Kia ora {{first_name | Westie}},
Hope you managed to stay dry over the long weekend. Classic West Auckland weather, but it takes more than a bit of rain to stop us, eh?
Who else got caught up in that traffic jam in Te Atatū Road? A huge shoutout the the emergency crews who got it sorted and I do hope everyone involved gets a speedy recovery.
Here's what's happening:
Cheaper Cards & On-the-Scene Medicine
Housing Maps, Tree Awards & $10M Pest Funding
Tax Refund Traps to Watch Out For
Inside the Mega-Tunnel Cleaning Our Beaches
The Saturday Te Atatū Road Gridlock
West Auckland Rallies for Disability Rights
The Petition to Fix School Van Safety
The Two-Week Te Whau Pathway Squeeze
Poll week 2: The Friday Takeaways showdown!
And a new photo quiz!
Format update
60% of votes liked the new format, 40% liked whatever worked, and 0 votes for the old format so we’re sticking with it! 🙂 Yuss!
Let’s get stuck in.
58 Events and 8 Markets this week!!
- Adrian Domingo | Publisher
In today's issue:
Upcoming Holidays
None
National & City Digest

💳 Cheaper Card Payments on the Horizon Supporting our local West Auckland shops, cafes, and fruit vege stalls could soon cost less. A new Commerce Commission proposal aims to slash the high costs businesses pay to accept payments. Beehive
🚑 Paramedics Gain Power to Prescribe Qualified paramedics will soon be able to prescribe medicine right on the scene. This will help ease the pressure on Waitākere Hospital's emergency department and get Westies treated faster. Beehive
🛡️ Massive Safety Boost for 20,000 Kids' Workers The Government has announced a major training boost for 20,000 children's workers, equipping front-line staff with sharper skills to keep Kiwi kids safe from harm. Beehive
🗺️ Auckland Housing Maps Released: Auckland Council has unveiled detailed new maps showing exactly where taller houses and apartment buildings can be built across the city, ahead of a crucial vote by councillors this Tuesday. Check your suburb. NZ Herald
💰 Tax Return Check Warning: Automatic tax assessments are rolling out across the country. Before you spend extra in the night markets, Inland Revenue warns Kiwis to log into MyIR and carefully check their details. RNZ

🌳 Auckland Crowned 'Tree City of the World' Again Auckland has officially been recognised as a Tree City of the World for the seventh consecutive year. From our suburban parks to the majestic canopy of the Waitākere Ranges, it highlights the work being done to protect our urban trees. OurAuckland
🌲 $10M Injection to Make Auckland Predator-Free Auckland's wildlife is getting a massive helping hand thanks to a $10 million Government funding boost. A huge boost to the conservation efforts we have in the west. OurAuckland
🌊 Mega-Tunnel to Clean Up Waitematā Harbour Central Interceptor tunnel is set to spark a step-change for Auckland's water quality. It will drastically reduce dirty overflows, helping to clean up the Waitematā and the beaches we love around the inner West. OurAuckland
Local Digest
⚠️ Bus and Cars Collide in Te Atatū Chaos West Auckland commuters were left stranded last Saturday after a major crash involving a bus and two cars completely blocked Te Atatū Road, triggering emergency responses and traffic gridlock. Stuff
🚧 West Auckland Rallies for Disability Rights Protesters hit the streets in Henderson to fight the controversial Disability Support Services Bill, with a second major demonstration already locked in for this week. Facebook Group
🚌 West Auckland Campaign Urges Safe School Transport Following the tragic and preventable loss of a disabled boy, a West Auckland community petition is respectfully calling for mandatory second-adult supervision in all special-needs school vans to ensure no child is left vulnerable again. RNZ

