3:15-6:15pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
After-school creative activity session for students.
⚖️ The legal side of death: How to get your legal affairs in order | 4-5:30pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Informative talk on getting legal affairs in order for Dying Matters Week.
🏓 Community Pickleball for Beginners! | 6-9pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Community-led pickleball sessions suitable for beginners of all ages.
🎵 In Your Neighbourhood: Flute & Strings | 6:30-7:45pm ($)
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
A mesmerizing chamber music performance featuring flute, viola, and harp.
Tue 8 Sep
💎 Wearable Crown Lynn | 10am-12:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A creative workshop learning how to turn vintage pottery into unique jewellery.
🍠 Kūmara Kōrero with Matua Rob Small | 2-3pm
📍 Pt Chevalier | Learn more
An author talk about the history and preservation of heritage kūmara.
🧱 Lego Build Sessions | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Drop-in Lego building session for kids aged 5 and up.
🧠 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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