Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},
Daylight saving starts Sunday, September 27, so don’t forget to put your clocks forward.
Also school holidays are coming up, so it’s a great time to start planning. Expect a lot more events coming through soon.
Lastly, we’re putting together the Westie Bestie Discount Book, featuring exclusive local deals from West Auckland businesses. For the first edition, we’re opening up a limited number of founding spots. More details soon so watch out for it on our socials this week.
If you run a local business and want to be included in the book, just reply to this email and let us know.
Here's what's happening:
Auckland Rail Reaches Record Patronage
City Centre Growth Plans & Western Level Rail Crossing Timeline
New School Curriculum & Free Flu Jabs for Kids
Govt App Emergency App Alerts
Auntie Anne’s in NZ
West Auckland Student Band Wins!
Market Looking for Stallholders for Festive Events
52 Events and 14 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 Rail Reaches Record Patronage with over 528,007 train boardings last week, marking the busiest week for rail ever in the city, thanks in part to the new CRL stations. Auckland Transport
🥨 Auntie Anne's Opening First NZ Branch in Newmarket on October 26, bringing its popular treats to Auckland. Auntie Anne's NZ Instagram
🚨 AT Warns Against Scam Parking QR Codes found on parking meters, advising caution when paying for parking. Auckland Transport
📱 Emergency Alerts More Accessible Via Govt.nz App making critical information more accessible for New Zealanders during emergencies. Civil Defense
💉 Flu Vaccinations Free for Young Children aged 6 months to under 5 years, providing an important health update for families across Auckland. Immune.org.nz
🏫 Updated Years 0-10 New Zealand Curriculum Released which includes new focuses on online safety and a consistent approach to sexuality education. Beehive
🏙️ Public Consultation on Unlocking Auckland City Centre Growth The government is consulting on proposals to remove planning restrictions in Auckland's city centre, aiming to boost housing, jobs, and economic activity, leveraging the new City Rail Link. Beehive
Local Digest
🚦 West Auckland Rail Crossing Safety Improvements Decades Away It's estimated to cost around $3 billion and take 30 years to make rail crossings safer across West Auckland. RNZ
🏕️ Piha Campground Closed by Council Indefinitely with an uncertain reopening date due to weather-related issues. RNZ
🎸 West Auckland Band “Sidetracked“ Shines at Smokefreerockquest Finals This band from Rutherford College & Hobsonville Point Secondary School, won the Wright Family Foundation Best Song Award and Best Vocals Smokefreerockquest
Business Bulletin
🍔 Soul Batter Titirangi Start the Weekend Right Specials This Fri and Sat only get your Soul Batter fix with some epic specials. Soul Smash Combo or Fish Burger Combo only $15! comes with small chips and a 330ml can.
📍 421A, Titirangi Road,Titirangi
🍓 Acai n Smoothie Mafia Coming to Titirangi bringing acai bowls, smoothies, fresh juices, matcha, coffee, and desserts. First 50 customers get a FREE coffee or fresh juice! 26 September 9am.
📍 The Rise, 490 South Titirangi Road
🥕 Catalina Bay Market Seeking Vendors for Festive Events Catalina Bay Market in Hobsonville is looking for vendors for its upcoming events between now and Christmas, including Twilight Markets, Diwali, and Christmas markets.
📍 Catalina Bay, Hobsonville
🍜 Pho N Co Henderson Grand Opening Celebration offering a free Banh Mi with the purchase of any two food items from September 23-27.
📍 399 Great North Road, Henderson
🍻 Morepork Oktoberfest Countdown Begins Saturday, October 3rd. promising steins, bands, food, and German beer for attendees.
📍 Kumeu Showgrounds
🎈 Chipmunks Henderson Reopens
📍 Henderson
🎬 Crescendo Studio Offers Social Media & Content Training for Rangatahi 10-week program for 8 rangatahi Māori aged 18-24 to learn skills in social media, content creation, podcasting, or videography.