🚶 Te Whau Pathway Restricted for Stormwater Fix Commuters and walkers face a two-week squeeze as a section of Te Whau Pathway near Bridge Avenue Reserve is temporarily narrowed for urgent Auckland Council emergency stormwater works. Henderson-Massey Local Board
Local Businesses
Messy Rainbows Play Studio - Brand new sensory play space opening soon for whānau and kids to explore messy play! Free tea and coffee for the grown-ups.
📍Glen Eden
Auckland Zoo Dinosaur Track - The popular Dinosaur Discovery Track is officially back! Walk among the prehistoric giants and experience the roar-some interactive exhibition.
📍Auckland Zoo
Woodland Flame Kebabs and Burgers - Authentic shawarma, juicy burgers, and fresh wraps. Opens Friday, 13 June. with opening Promo
📍295 Huia Road, Titirangi
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Where was this photo taken?

Photo: Avenue, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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Road & Rail Closures

June's Poll is The Friday Night Takeaway Showdown: What’s heading home with you?
The Weekend Hot List (June 12-14)

🕺 90s House Party: Glow in the Dark
📍 The Workshop Bar | Fri 6:00pm Learn more
Dust off your neon gear and get ready to glow. DJ Manchoo will be spinning the ultimate throwback 90s anthems all night long at this high-energy house party.
🏹 The Death of Robin Hood (2026) NZ Premiere
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Fri 8:00pm Learn more
Be among the very first in the country to witness the highly anticipated New Zealand premiere of this gritty cinematic retelling of the legendary outlaw's final chapter.

🌳 Auckland Bonsai Show 2026
📍 35 Access Road, Kumeū | Sat & Sun 9:30am-4:30pm Learn more
Discover the incredible artistry and patience behind miniature trees. This stunning two-day showcase features some of the finest bonsai displays in the region.
🧸 Gently Loved Markets: Just Kids!
📍 Hobsonville | Sat 10:00am Learn more
The ultimate pre-loved treasure hunt for parents. Score incredible deals on quality, gently used kids' clothing, toys, and nursery gear at this popular community market.
🎨 Kids Only Market
📍 Western Springs Garden Community Hall | Sat 10:00am Learn more
A unique market completely run by kids, for kids. Come along to support young, creative entrepreneurs selling their own handmade crafts, treats, and second-hand treasures.

⛄ Snow in the Park 2026
📍 Royal Reserve, Massey | Sat 12-4pm Learn more
The West’s favourite winter event is back with free snow slides, a massive snow play area, face painting, and friendly goats. Gather the family at Royal Reserve for an afternoon of freezing fun, entertainment, and delicious local food trucks.
❤️ Speed Dating at Mr Illingsworth
📍 571 Te Atatū Road | Sat 5:30pm Learn more
Skip the endless app scrolling and spark a real connection. Enjoy a fun, fast-paced evening of speed dating in a relaxed and stylish West Auckland setting.
🎸 Levi Lights On & Charles James Walker Live
📍 Workshop 26 (Blockhouse Bay) | Sat 7:00pm Learn more
Settle in for an intimate evening of exceptional local music, featuring powerful live performances by Levi Lights On and Charles James Walker.
🚴 Kids Learn to Ride
📍 Avondale | Sun 10:00am Learn more
Bring the bikes and the little ones down for a supportive, fun-filled session designed to build confidence and help kids master the basics of riding on two wheels.
🎶 The Renegades (Acoustic) Live
📍 Huapai Tavern | Sun 3:00pm Learn more
Wrap up your weekend with the smooth acoustic sounds of The Renegades, delivering the perfect Sunday afternoon soundtrack live at the tavern.
Markets

