Hey Westie,

World of Cultures 2026 is ramping up and the Auckland Art Festival is still in full swing.

The Whau Pathway is finally open!

School holidays just around the corner so I’ve pulled together a list of top playgrounds and hidden gems to keep the kids busy. Here’s what’s happening in our neck of the woods.

Let’s get into it.

In today’s edition:

— Adrian Domingo

Holidays - No holidays this week but SCHOOL HOLIDAYS are coming up next week.

The massive festival is back from 21 March to 5 April.

Celebrating the multi-cultural city that is Tāmaki Makaurau. It’s all about traveling the world without leaving, with over 100 free or low-cost events on the cards.

CultureFest: The festival’s heart is the massive one-day bash at Mt Roskill. Featuring food and music from over 70 different cultures.

We’ve got some "West is Best" highlights in the events section below.

Traditional crafts, live performances, and a big cultural celebration day at the New Lynn War Memorial Library.

We also have the Kids Arts Festival happening at Corban Estate.

Click Here: To see all the events city-wide

With school holidays just around the corner, here are some prime playgrounds for free fun with the kids.

Two Hidden Gems

Pro tip: Start with Tui Glen or Kopupaka; all offer free parking and facilities.

Auckland Council wants the Dog Control Act reviewed faster to make streets and parks safer.

Click Here: To read the details

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please use the links to check details before attending. If you go, please mention you found the event in the West Auckland Digest newsletter if asked. It helps spread the word.

Wayang: Traditional Indonesian Puppets (Story Time) | 10–1 PM, Wed 25 Mar
📍 93 Rosebank Road, Avondale | Learn more
Enjoy a special library story time featuring traditional Indonesian Wayang puppet theatre!

Capoeira for Kids | 12:30 PM–1:30 PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 Avondale Library, 93 Rosebank Road, Avondale | Learn more
A fun, free martial arts and movement session designed specially for kids.

Introduction to Tatreez: Traditional Palestinian Embroidery | 2PM–4PM, Thu 26 Mar
📍 93 Rosebank Road, Avondale | Learn more
Learn the beautiful art of traditional Palestinian Tatreez embroidery in this free beginner's class.

Indonesian Batik Workshop | 10:30 AM–12PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 93 Rosebank Road, Avondale | Learn more
Learn the unique art of Indonesian batik in this free, hands-on workshop.

Whau Cultural Celebration Day | 12PM–4PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 New Lynn War Memorial Library | Learn more
Celebrate cultural diversity with vibrant performances, delicious global food, and fun interactive stalls.

Kawhe and Korero | 2PM–4PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 Avondale Library | Learn more
Share a chat while enjoying traditional coffee and snacks from Brazil, Indonesia, and Palestine.

A Cultural Journey of Indonesia in Aotearoa | 4PM–5PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 Bruce Ritchie Performing Arts Centre, Massey High School, 274 Don Buck Road, Massey | Learn more
Enjoy a live Angklung performance showcasing the beauty of this traditional Indonesian bamboo instrument.

He Paewhiri Pūoro | 7:30 PM–9PM, Fri 27 Mar ($)
📍 Corban's Estate Art Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson | Learn more
A panel discussion exploring the meaning, use, and future of taonga pūoro (customary Māori instruments).

Kids Arts Festival 2026: Te Ngahere | 10–3PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 2 Mt Lebanon Lane, 0612 | Learn more
Bring the tamariki along for a nature-inspired day of free art activities, performances, and food stalls.

Te Onekiritea Park Hunt For The Ruru’s Rubies | 28 Mar at 7AM – 29 Mar at 8:30PM
📍 Te Onekiritea Park (Start at Rifle Range) | Learn more
Join the Hunt for the “Ruru’s Rubies”. Embark on a thrilling 1½-hour treasure hunt that turns your family into real-life explorers!

Suburbs Juniors FUN DAY !!!!! | 10–2PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 200 Portage Rd, New Lynn | Learn more
Kick off the rugby season with a massive bouncy obstacle course, skills, drills, and more at this junior fun day!

Relay for Life - Auckland | 10AM–10PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 The Trusts Arena | Learn more
Join the community to walk, run, and raise funds for the Cancer Society.

Warriors 2026 Games | 5–7PM, Fri 27 Mar
Greenfields, The Hangar, Taphouse & Workshop | Learn more
Watch every 2026 Warriors game live and loud on the big screens with your mates.

French Jive Fusion | 7-8:30PM, Wed 25 Mar
New Lynn Community Centre | Learn more
An easy, social partner dance that’s fun, inclusive, and perfect for beginners.

