Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},
We have a lot of local news this week! Several of the local boards have pushed out updates!
Also we’re doing a survey on your favourite parts of the newsletter. It takes less than a minute and lets us know which sections actually matter to you!
Here's what's happening:
More Funding for Health Bird Flu Monitoring Increases.
$4.5M Approved for West Auckland Transport Upgrades - including a major high-traffic intersection.
Better Paid Parental Leave and Faster Building Paperwork
Community Spaces Open for Applications
New Scott Point Bus Service and New Public Toilet for Avondale and Bus Shelter Installed in Green Bay and Corban Reserve Boardwalk
Poll week 4: The Friday Takeaways showdown!
58 Events and 13 Markets this week!!
- Adrian Domingo | Publisher
In today's issue:
National & City Digest

🏥 More funding for GPs, pharmacies and aged care $120.6 million for GP clinics (Beehive), $26.6 million for community pharmacies(Beehive), and $79 million for aged residential care(Beehive).
🐦 Bird flu monitoring ramps up H5N1 bird flu strain was detected in Australia. Planning is underway to ensure local response measures are ready if needed. Beehive
🏗️ Faster processing for building projects Auckland Council will be required to process Project Information Memorandums (PIMs) within 10 working days instead of 20.Beehive
👶 Paid parental leave increasing from July Slightly higher paid parental leave payments from 1 July, with the maximum weekly payment increasing to $811.05. Beehive
Local Digest

Universal Drive / Swanson Road / Don Buck Road roundabout
🚦 $4.5 million approved for West Auckland transport The Henderson-Massey Local Board has approved $4.5 million for: a pedestrian crossing at the Universal Drive / Swanson Road / Don Buck Road intersection, upgrades to the Northern Henderson Creek Shared Path, and new lighting along Cranwell Esplanade. Future projects detailed in post. OurAuckland
🚌 New bus service coming to Scott Point Auckland Transport will launch a temporary small-bus service for Scott Point residents while road access issues caused by unfinished developer infrastructure are resolved. RNZ
🚽 New public toilet Construction 26 June through to mid-July on a new public toilet at 59 Rosebank Road, Avondale. Whau Local Board
🚌 New bus shelter Stottholm Road bus stop in Green Bay has a new bus shelter. Whau Local Board
🌿 Boardwalk and stairs planned Corban Reserve is set to receive new features. Henderson-Massey Local Board
🏢 Community space opportunities open Expressions of Interest are now open for spaces in Helensville and Riverhead. Rodney Local Board
Local Businesses
Move Dance Co - Your favourite free Wednesday night French Jive energiser is moving temporarily to Kelston. No stress, no experience or partner required!
📍Te Pae o Kura – Kelston Community Centre
Mithaiwala Henderson - Grand opening! 25% off all sweets and savouries. $0.99 samosas! Enjoy authentic Indian sweets, snacks, and chaat.
📍254 Lincoln Road, Henderson, Auckland
Success Tutoring New Lynn - Free community BBQ and kids' activities + a helpful chat on preparing your children for the AI age. All families welcome!
📍3B Delta Avenue, New Lynn
Together with Move Dance Co

WANTED: Renegades With Rhythm in the Wild Wild West (Or those willing to fake it until they find it.)
We are looking for West Auckland locals who think Wednesday nights deserve better than Netflix, doom-scrolling, or arguing over what to watch. You might have grooved in the 80’s 90’s and Naughties.
Every Wednesday, a crew of dancers, first-timers, former wallflowers and self-confessed owners of "two left feet" gather to learn French Jive Fusion - partner dance that blends the best bits of Rock 'n' Roll, Country dancing, and modern music in the one spot.
No fancy footwork expected.
Just a willingness to have a laugh, meet good people, and give something new a go.
You'll notice the wry smiles.
The cheeky banter.
The encouragement from complete strangers.
And the surprising number of people who arrived "just to give it a go" and never really left.
📍 Te Pae o Kura – Kelston Community Centre
🕖 Beginners FREE at 7pm (arrive at 6.45pm to register or preregister here)
🕗 8pm Practice & Bloopers
🤠 West Auckland attitude welcome
Benefits include:
✔ Real social interaction
✔ Reduced sofa time
✔ Increased grins
✔ Questionable dance-related confidence
✔ The occasional Wednesday night habit
Warning: Side effects may include arriving as strangers and leaving as part of the crew.
Move Dance – The Wild Wild West's worst-kept secret.