New Markets to check out - not regular yet but well worth checking out!
Five Star Eats Night Market June 12 Friday 5-9pm at Corban Estate
the best the South has to offer is coming to the West
Established markets
New Lynn Farmers Market Fri 10am-1pm at New Lynn Memorial Square
Henderson Night Market Thu 5pm-11pm at The Boundary, Henderson (Under Kmart)
Shed Collective plant-based farmers Market on Sat 8.30am-12pm at 99 Parrs Cross Road, Oratia
Te Atatu Peninsula Artisan & Handmade Market on Sat 10am-2pm at Te Atatū Community Centre (this week: Yarnsational!)
Catalina Bay Farmers Market on Sat and Sun 8:30am-2pm at 1/3 Boundary Road, Hobsonville
Avondale Sunday Market Sun 5am-12pm at 23 Elm Street, Avondale
Kelston Night Market Mon 5pm-11pm at Kelston Mall (Under Countdown)
Events this week
Wed 10 Jun
Free Love Food Hate Waste workshop: preserving & pickling seasonal produce – Waiheke | 3:30 PM–7:00 PM
📍 Waiheke Resources Trust & Sustainability Centre | Learn more
Raclette Night at Ambler | 6:30pm–9:30pm
📍 Ambler Cafe, Point Chevalier | Learn more
🗣️ Managing Difficult Personalities & Challenging Conversations | 7-9:30pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Practical communication strategies for managing difficult conversations.
🎞️ Colony - Advance Screening | 7:30-9:30pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Advance screening of the biotech thriller film Colony.

🎱 Bang Bang Bingo Bonanza | 8-10:30pm
📍 Titirangi RSA | Learn more
Thu 11 Jun
🔧 FREE Rheem Gas Continuous Flow Water Heater Training | 7:15-10am
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Practical training for plumbers on gas water heaters.
👟 The Tappy Striders | 6-9pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
A social, inclusive 5km run starting and finishing at The Beer Spot.
🎱 Bingo Night! | 7-11pm
📍 Waitakere RSA | Learn more
The Clash - Rude Boy (1980) | 7:30pm-9:45pm
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Fri 12 Jun
Make a Planter box, Gardening-The ReCreators Green Space, Friday, 12 June, 10-1pm | 10-1pm
📍 The ReCreators Green Space Massey | Learn more
🥕 Organic Gardening Sessions | 11am-2pm
📍 EcoHub New Lynn | Learn more
Get hands-on experience with organic gardening and food forest care.

Songs of Nature
🧘 Songs of Nature - An Original Medicine Song Journey and Lavender Elixir with Chloe Palmer | 6:30-8:30pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Relax with sound bathing, live music, and soothing lavender elixir.
Matua Ngaru School Quiz Night | 7-10pm
📍 Matua Ngaru School, Huapai | Learn more
Sat 13 Jun
🍔 Woodland Flame Kebabs & Burgers Grand opening | 7-10am ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Celebrate the grand opening of Woodland Flame with special combo deals.
🌿 Te Henga Weed Bin Weekend | 8am-5pm
📍 Waitākere | Learn more
Community weed disposal bins available for local residents.
🌿 Swanson Weed Bin Weekend | 9am-4pm
📍 Swanson | Learn more
Drop off invasive weeds at the local community bin in Swanson.
🌱 Friends of Kawaka Reserve Walkway: Planting Bee | 10am-12pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
📦 Workshop: Box Covering | 10am-4:30pm ($)
📍 Henderson Valley | Learn more
♻️ FREE E-day | 10am-2pm
📍 Henderson Intermediate School | Learn more
Drop off your old electronics at this convenient school drive-thru event.
🌊 Waimoko Glen Stream Care Session | 10am-12:30pm
📍 Swanson | Learn more
🏘️ Waitākere Gardens Village Open Day & Market | 10am-1pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Tour the village facilities and browse the annual local craft market.
Yarnsational Market - Celebrate Worldwide Knit in Public Day | 10am-2pm
📍 Te Atatu Peninsula Artisan & Handmade Market | Learn more
CM Westcity - Myths & Mortals Gameplay Day | 10am-1pm
📍 Card Merchant Westcity | Learn more

