Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},
The CRL is finally open! There’s so much excitement around the CRL on the socials. Celebrations were held at or around the stations all over Auckland. So to mark this historic moment we’re proud to give you the CRL Special issue of the West Auckland Digest! We’ve included more than the usual updates about the CRL, plus a short article about the CRL. Hope you enjoy it!
Here's what's happening:
CRL's Big Opening: Hiccups, Guides, CRL-Friendly Spots, Future Plans
Northwest Busway Gets Green Light
West Auckland Fibre Outage & Scam Parking QR Codes
Avondale Station Upgrades & Massey Park Plans
Offroad Racing in Helensville
Hobsonville Repair Cafe & West Auckland Band Rocks Finals
47 Events and 11 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
🚆 City Rail Link Opens with Early Delays & Public Excitement An early fire at Waitematā Station briefly delayed Auckland's City Rail Link launch, but thousands still celebrated the network's opening and its potential to speed up travel. RNZ
🚇 User's Guide to Auckland's City Rail Link Here are some guides to help you maximise the CRL's benefits by highlighting best pubs, wine bars, attractions, shopping, journeys, stations, fashion, parks, cafes, coffee, and takeaways opened up by the new system. Mentions West Auckland hotspots like Avondale's Burnt Butter Diner and Baby G, Glen Eden's Kampung Style Malaysian Cafe, and New Lynn's LynnMall The Spinoff | Locavore Eats Guide
💳 Limited Edition CRL AT HOP Cards Released three limited edition AT HOP cards featuring artwork inspired by the new CRL stations are available for purchase only at their matching station for collectors. Auckland Transport
🏗️ Auckland's Next Major Transport Projects Post-CRL Following the CRL opening, Auckland's upcoming transport projects include Ngākōroa Station in Drury, the Eastern and Northwest Busways, Airport to Botany rapid transit, the Avondale-Southdown rail link, and a Second Harbour Crossing. 1News
🚌 Green Light for Northwest Rapid Transit Busway The $4.9 billion Te Ara Hauāuru busway along SH16—featuring seven new stations from Brigham Creek to the CBD—has received final approvals, with construction set for 2027. Stuff
Local Digest
🔌 Fibre Outage Affects Swanson & Massey Vandalism to Chorus fibre cables has left over 3,100 customers without internet last weekend. NZ Herald
🚉 Avondale Station Area Upgrades Complete Crayford Street West has new safety features, lighting, seating, landscaping and school drop-off/pick-up parking ahead of enhanced train services. Auckland Transport
🏎️ Ultra4 NZ Black Sand Brawl Coming to Helensville The offroad racing event returns to Woodhill, with a Friday morning parade through Helensville and public safety checks at The Original Kaipara Tavern carpark before Saturday’s races. Ultra4 New Zealand
🚗 Car Flips in Narrow West Auckland McDonald's Driveway Facebook
🎸 West Auckland Band Sidetracked Heads to Rockquest Finals Sidetracked is the only Auckland group among eight national finalists performing at the Smokefree Rockquest National Finals in Wellington on Friday, September 18. sidetracked.nz
🚽 Blockhouse Bay Reserve Toilet Upgrades Begin at Rathlin Street, with completion expected by mid-December, weather permitting. Auckland Council
🚶♀️ Temporary Access Changes for Mercer Bay Loop Maintenance on September 10–11 closed Log Race Road access. Walkers must use the longer route from Karekare car park via Comans and Ahu Ahu Tracks. Auckland Council
Business Bulletin
🛠️ Repair Cafe Hobsonville Launching This Saturday offering free repairs for clothes, toys, small appliances, and knife sharpening to reduce waste and teach new skills.
📍 Headquarters Building, 214 Buckley Avenue, Hobsonville
🧑🎨 New Lynn Kids Market Seeks Young Stallholders for School Holidays young entrepreneurs aged 9-15 are invited to run their own stalls for handmade products, baking, or crafts on Saturday, October 10.
📍 New Lynn Community Centre
🎪 Souk Vibes Market Seeks Stallholders Happening on Saturday, October 17 and is currently seeking stallholders to participate in the event.
📍 Blockhouse Bay Primary School
🍩 Krispy Kreme Celebrates 8th Birthday This Week on Thursday, September 17, with birthday treats, sweet surprises, and plenty of Original Glazed goodness.