Embroidery Class | 10AM–12PM, Mon 30 Mar
📍 Waitākere Central Library Henderson | Learn more
Learn basic embroidery stitches with others in this free, all-experience-levels crafting class.

Workshop: Sewn Books | 11–3PM, Fri 27 Mar ($)
📍 731 Scenic Drive, Henderson Valley | Learn more
Get crafty and learn traditional sewing techniques to bind your own beautiful softcover notebooks.

English Paper Piecing Workshop | 9AM–12PM, Sat 28 Mar ($)
📍 Glen Eden Community and Recreation Centre | Learn more
Master the basics and neat tricks of English Paper Piecing in this hands-on sewing and crafting workshop.

Auditions A Man For All Seasons | 2PM–8PM, Sun 29 Mar
📍 418 Titirangi Rd | Learn more
Step into the spotlight and audition for a role in Titirangi Theatre's upcoming production of A Man for All Seasons.

Make a chopping board | 11-2 PM, Thu 26 Mar
📍 18 Huia Road, Point Chevalier | Learn more
Learn the basics of using power tools while crafting your very own upcycled wooden chopping board.

Make a bench | 10-4PM, Sun 29 Mar
📍 135 Chamberlain Road, Massey | Learn more
Build your confidence with power tools and craft a functional wooden bench for your home.

Paint & Sip Evening | 6:45 PM–9:45 PM, Wed 25 Mar ($)
📍 502 South Titirangi Road, Titirangi | Learn more
Enjoy a fun 2-hour paint and sip evening with step-by-step guidance.

Make A Wooden Feather | 10AM–12PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 595 Te Atatu Road, Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Join a chilled session to craft a unique upcycled wooden feather from reclaimed timber.

Snip & Sip: Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop | 11AM–12PM, Sun 29 Mar
📍 New Lynn Memorial Library | Learn more
Learn how to fold, cut, and shape paper into beautiful motifs in this interactive traditional folk art session.

Whānau Friendly Worm Farm workshop | 3:30 PM–4:30 PM, Mon 30 Mar
📍 Avondale Library | Learn more
Bring the family along for a fun, free, and interactive worm farming workshop to turn food scraps into fertilizer!

Practical Methods To Propagate Fruit Trees | 1:30 PM–3PM, Sat 28 Mar ($)
📍 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn | Learn more
Get hands-on and learn simple, cost-effective ways to propagate your own fruit trees at home.

Native Planting Workshop at Ranui Library | 4PM–7PM, Thu 26 Mar
📍 431 Swanson Rd, Ranui 0612 | Learn more
Discover the importance of native plants and take home your own seedling at this whānau-friendly workshop.

Saving Auckland's Heritage Fruit Trees: Healthy Soil, Healthy Trees | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM, Sat 28 Mar ($)
📍 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn 0600 | Learn more
Learn practical ways to support heritage fruit trees, improve soil health, and protect our green spaces.

Native Seedling Sessions | 10AM–12PM, Wed 25 Mar
📍 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn 0600 | Learn more
Get your hands dirty at the nursery and help grow native plants for local restoration projects.

FREE – Intro to Composting (all 3 systems) | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM, Sun 29 Mar
📍 Kumeu Community Hall | Learn more
Learn the basics of home composting in this free, hands-on workshop.

Ark in the Park | 8:30 AM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 Waitākere Ranges
Join hands-on conservation activities like pest baiting and biodiversity monitoring in the Waitākere Ranges.

Coastal Clean-up at Catalina Bay | 10AM-12:30PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 Hobsonville Point Coastal Walkway | Learn more
Help us clean up our coastline in the Upper Waitemata Harbour this Saturday morning

OUR FIRST HUB DAY FOR THE YEAR! | 11AM–3PM, Fri 27 Mar ($)
📍 Kumeu Community Centre | Learn more
Treat yourself to a day of holistic therapies, natural products, and healings at this community wellness hub.

Helensville Primary Gala Day | 10AM–2PM, Sat 28 Mar ($)
📍 Helensville Primary School | Learn more
Bring the whole crew for an epic school gala full of bouncy castles, food, games, and a teacher dunk tank!

Swanson School Gala | 11AM–2PM, Sat 28 Mar ($)
📍 Swanson School | Learn more
Support the local school at their annual gala filled with fun activities, food trucks, and a pre-loved sale.

Photo Fundraiser | 10AM–3PM, Sat 28 Mar ($)
📍 5 Woodford Avenue, Waitakere | Learn more
Dress up for a quick family photoshoot to raise funds for Plunket.