📍 Te Puna Creative Hub, Henderson
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Together with Move Dance Co
Click to play
Wednesday in the Wild Wild West. 🖤
Focussing on the Turn Across for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, we're giving the dance floor a little more reo:
Huri Tītaha/Turn Across
And judging by the smiles, I think we got the important bit right. 😏
This week's waiata felt rather perfect too - Kotahitanga.
Because partner dancing is exactly that: moving together, in union. Different people, different experience, one room, one dance floor and a whole lot of connection.
Kia kaha te reo Māori - let the Māori language thrive.
📍 New Lynn Community Centre
🗓 Wednesday nights
💃 Beginners 7pm FREE
Come for a dance. Stay for the people.
The Weekend Top Picks
🌙 Luna Bites Night Market
📍 Te Pai Centre | Fri 5pm–8:30pm Learn more
West Auckland, get ready! Luna Bites is returning to Henderson for one night only this September with a massive lineup of incredible local food vendors.
🤼 New Zealand Uprising
📍 Kelston Community Centre | Fri 7pm ($) Learn more
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled night of high-flying action as Hughes Academy brings the heat to Kelston! Experience the drama, the intensity, and the raw power of New Zealand's top wrestling talent as they square off in the ring.
♻️ The Relove Recycle Event
📍 Western Springs Garden Community Hall | Sat 9am–12pm Learn more
Give your pre-loved items a new life and snag a bargain at the Relove Recycle Event. Whether you are looking to refresh your wardrobe or find treasures for the kids, this is the perfect community spot to shop sustainably.
👗 Gently Loved Markets Curvy
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre | Sat 10am–1pm Learn more
Get ready for a stylish treasure hunt! Join the Gently Loved Markets Curvy event for an inclusive shopping experience featuring preloved finds specifically curated for sizes 16+ and XL+.
🌀 Beyblade Landscape Auckland Open: Last Chance Qualifier
📍 Te Ata, Henderson | Sat 10am–5pm ($) Learn more
Calling all Bladers! Step into the arena at the Beyblade Landscape Auckland Open and battle for your chance to qualify for the Aotearoa Beyblade Nationals.
🎚️ The Final Manifesto: Vanessa Tottle & VÏKAE Co-Headline Show
📍 Restored Church, Henderson | Sat 7pm–11:55pm ($) Learn more
Prepare for an immersive night of dark-pop and underground electronic tension as Vanessa Tottle and VÏKAE join forces for a visceral, high-energy co-headline performance at a beautiful restored church.
🏍️ X-Grip NZ Woodhill Dirt Bike Series - Round 3
📍 Woodhill Forest | Sun 9am ($) Learn more
Rev your engines for the grand finale of the X-Grip NZ Woodhill Two Man Series! Whether you're a grassroots racer, a junior talent, or a senior expert, come experience the thrill of the track at Woodhill Forest.
🏃 The Henderson Shuffle
📍 Henderson Park | Sun 7am–7pm ($) Learn more
Challenge yourself at your own pace with a 12-hour community ultra-distance event! Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking for a casual stroll, enjoy a beautiful loop through bush tracks with no pressure and no cut-off times.
🍺 Oktoberfest at Te Atatu Boating Club
📍 Te Atatu Boating Club | Sun 3pm–10pm Learn more
Dust off your steins and head down to the waterfront for a lively afternoon of Bavarian-inspired celebrations at the Te Atatu Boating Club with live band Rumpus Machine!
🌿 EcoMatters Native Plant Sale
📍 EcoMatters Environment Trust, New Lynn | Sun 9am–1pm ($) Learn more
Transform your backyard into a native paradise! Head down to the EcoMatters nursery to grab high-quality, eco-sourced plants that support local nature and restoration projects.