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City Rail Link: 100 Years in the Making
Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) has officially opened! First proposed in 1923 as the Morningside Deviation, the line completes a century-long effort to expand central city rail.
The project constructed twin 3.45 km underground tunnels up to 45 metres deep using the 130-metre tunnel boring machine Dame Whina Cooper. It introduced two new underground hubs, Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape, and upgraded Maungawhau and Waitematā, converting Waitematā from a dead-end terminal into a through station.
The CRL doubles network capacity across three restructured lines: South City, East West, and Onehunga West. Annual patronage is forecast to jump from 14.2 million at launch to 27.9 million after five years.
Despite its operational launch, the CRL remains under scrutiny over its expected $5.5 billion final cost, up from original estimates of $2.8 billion to $3.4 billion. The government has booked a $700 million impairment, while the network is expected to carry an annual net operating cost of approximately $235 million.
Despite these concerns, the CRL remains the foundation of Auckland’s rail network, with a much larger programme of future investment already planned.
Have you been to the new CRL stations yet?
The Weekend Top Picks
🏁 2026 Ultra4 NZ Black Sand Brawl
📍 Woodhill Off Road Adventure | Sat 8:15am–5:30pm ($) Learn more
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled day of unlimited offroad racing! Rock up at Woodhill for an action-packed day of high-speed thrills and rugged offroad competition.
🛍️ $5 Fill-a-bag: Spring Edition
📍 Tipping Point, Henderson | Sat 9am–4pm ($) Learn more
Spring has sprung at Tipping Point, and it's time to stock up! Come for an incredible day of rummaging where you can fill a bag with treasures for just $5, including an exclusive early release of their spooky Halloween collection.
🌿 Spring Festival & Open Day
📍 Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School | Sat 11am–2:30pm Learn more
Explore nature-based, screen-free education at the Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School Spring Festival and Open Day, featuring live music, folk dances, and vibrant community fun.
🛠️ Repair Cafe Hobsonville
📍 Headquarters Building, Hobsonville | Sat 2pm–4pm Learn more
Give your broken items a second chance at life! Join the community for a collaborative repair day where expert volunteers help you fix your belongings, learn valuable skills, and reduce waste.
🎾 Davis Cup: New Zealand vs Japan
📍 Henderson | Sat and Sun 12-5pm ($) Learn more
Auckland is hosting The Davis Cup, the premier international team event in men's tennis. Fans can expect an electric, family-friendly atmosphere with single and doubles matches showcasing top-tier national pride.
🎶 Oldskool ReUnion ft DJ Bus
📍 Mr Illingsworth, Te Atatū Peninsula | Sat 7pm–midnight Learn more
Dust off your dancing shoes and take a trip down memory lane at Mr Illingsworth. DJ Bus is spinning the ultimate throwback tracks that defined your best nights out for one night only.
🏍️ Catalina Classics Bike Meet-Up
📍 Catalina Bay, Hobsonville | Sun 10:00am Learn more
Kick back at Catalina Bay for a relaxed morning celebrating beautiful machines and great company in a stunning setting. Then stop by the Market for some awesome eats.
🏴☠️ The Village Market: Pirate Edition
📍 Helensville A&P Showgrounds | Sun 08:30am–1:00pm Learn more
Ahoy there, mateys! Set sail for the Helensville Showgrounds for a swashbuckling morning of pirate-themed fun, sea shanties, and a treasure hunt that the whole family will love.
🛍️ Kumeu Market
📍 Kumeu Showgrounds | Sun 9am–2pm Learn more
Kick off the spring season at the Kumeu Market! Come down to the Kumeu Showgrounds for a vibrant morning featuring over 120 stalls, delicious street eats, and fun for the whole family.
🚂 Rails in the Ranges
📍 Huia Hall | Sun 2pm ($) Learn more
Dive into the fascinating history of the Waitakere Ranges at this exclusive oral history talk. Join author Harvey Stewart for a journey through the region's historic water supply dams and tramlines.
Markets
New or irregularly scheduled markets
Te Atatu Peninsula Crystal Visions Craft & Wellness Market Sep 19 Saturday 10am-3pm
📍 Te Atatū Community Centre
Nurture your body, mind, and spirit with a variety of crystals, silver jewellery, healers, tarot card readers, and artisan crafts.Halal Night Market Sep 20 Sunday 4:30-8:30pm
📍 Western SpringsA family-friendly night market featuring halal food, desserts, and local small businesses.