Where was this photo taken?

Photo: itravelNZ / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Postmark is a free daily guessing game about New Zealand. Look at four photos, drop a pin on the map, and see how close you get. The fourth photo is historical, so you guess the year too. No apps or sign-ups required. Tons of fun too!
Brought to you by our friends at Postmark
Road & Rail Closures
Presented by Civicorp — Reliable Maintenance. Consistent Results.
💡 From our Sponsor: Civicorp offers 21+ specialist services for residential and commercial properties, from apartment cleaning to full renovations. Founded in 2025 with a focus on dependable service and efficient outcomes.
👉 Get an obligation-free quote today. Email [email protected] or call

View all road closures | View all Rail closures | source: Auckland Transport
June's Poll is The Friday Night Takeaway Showdown: What’s heading home with you?
The Weekend Top Picks
🎬 Carrie (1976) 50th Anniversary
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Fri 8pm Learn more ($)
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brian De Palma’s horror classic Carrie on the big screen.

✨ Matariki Whānau Day!
📍 Arataki Visitor Centre | Sat 10am-2pm Learn more
Head to Arataki Visitor Centre for a free Matariki Whānau Day packed with storytelling, kapa haka, face painting, activities, kai and family fun.
👗 re:generate Fashion Market: Preloved, Vintage & Designer Pop-Up
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula Community Hub | Sat 10am-1pm Learn more
A curated mix of preloved, vintage and designer fashion.
🛍️ Really Really Free Shop
📍 New Lynn Community Centre | Sat 12-3pm Learn more
The Free Shop lets you donate good-quality unwanted items and take home as much as you like for free.
💃 Line Dance Social
📍 Kumeu Community Centre | Sat 12-4:30pm Learn more
Kumeu’s next line dance social is set for 27 June with an “In the Pink” theme. All experience levels welcome.

🎧 Manchoo: After Dark
📍 The Hangar, Henderson | Sat 6pm Learn more
DJ Manchoo takes over The Hangar every Saturday from 6pm with music running late into the night. Bucket specials, late-night happy hour deals and a relaxed Henderson party atmosphere.
🎸 R3PLAY at The Taphouse!
📍 2021 Great North Road, Avondale, New Zealand 0600 | Sat 7pm Learn more
R3PLAY are bringing the best of the 80s to The Taphouse across four winter Saturdays. Grab a drink, settle in and enjoy a night of classic hits performed live.

😂 Titirangi Comedy Night
📍 Titirangi RSA | Sat 7:30pm Learn more ($)
Titirangi Comedy Night returns with a lineup featuring Tim Batt, Janaye Henry and Chris Parker.
🧸 Gently Loved Markets Just Kids!
📍 Waimauku War Memorial Hall | Sun 10am-1pm Learn more
Gently Loved Markets Just Kids returns to Waimauku with stalls selling preloved children's clothing, toys, nursery items and more.
🚆 Western Line Explorer!
📍 Henderson | Sun 10am-3pm Learn more
Explore Auckland’s Western Line on a free family adventure by train, foot, or wheels, with activities, stamps, and prizes along the way. Free AT HOP cards available for the first 150 participating adults.
🤠 Blazing Saddles (1974)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Sun 6pm Learn more ($)
Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles remains one of cinema’s sharpest and funniest satires. Starring Gene Wilder and Cleavon Little.
Markets