Greenhithe Playcentre Easter fundraiser | 10AM–12PM, Sun 29 Mar ($)
📍 15A Greenhithe Road, Greenhithe | Learn more
Hop on over for a magical morning of Easter egg hunts, messy play, and treats while supporting the local Playcentre!

Winery Tour | 9:45 AM–4:15 PM, Sat 28 Mar ($)
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
Dress up in your best garden-party attire for a fabulous day of wine tastings and great vibes with UASC.

Gently Loved Markets Curvy - Greenhithe | 10AM–1PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 Greenhithe Village Hall | Learn more
Hunt for preloved fashion treasures at this curvy-inclusive clothing market with free entry.

ARTS IN ACTION - FREE ARTS FESTIVAL | 11AM–2PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 300 Main Road, Huapai 0841 | Learn more
Gather the whānau for a free, action-packed arts festival featuring clay work, weaving, face painting, and more!

Country Club Huapai Market Day | 11AM–3PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 23 Vintry, Huapai 0841 | Learn more
Live music, delicious food, vibrant market stalls. Massive new designer and high end clothes sale from Dress for Success

F45 New Lynn Challenge Party & Social Catch-Up | 7PM–10PM, Fri 27 Mar
📍 Goode Brothers | Learn more
Celebrate the end of the F45 challenge with drinks, laughs, and awards at Goode Brothers.

Camp 2026 | 6PM–1:30 PM, Fri 27 Mar
📍 Carey Park Christian Camp | Learn more
Register early and join the Christian Fellowship for the Disabled for their annual camp.

Friends of Arataki - Monthly fundraising BBQ's! | 11AM–2PM, Sun 29 Mar ($)
📍 300 Scenic Drive, Oratia, Waitakere, Waitakere 0604 | Learn more
Grab a sausage or some home baking to support the awesome Friends of Arataki Society.

Cat and Kitten Adoption Day Animates Westgate | 11AM–2PM, Sun 29 Mar
📍 Animates Westgate | Learn more
Meet your new furry best friend at this cat and kitten adoption day.

Te Atatu Peninsula Crystal Visions Holistic & Wellness Market | 10AM–3PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre | Learn more
Browse unique stalls and find guidance at this holistic and wellness market.

Food for Fashion Event | 10AM–12PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 385 Don Buck Road Massey Community Hub | Learn more
Bring a can of food for the community food drive and take home up to 5 items of clothing.

Glen Eden Village Vibes | 4PM–6PM, Fri 27 Mar
📍 Glen Eden Library - Te Pātaka Kōrero o Ōkaurirahi | Learn more
Bring a takeaway and enjoy live music outside the library on a warm summer evening.

Open Mic Night | 8PM–12AM, Fri 27 Mar
📍 502 South Titirangi Road, Titirangi 0604 | Learn more
Grab the mic or just enjoy the local talent at this monthly open mic night.

Fat Rattle Cat live! | 6PM–11PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 What-A-BBQ Smokehouse | Learn more
Catch a free, full live band experience with Fat Rattle Cat at the Smokehouse.

90's Throw Back Party Paradice Avondale | 7:30 PM–10:30 PM, Fri 27 Mar ($)
📍 Lansford Cres, Avondale 0600 | Learn more
Hit the ice for a 90s-themed throwback party with retro tunes and UV lights.

Western themed line dance social! | 12PM–4:30 PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 Kumeu Community Centre | Learn more
Dust off your boots for a fun, Western-themed line dancing social night.

TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE (1986) 40th Anniversary | 4PM–5:30 PM, Sat 28 Mar ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Catch the Autobots in action at this epic 40th-anniversary screening of the classic 1986 Transformers movie!

APOCALYPSE NOW (1979) Theatrical Cut | 6:30 PM–9PM, Sat 28 Mar
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Catch a screening of the 1979 cinematic masterpiece, Apocalypse Now, at Hollywood Avondale.

Nature Photography App Workshop: From Park to Phone: Discover Local Nature | 1PM–4PM, Thu 26 Mar
📍 93 Rosebank Road 1026 | Learn more
Discover how to identify local plants and animals using the iNaturalist app.

Card Merchant Westcity - One Piece OP-15 Pre-Release Event | 6:30 PM–9:30 PM, Fri 27 Mar ($)
📍 Westcity Mall | Learn more
Join the One Piece OP-15 pre-release sealed tournament and build a new deck.

Card Merchant Westcity - Flesh and Blood Battlegrounds | 10AM–1PM, Sat 28 Mar ($)
📍 Westcity Mall | Learn more
Test your skills in the Flesh and Blood Battlegrounds competitive card tournament.

Thanks for reading the West Auckland Digest!

See you next week!

Adrian Domingo - Publisher | West Auckland Digest