Monthly Markets
Glen Eden Community Market 19 September Sat 10am-2pm
📍 Glen Eden Community HouseKumeū Market 20 September Sun 9am-2pm
📍 Kumeū ShowgroundsThe Village Market Helensville 20 September Sun 8:30am-1pm
📍 Helensville A&P Showgrounds
Weekly markets
New Lynn Farmers Market Wednesday 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn Memorial SquareHenderson Night Market Thu 5pm-11pm
📍 The Boundary, Henderson (Under Kmart)Friday Night Vibes Market Fri From 4pm
📍 Trusts Arena, HendersonCatalina Bay Farmers Market Sat & Sun 8:30am-2pm
📍 1/3 Boundary Road, HobsonvilleShed Collective plant-based farmers Market Sat 8:30am-12pm
📍 99 Parrs Cross Road, OratiaAvondale Sunday Market Sun 5am-12pm
📍 23 Elm Street, AvondaleKelston Night Market Mon 5pm-11pm
📍 Kelston Mall (Under Countdown)
Check out our Markets page
Events this week
Wed 16 Sep
🧸 New Lynn Plunket Playgroup! | 9:30-11:30am
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A morning playgroup for children to socialize and play.
💻 Digital Drop-In | 10am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Swing by for some friendly help with your phone, tablet, or laptop.
🩹 CPR and choking first aid for parents plus stay and play at Adventure Alley Indoor Playground | 10am-1pm ($)
📍 Adventure Alley NZ | Learn more
Learn life-saving first aid skills followed by playground fun for the kids.
🌿 Te Wiki o te Reo Māori at MOTAT | 10am-4pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Interactive te reo games, Māori printing press crafts, and whānau-friendly cultural learning.
🍵 Song Dynasty Tea Whisking | 11am-12:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Learn the ancient art of Song Dynasty tea whisking in this workshop.
⚠️ Ready Set Safe - Disaster Preparedness Workshop | 12:30-3:30pm
📍 Green Bay | Learn more
Introductory workshop on preparing your home and whānau for emergencies.
🏐 Youth Volleyball | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Weekly after-school volleyball sessions for youth.
🎵 Quiz Night | 6:30-8:30pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Test your trivia skills at this weekly pub quiz night.
💃 Learn to Dance in the Wild Wild West | Modern Jive Classes New Lynn (Beginners Free) | 7-9:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Weekly Modern Jive dance classes with free beginner sessions.
🎵 Beats By Bingo | 7:30pm
📍 Kumeū | Learn more
Musical bingo with great tunes, prizes, and sing-alongs.
Thu 17 Sep
🗣️ English Class for Chinese speakers - Beginners | 1-2:30pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A conversational English class specifically for Chinese-speaking beginners.
🏓 Community Pickleball for Beginners! | 3-5pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Friendly community pickleball matches for beginners.
🎲 Board Game Afternoon | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A relaxed afternoon playing classic and modern board games.
💻 Code Club | 4-5pm
📍 93 Rosebank Road, Auckland, New Zealand 1026 | Learn more
Coding session for club members.
☯️ Free Tai Chi with Monica | 4-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Free Tai Chi classes for improved health.
🧘 Restorative Yoga Session | 5-6pm ($)
📍 Waitakere | Learn more
Supported poses, long holds, mindful breathing, and total relaxation.
🍳 Community Cooking with Ganesh Raj | 5:30-7pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A hands-on cooking demonstration with Ganesh Raj.
🚲 Ride from Glen Eden to Henderson Night Market | 6-9pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
Group cycle ride to the local night market.
🎲 Thursday Night Board Games | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Community board game group meeting on the 1st and 3rd Thursday.
🩹 Community Course - Learn Basic First Aid | 7-9pm ($)
📍 Greenhithe | Learn more
Practical session to learn essential first aid skills.
✨ Drag Bingo | 7-10pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A fun, high-energy drag bingo night.
🎵 Karaoke with Scott & Aimee | 7-10pm
📍 Auckland | Learn more
Weekly karaoke fun with inflatable guitars, air guitar skills, and stage performances.
🧟 RESIDENT EVIL (2026) | 7:30-9:15pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A thrilling cinematic reimagining of the Resident Evil franchise.