Markets
New or irregularly scheduled markets
Luna Bites Market Sep 25 Friday 5PM – 8PM
📍 Te Pai Centre, Henderson
Expect a stacked lineup of local food vendors, delicious eats, sweet treats, and a family-friendly atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.Blockhouse Bay Community Markets Sep 26 Saturday 8am-12:30pm
📍 524 Blockhouse Bay Road
Discover local hand-crafted goods, plants, honey, baking, and community coffee.Gently Loved Markets Curvy Sep 26 Saturday 10am-1pm
📍 Te Atatu Peninsula
Preloved curvy fashion, footwear, accessories, and local baked treats.The Relove Recycle Event - Auckland Mama Market Sep 26 Saturday 9am-12pm
📍 Western Springs Garden Community Hall
Shop secondhand treasures for the whole family at the market.
Monthly Markets
Titirangi Village Market 27 Sep Sun 9am-2pm (Last Sunday of the month)
📍 Titirangi war memorial carpark and RSAViva Fair Brazilian Market 27 Sep Sun 1pm (Last Sunday of the month)
📍 23 granvilla Drive Massey
Weekly markets
New Lynn Farmers Market Wednesday 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn Memorial SquareHenderson Night Market Thu 5pm-11pm
📍 The Boundary, Henderson (Under Kmart)Friday Night Vibes Market Fri From 4pm
📍 Trusts Arena, HendersonCatalina Bay Farmers Market Sat & Sun 8:30am-2pm
📍 1/3 Boundary Road, HobsonvilleShed Collective plant-based farmers Market Sat 8:30am-12pm
📍 99 Parrs Cross Road, OratiaAvondale Sunday Market Sun 5am-12pm
📍 23 Elm Street, AvondaleKelston Night Market Mon 5pm-11pm
📍 Kelston Mall (Under Countdown)
Check out our Markets page
Events this week
Wed 23 Sep
👒 Sew a Bucket Hat | 10am-1pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn to sew a unique bucket hat from reclaimed fabric.
💻 Digital Drop-In | 10am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Walk-in help for any digital device questions.
👗 Bupa Glenburn Fashion Show and Pop-up Shop | 10:30am-2pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Enjoy a fashion show, pop-up shopping, refreshments, and exclusive discounts.
✂️ Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop for Seniors | 11am-12:30pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Celebrate the Moon Festival by learning the traditional art of Chinese paper cutting.
🏐 Youth Volleyball | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Youth volleyball sessions every Wednesday after school.
🧱 Lego Club | 3:30-4:30pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Come along and get creative with some Lego building fun.
🧠 Weekly Quiz Night | 6:30-8:30pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
Test your knowledge with five rounds of trivia, bonus games, and prizes.
💃 Learn to Dance in the Wild Wild West | Modern Jive Classes New Lynn | 7-9:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Kick off your week with fun and accessible Modern Jive dance classes.
🎨 Paint and Wine Night: Hydrangea Vase | 7-9pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Step-by-step painting class with social drinks and creative fun.
🎬 BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY | 7:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Film launch party featuring a Q&A with the director and lead actor.
Thu 24 Sep
🏠 Getting into your first home | Financial wellbeing workshop with ASB | 10am-12pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Chat with an ASB banker about everything you need to know to buy your first home.
🧵 DIY Workshop for Adults - Mending Kit! | 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Create your own needle book and mending kit.
🏓 Community Pickleball for Beginners! | 3-5pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Friendly community pickleball games for beginners.
🎤 Pop-Up Karaoke is Coming to WestCity | 4-7pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Join us for an afternoon of karaoke fun at WestCity.
🧘 Free Tai Chi with Monica | 4-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Gentle exercise class focused on flow and deep breathing.
🏃 Restorative Yoga Session | 5-6pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Supported poses, long holds, mindful breathing, and deep relaxation.
🚲 Ride from Glen Eden to Henderson Night Market | 6-9pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
A family-friendly cycle ride to the night market.
🎤 Karaoke with Scott & Aimee | 7-10pm
📍 Auckland | Learn more
Weekly karaoke nights with inflatable props, air guitar, and all-genre performances.
🎥 WELCOME TO NEW YORK | 7:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A screening of Welcome to New York at the cinema.