Markets to check out - not regular yet but well worth checking out!
Luna Bites Market 26 Jun Fri 5-8pm
📍 Te Pai Centre, HendersonTe Atatu Peninsula Food Truck Night Jun 27 Sat 5-8pm
📍 Te Atatu Peninsula Community Hub
Monthly Markets
Blockhouse Bay Community Markets 27 Jun Sat 8am-12:30pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay Community CentreTitirangi Village Market 28 Jun Sun 9am-2pm
📍 Titirangi war memorial carpark and RSAViva Fair Brazilian Market 28 Jun Sun 1pm
📍 23 Granvilla Drive Massey
Weekly markets
New Lynn Farmers Market Wed 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn Memorial SquareHenderson Night Market Thu 5pm-11pm
📍 The Boundary, Henderson (Under Kmart)Catalina 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, OratiaTe Atatu Peninsula Artisan & Handmade Market Sat 10am-2pm
📍 Te Atatū Community CentreAvondale 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)
The 2026 Lopdell Film Festival
Returning in 2026, the cherished Lopdell Film Festival brings an exciting mix of community, creativity, and film back to West Auckland. The festival offers a curated selection of films from Aotearoa and around the world, alongside special events that celebrate storytelling on screen.
What to Expect
Enjoy an eclectic mix of feature films, documentaries, and short film showcases from both rising and established talent. The intimate theatre setting offers a uniquely immersive experience, perfect for discovering fresh stories and perspectives.
Who It’s For
Perfect for film buffs, creatives, and anyone seeking a relaxed cultural outing. The lineup caters primarily to adults, but includes family-friendly sessions and shorts. Individual age ratings will apply.
Tickets are $14 for each film. 🧒 = ok for kids.
Wed 24
🎵 Live Music - Sugarmouse | 7pm
Warm, easygoing live set to open the festival evening.
Moss and Freud | 8pm
An intimate portrait of supermodel Kate Moss and artist Lucian Freud.
Obsessed With Light | 6pm
Documentary about dancer Loie Fuller who fused movement with light.
Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey | 8pm
A lively tribute to the people behind the screen, projectionists and film lovers.
Fri 24
Words Of War | 10:30am
The true story of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya's fearless pursuit of truth.
The Presidents Cake | 6pm
A young girl in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq tasked with baking a birthday cake.
Re-Creation | 8pm
A gripping drama inspired by the unsolved 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier.
Sat 27 Jun
Decades In Colour | 10am
A nostalgic journey through Aotearoa told through home movies and archival footage.
Mr Nobody Against Putin | 12pm
A stark look at propaganda and power, and how resistance comes at a cost.
10 Lives | 2pm 🧒
A heartfelt animated adventure about a spoiled cat given multiple second chances.
Kangaroo | 4pm 🧒
An uplifting tale of care, connection, and rescuing orphaned joeys in the outback.
The Choral | 6pm
A moving First World War drama set in a Yorkshire town.
MĀRAMA | 8pm
A powerful Aotearoa film blending history, identity, and the supernatural.
Events this week
Wed 24 Jun
🌱 Native Seedling Sessions | 10am-12pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Volunteer your time to help propagate and care for local native plants.
🧵 Sew a Winter Wheat Pack | 10am-1pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
🌿 Terrarium Workshop | 1-2pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
🥋 Free Youth Self Defense & Pizza Pop Up | 4-5:30pm
📍 Glen Eden Community House | Learn more
🎪 Tasting the Main Street | 24-25 Jun 6-8pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A guided tasting walk through Avondale's vibrant main street with local artist Melissa Laing.
🎨 Upcycled painting techniques | 6:30-8:30pm
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
Learn creative painting techniques to upcycle old furniture.
Thu 25 Jun
🦋 Te Kapowai / Dragonfly Workshop | 11:30am-2:30pm
📍 Avondale Library | Learn more
Create a meaningful beaded dragonfly in this workshop.
🎰 Casino (1995) | 7:30-10:30pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Fri 26 Jun
🪶 Make A Wooden Feather | 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Learn to make a beautiful upcycled wooden feather in a creative class.