Fri 18 Sep
📱 Senior Digital Club | 10:30-11:30am
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A friendly club for seniors to get help with devices and the internet.
🥘 Oven Hāngī | 12-3pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A community workshop preparing an Oven Hāngī and fried bread.
♻️ Second Bite Showcase | 1-3pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
See how local businesses turn food waste into community garden compost.
♟️ Chess Club | 3-6pm
📍 Te Atatu | Learn more
Drop-in social chess games for all levels.
🎶 Ukulele Jam Session | 3:30-4:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A free weekly ukulele jam session for all skill levels.
🌿 Community Catch-up at the Park! Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori | 3:30-5pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Relaxed community gathering at Moire Park celebrating te Reo Māori.
🍔 Friday Night Vibes Market | 4-9pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Friday night market with food, music, and stalls.
🏓 Waitakere Table Tennis Club Nights | 5:45-8:30pm ($)
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
Table tennis sessions, robot practice, and fun for all skill levels.
🎬 NZ Mountain Film Festival National Tour | 6:45-9:30pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Inspirational outdoor adventure films at the historic Sunderland Lounge.
🎞️ BOARDINGHOUSE (1982) *35mm Presentation | 8-9:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A rare 35mm presentation of the 1982 horror cult classic Boardinghouse.
🎤 Karaoke with DJ Manchoo | 9pm-12am
📍 Te Atatu | Learn more
Friday night karaoke session with DJ Manchoo.
Sat 19 Sep
💻 Scratch Coding workshop | 1-2pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Learn coding basics by creating your own game using Scratch.
🏎️ 2026 Ultra4 NZ Black Sand Brawl - Unlimited Offroad Racing | 8:15am-5:30pm ($)
📍 Woodhill | Learn more
High-octane unlimited offroad racing event.
🎪 2nd Well-Being Carnival Event - Avondale Racecourse | 9am-12pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
The second edition of the Well-Being Carnival competition.
🧸 Kids Only Market | 9:30am-12:30pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Pre-loved toys, handmade crafts, and treats from young local entrepreneurs.
🎨 Whānau Day | 10am-2pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
A day of free creative workshops and activities for families throughout Titirangi.
🌿 Mānutewhau Community Awa (stream) Clean-up Day! | 10am-12:30pm
📍 West Harbour | Learn more
Join the community to help clean up the local stream.
🎉 Haere Mai Glen Eden Free Whānau Day! | 10am-1pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
A free day of community fun and activities.
🔮 Crystal Visions Craft & Wellness Market | 10am-3pm
📍 Te Atatu Peninsula | Learn more
Explore crystal healing, tarot readings, and artisanal crafts at this community wellness market.
🎸 Beginner Guitar Workshop | 10:30am-1:30pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Free guitar workshop for kids aged 9-13.
🧘 Qigong Classes | 10:45-11:45am
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Improve your flow and relaxation with a Qigong session.
🕊️ Prints For Good - World Peace Day | 11am-2pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Print-making workshop focused on world peace.
🎾 Davis Cup at The Hangar | 12-3pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Pre and post-match drinks and socialising for tennis fans.
🎾 Davis Cup: New Zealand vs Japan | 12-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Watch professional tennis as New Zealand takes on Japan in the Davis Cup.
🏫 Spring Open Day at Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School | 12:30-3:30pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Open day at the school featuring classroom tours.
🎓 Auckland Bulb and Perennial Society Meeting | 1-3pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Join the Auckland Bulb and Perennial Society to learn more about gardening, growing, and hybridising bulbs.
🛠️ Repair Cafe Hobsonville | 2-4pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Bring your broken goods to be fixed by the community for free.
🎪 Spring Market | 2pm
📍 Glendene | Learn more
Community market featuring local food, crafts, preloved goods, and plants at Te Pae o Kura.
🎓 REV & RELATE: Men's Car Maintenance Workshop | 2-5pm
📍 Green Bay | Learn more
Learn basic car maintenance skills while enjoying a free sausage sizzle and connecting with others.
🎻 West City Concert Band presents “Tapestry: Mosaic” | 2:30-4:30pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
A vibrant musical journey exploring cultural traditions and connections with the West City Concert Band.