Fri 25 Sep
🌙 Friday Night Vibes Market | 4-9pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
An evening of food trucks, market stalls, and live music.
🎪 Luna Bites Night Market | 5-8:30pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A night of food, music, and community vibes at the market.
🏓 Waitakere Table Tennis Club Nights | 5:45-8:30pm ($)
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
Enjoy casual table tennis for all levels with robot practice included.
🤼 Live Wrestling - New Zealand Uprising | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Kelston | Learn more
Action-packed wrestling featuring championship matches and rising local stars.
🎤 Open Mic Night | 8pm-12am
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
The monthly open mic night showcasing local talent.
🎬 EL MARIACHI | 8-9:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Catch a screening of the 1992 film El Mariachi.
Sat 26 Sep
🛍️ Blockhouse Bay Community Market | 8am-12:30pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Discover local hand-crafted goods, plants, honey, baking, and community coffee.
🛍️ The Relove Recycle Event - Auckland Mama Market | 9am-12pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Shop secondhand treasures for the whole family at the market.
📦 FREE Pop Up Playground: Cardboard Edition | 10am-2pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Free giant cardboard playground for kids to create and explore.
👗 Gently Loved Markets Curvy - Te Atatū Peninsula | 10am-1pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
A plus-size preloved market featuring clothing, shoes, and accessories.
🌀 Beyblade Landscape Auckland Open Last Chance Qualifier X1 Tournament 2026 | 10am-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Competitive community Beyblade tournament for all ages.
🛠️ Make an Outdoor Chair: Power Tools 101 | 10am-4pm ($)
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn to use power tools to build your own timber chair.
🖌️ Painting Workshop | 10am-12pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A fun beginner painting workshop for ages 13 and up.
🧒 September Holiday Experience | 10am-4pm ($)
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
A fun holiday experience for the family at MOTAT.
🍛 Street Food Stories: A Desi Heritage Feast | 10am-12pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A live cooking demo featuring delicious Gujarati street food and celebrating migrant heritage.
🎸 Beginner Guitar Workshop | 10:30am-1:30pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A free, relaxed introductory guitar session for kids.
☕ PARENTING & SOME: Neurodiversity Community chats | 10:30am-12pm
📍 Parakai | Learn more
Peer support group for parents of neurodivergent children.
🧘 Qigong Classes New Lynn | 10:45-11:45am
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A mindful Qigong class to improve health and focus.
🛠️ DEANZ Repair Café - New Lynn | 11am-2pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Bring your broken items along and get them fixed for free by volunteer repairers.
🌿 Waiata Workshop for whānau | 11am-12pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
An uplifting and inclusive workshop to learn Māori songs.
🔵 Blue September Fundraiser | 12pm
📍 Swanson | Learn more
Men's health fundraiser with live music, food, raffles, and prizes.
🖨️ 3D Printing Workshop for Teens and Adults | 1-3pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Learn the basics of digital design and 3D printing in this hands-on workshop.
🌹 Auckland Rose Society Monthly Meeting | 1:30-3pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
A monthly gathering for rose enthusiasts to share tips and garden talk.
📚 Book Chat | 2-3pm
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
Meet up with fellow book lovers to chat about what you're reading.
🐶 HEART OF THE BEAST | 3-4:45pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Bring your pup along for a special dog-friendly screening of Heart of the Beast.
📽️ DAISIES | 5:30-6:50pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Catch a screening of the 1966 Czechoslovak New Wave classic Daisies.
🎤 Talent Nite | 6-9pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A showcase of diverse community performances including music, dance, art, and storytelling.
🎸 R3PLAY at The Taphouse! | 7-10pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Live music and drinks for a fun night out.
🎹 The Final Manifesto - VANESSA TOTTLE & VÏKAE CO-HEALDLINE SHOW | 7-11:55pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A co-headline show featuring dark-pop and atmospheric electronic music.