🌿 Organic Gardening Sessions | 11am-2pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Hands-on organic gardening and food forest maintenance.
🎳 Taimana Womens Classic | 2-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Bowling competition event held at Pins Lincoln.
🎉 Card Merchant 10 Year Anniversary Celebration Event | 5:30-8:30pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Celebrate 10 years of Card Merchant with fun, raffles, and tournaments.
🎸 Tim Mahon (Blam Blam Blam) and Kerfuffle present The Great Kerfuffle album release party | 7:30-10:30pm ($)
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Celebrate a new album release with live music performances.
Sat 27 Jun
🧘♀️ Positive Choice Retreat | 8am-5pm ($)
📍 Muriwai | Learn more
A transformative retreat focused on self-connection and purposeful movement.
🍬 Grand Opening – Mithaiwala Henderson | 9am-12pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Grand opening event with Indian sweets and snacks.
♻️ E-Waste Drop-Off Day | 9am-12pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
🎉 Success Tutoring - New Lynn Opening Celebration | 10am-12pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Celebrate the new tutoring center with a community BBQ and informative talk.
🔨 Beginner's Carpentry for Women | 10am-1pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
🌪️ Beyblade Landscape X 3on3 Allan's Birthday Ranked Tournament | 10am-5pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Join the competitive Beyblade community for a fun monthly tournament.
🐾 Pat & Chat - Animates Westgate | 10am-1pm
📍 Animates Westgate | Learn more
Meet friendly greyhounds and learn about adoption.
📚 Workshop: Making Book Cloth | 10am-12pm
📍 Henderson Valley | Learn more
🌳 Sunnyvale Stream Community Planting | 10am-12:30pm
📍 Sunnyvale | Learn more
🍪 Auckland Bakery Shop Weekend Bonanza! | 27 & 28 Jun 10:30am-4pm
📍 Cookie Time Bakery Shop Auckland | Learn more
Grab some sweet deals and freebies at this cookie shop weekend blowout.
🍺 Brewers Afternoon | 12-4pm
📍 Grow & Brew Henderson | Learn more
Social gathering for homebrew enthusiasts with BBQ.
🪶 Make a wooden Feather | 1-4pm
📍 Point Chevalier Community Centre | Learn more
🛠️ Make a Garden/Bar Shelf: Power Tools 101 | 1:30-4:30pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
🎟️ Singles Bingo - Oratia | 4:30-6:30pm ($)
📍 Oratia | Learn more
A fun singles event featuring speed connections and bingo games.
Sun 28 Jun
🧹 Te Atatū Peninsula Team Up 2 Clean Up | 10am-12pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
💆 Massage Workshop for Couples | 10am-4pm ($)
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
🔨 Make a Planter box | 10am-12pm
📍 Te Atatu Peninsula | Learn more
🎲 CM Westcity - Catan Settlement Event | 11am-2pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
🐱 Cat and Kitten Adoption Day Raw Essentials Kumeu | 11am-2pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
🌭 Friends of Arataki - Monthly fundraising BBQ's! | 11am-2pm ($)
📍 Oratia | Learn more
Support the local community at a monthly fundraising BBQ.
🎬 Logan's Run | 3-5pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
🎸 Live Music - Jason Smith | 3-6pm
📍 Te Atatu Peninsula | Learn more
🌕 Sacred Circle | 4-6pm
📍 Huapai | Learn more
A supportive space for women to connect and reflect under the full moon.
⛸️ Avondale Scrimmage | 8:45-10:15pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
A medium-to-high skill level ice hockey scrimmage session.
Tue 30 Jun
🛠️ Make a Matariki Star: Power Tools 101 | 10am-1pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
♟️ Even More June Tuesday Night Boardgames | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Community boardgame night with a Matariki theme.
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted! See you next week!
How did you like today's newsletter?
Sound familiar?
Over 4 million people have had the same lightbulb moment.
Morning Brew is a free daily newsletter that breaks down what's happening in business, finance, and tech — clearly, quickly, and with enough personality to make it the best email in your inbox.
No yelling. No filler. Just the news, finally making sense.