128th Philippine Independence Day Celebration | 10am-4pm
📍 Kelston Community Centre | Learn more
Wreath laying, food, and cultural shows
CM Westcity - Flesh and Blood - Nationals 2026 Practice Event | 10am-1pm
📍 Card Merchant Westcity | Learn more
🎖️ National Volunteer Week | 10am-4pm
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Free MOTAT entry for volunteers celebrating National Volunteer Week.
🏺 Create a keepsake box - A hand building pottery workshop with Louise Wild | 10:30am-1pm ($)
📍 Huapai | Learn more
🪧 Friends of Carrington Building One: Protest #3 | 11am-12pm
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
A protest to support the protection of a historic building.
Family Roll Up Day: Give it a go| 1-4pm
📍 New Lynn Bowling Club | Learn more
🛠️ Build Adjustable Shelf: Power Tools 101 | 1:30-4:30pm ($)
📍 The ReCreators Green Space | Learn more
🍿 Problem Child | 4-5:30pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
🚚 Amaranto in Point Chev | 4:30-8pm ($)
📍 Point Chevalier | Learn more
Italian food the Amaranto caravan in Point Chevalier.
🎲 Community Games Night | 6-8pm
📍 Lincoln Road Bible Chapel, Henderson | Learn more
A free community evening featuring board games and a meal.
📽️ Welcome Space Brothers - NZ Premiere | 6:30-8:15pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
🎸 June Concert Club night Jean Reid and Railway Pie | 7:30-10:30pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Folk and blues music concert featuring Jean Reid and Railway Pie.
🎤 Indie Club Presents... Halsey Drive + Bobby Mouldy + Blossom | 8-11pm ($)
📍 UFO, New Lynn | Learn more
Live gig featuring three bands: Halsey Drive, Bobby Mouldy, and Blossom.
Sun 14 Jun
🏺 Kintsugi Workshop | 9:30-11:30am
📍 Titirangi Community House | Learn more
Learn the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with gold.
🧱 Lego Brick Show Fundraiser for Band Trip | 10am-3pm ($)
📍 Liston College Gym, Henderson | Learn more

🐲 Dragon Boat Festival Family Fun Day | 10am
📍 Corban Estate Arts Centre | Learn more
Live performances, activities, hands-on arts and crafts, including a special kite-making workshop.
🌳 Fruitvale Stream Community Planting | 10:30am-1pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A community event to plant native trees along the stream.
💊 Schuessler Tissue Salts Talk | 12-1:30pm ($)
📍 Waitakere RSA | Learn more
A health talk on how mineral salts support wellbeing.
🖌️ Batik Workshop | 2:30-4pm
📍 New Lynn War Memorial Library | Learn more
A free workshop learning the Indonesian art of batik.
🧘 Reiki-infused Sound Bath | 3:30-4:30pm ($)
📍 Huapai | Learn more
A relaxing reiki-infused sound healing experience.
🐜 The Hellstrom Chronicle | 4-5:30pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
⛸️ Avondale Scrimmage | 5:30-7pm ($)
📍 Paradice Avondale | Learn more
A hockey scrimmage for skilled skaters aged 16+.
👽 Phase IV | 6-7:30pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Mon 15 Jun

🌈 Over the Rainbow Messy Session | 9:30-11:30am
📍 Messy Rainbows Play Studio, Glen Eden | Learn more
🎨 Free Kids Messy Play (0-5 Years) | 11:00am
📍 Massey Community Hub | Learn more
🎶 Monday Night Pub Choir | 6:30-9:30pm
📍 Helensville | Learn more
A casual night of singing together in a pub setting.
Tue 16 Jun
🧱 Lego Build Sessions | 3:30-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Build with Lego in these fun sessions for ages 5+.
🎨 Little Monster Mornings - Ceramic Painting Fun! | 10:30-11:30am
📍 Massey | Learn more
A fun ceramic painting class for children under five.
Improving Sleep Workshop | 10:30am-12:30pm
📍 Titirangi Community House | Learn more
🔧 FREE Rheem Gas Continuous Flow Water Heater Training | 11:45am-2:30pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Practical training for plumbers on gas water heaters.
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted!
See you next week!
Adrian Domingo - Publisher | West Auckland Digest [email protected]
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