🎵 Beats By Bingo at The Razza | 7-9pm
📍 Henderson
A fun and lively night of music-themed bingo at the Henderson RSA.
🎵 Island Social | 7pm-12am ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
An island-themed party with DJ MACKY, prizes, and island-style food.
🎬 THE KING OF COMEDY | 7:30-9:15pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Watch the 1982 classic film The King of Comedy.
Sun 27 Sep
👟 The Henderson Shuffle | 7am-7pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
The Henderson Shuffle is a 12‑hour, non‑competitive community endurance event where people walk, jog, run, shuffle, or stroll as many laps as they like around the Henderson Park loop.
🏍️ X-Grip NZ Woodhill Two Man Series - Round 3 | 9am-12pm ($)
📍 Woodhill | Learn more
The final round of the X-Grip NZ Woodhill dirtbiking series.
🌱 Native Plant Sale | 9am-1pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Purchase high-quality native plants for local restoration.
🛟 CORO/NR - AON Patrol Captain Course | 9am-12pm
📍 Muriwai | Learn more
Professional development training for senior surf lifeguards.
🪴 Spring Seed + Plant Swap | 10:30-11:30am
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Swap your seeds and plants while enjoying some morning tea.
🌭 Friends of Arataki - Monthly fundraising BBQ's! | 11am-2pm ($)
📍 Oratia | Learn more
Monthly charity BBQ fundraiser supporting local community efforts.
🧱 Riverhead LEGO Club | 1:30-3:30pm
📍 Riverhead | Learn more
A weekly LEGO building session for enthusiasts.
🍺 Oktoberfest | 3-10pm
📍 Te Atatu South | Learn more
Celebrate with live music, Bavarian beer, and great food.
🎬 THE WEIGHT | 3:30-5:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A screening of the thriller film The Weight.
🎞️ SECONDS | 6-9pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A screening of the classic 1966 suspense film, Seconds.
Mon 28 Sep
🧵 Embroidery Class | 10am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Learn basic embroidery stitches in this free monthly class.
🎨 Make a Clay Book Buddy | 10-11am
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Get creative and make your own air-dry clay book buddy.
🧘 Chair Yoga with Harmony Yoga! | 12:30-1:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Relaxing chair yoga session for seniors and those with mobility needs.
🏓 Community Pickleball for Beginners! | 6-9pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Beginner-friendly community pickleball sessions.
🚨 Ready Set Safe - Disaster Preparedness Workshop | 7-8pm
📍 Green Bay | Learn more
Free workshop on disaster preparedness and emergency kits.
Tue 29 Sep
🎨 Creative Matters Art Workshops | 9am-3pm ($)
📍 Kumeū | Learn more
Guided art workshops featuring animal art, nightscapes, and floral themes for ages 6-14.
🍱 Whānau Friendly Love Food Hate Waste Workshop: Creative Lunch Box Ideas | 10-11:45am
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Practical tips to reduce food waste and create creative school lunches.
🏴☠️ Pirate Treasure Map | 10:30-11:30am
📍 Auckland | Learn more
Get creative and design your own pirate treasure map.
🤖 Robotic Buliding Coding & Drive Workshop | 10:30am-12pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A hands-on workshop for kids to build and code their own robots.
📜 Rationing 1939-1950: The Household Experience | 10:30-11:30am
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
An interesting talk about how domestic rationing impacted families in the 1940s.
🐝 Preserving the Feast: Beeswax Wrap Workshop with Earthbound Honey! | 2-3pm
📍 Oratia | Learn more
Learn to make sustainable beeswax wraps in this fun workshop.
✨ Oshikatsu Party - Photocard making and decoration for teens! | 3-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A fun teen party to decorate photocard holders of your favourite idols.
🪡 Free clothing repairs! | 4-6pm
📍 The Waterview Community & Enviro Hub | Learn more
Get your clothing or fabric items repaired for free.
🧠 Quiz Night | 7-10pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Test your general knowledge at our weekly Tuesday night quiz.
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted! See you next week!
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