🎵 Rewind @ Swanson RSA | 3-6pm
📍 Swanson | Learn more
A live band playing the best hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
🎸 Saturday Sessions: 5 Wheel Drive | 7-10pm
📍 Kelston | Learn more
Live music featuring 5 Wheel Drive at the Workshop Bar.
🎧 Oldskool ReUnion ft DJ Bus | 7-10pm
📍 Te Atatu | Learn more
Classic oldskool beats, drink specials, and dinner at Mr Illingsworth.
🎬 Vista Foundation 48Hours Auckland Regional Finals | 7pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Watch the best short films from the Auckland regional competition and see the winners crowned.
🎵 The Joy Club (Dark Dancers) - Mini Rave | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Waimauku | Learn more
Dance with total freedom in the dark at this mini rave experience.
🎵 West City Concert Band presents “Tapestry: Mosaic” | 7:30pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
A vibrant musical journey exploring cultural traditions and connections with the West City Concert Band.
Sun 20 Sep
🏴☠️ The Village Market Helensville Showgrounds - Pirate Edition | 8:30am-1pm ($)
📍 Helensville | Learn more
Pirate-themed market day with kids' entertainment.
🛍️ Kumeu Market | 9am-2pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
Shop local at the first spring market featuring art, crafts, and food.
🧭 The Shoe Science TrailNav Challenge (Rogaine) | 9am-1pm ($)
📍 Muriwai | Learn more
An outdoor navigation challenge through Muriwai nature trails.
🏎️ Hot Rod Breakfast and Rocker Cover Race Track Trial | 9am
📍 Westgate | Learn more
Check out classic cars and participate in the first trial of the new Rocker Cover Race Track.
🏍️ Catalina Classics September Meet Up | 10am-1pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Classic motorcycle meet-up with coffee and views.
🎪 LIVE Day: Communications | 10am-4pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Explore communication history with interactive tech displays, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
🥊 Ironfist Boxing Carwash and Sausage sizzle | 10am-4pm ($)
📍 Ironfist Boxing | Learn more
Support the local boxing gym with a car wash and a sausage sizzle.
🥊 UFC 331: Van vs Pantoja | 1-3pm
📍 The Hangar, Henderson | Mr Illingsworth, Te Atatū | Taphouse, Avondale | Workshop, Kelston | Greenfields, Westgate | Learn more
Watch the UFC championship rematch live on the big screens.
🎾 Davis Cup: New Zealand vs Japan | 12-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Watch professional tennis as New Zealand takes on Japan in the Davis Cup.
🧱 Riverhead LEGO Club | 1:30-3:30pm
📍 Riverhead | Learn more
Weekly LEGO building fun for kids.
🎞️ Rails in the Ranges - The water Supply dams and tramlines in the Waitakeres | 2-5pm ($)
📍 Huia | Learn more
Learn about local history with an oral presentation and film at the Huia Hall.
🎓 Shot Bro - Confessions of A Depressed Bullet | 2:30pm
📍 Westgate | Learn more
A community wellbeing and suicide prevention event.
🎱 THE COLOR OF MONEY (1986) | 4-5:45pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Screening of the 1986 film The Color of Money.
🎵 Waitakere Voices presents “Between the Lines” | 4pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A choral exploration of music's deeper meanings across genres and eras.
🎪 HALAL NIGHT MARKET – WESTERN SPRINGS | 4:30-8:30pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
A family-friendly night market featuring halal food, desserts, and local small businesses.
🎞️ CRUMB (1994) *35mm Presentation | 6:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A 35mm screening of the documentary CRUMB.
Mon 21 Sep
🧘 Taiao Flows - Gentle movement and cultural somatic for women's wellbeing | 9:30-11am ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Women's wellbeing movement class combining yoga and pilates.
🖼️ Baby-Friendly Art Tours | 10:30am-1:30pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Relaxed art gallery tour for babies and caregivers.
🎭 Stars of Stage and Screen | 11am-12:45pm ($)
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
A nostalgic musical journey featuring classic hits from Broadway and Hollywood films with a morning tea session.
🎨 Mama Moo | Mon 21 to Sun 26 7:30-9:15pm ($)
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
A genre-bending South Asian theatre production exploring compassion through humour and performance.
Tue 22 Sep
🎓 Business Northwest: Speed Networking event | 5:30-7:30pm
📍 Riverhead | Learn more
A relaxed evening of professional networking featuring woodfired pizzas.
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted! See you next week!
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