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Hi {{first_name | Westie}},
Cold mornings are back, which means it’s time to dust off the hoodies and sort the winter gear.
This issue: a new Henderson cancer centre opening, the second harbour crossing decision getting closer, flood-hit homes facing buyouts, more Waitākere tracks reopening, and digital driver licences officially approved.
Plus: live music, Youth Week events, food truck nights, new supermarkets and food businesses, and more happening across the west.
We’re continuing the poll for this month: What is the true Kiwi Smoko king? Meat pies or Sausage Rolls?
Let’s get into it.
In today’s edition:
40+ Events this week!
- Adrian Domingo | Publisher
Holidays none
City News
🌉 Second Harbour Crossing Decision Due Mid-Year | The Govt will decide within months whether Auckland’s second Waitematā crossing will be a bridge or tunnel, as maintenance costs on the Harbour Bridge reaching above $25m a year to maintain. Read more (NZ Herald)
📱 Digital Driver Licences Officially Approved | Parliament has passed legislation allowing optional digital driver licences and digital WoF/rego systems, while physical versions will still remain available. Read more (1News)
🎓 NCEA Replacement Details Confirmed | The Government has confirmed the new NZCE and NZACE system, including A+ to E grading, compulsory subjects and a stronger exam focus. Read more (Beehive) Watch (Stuff)
🤖 Govt Expands AI Support for Small Businesses | The AI Advisory Pilot is expanding from 50 to 150 businesses, offering co-funded AI planning support to boost AI adoption. Read more (Beehive)
Local News
🏥 Cancer Treatment Centre Opening In Henderson | West Auckland cancer patients will soon get treatment closer to home, in addition to the new Henderson infusion centre opened recently. Read more (Beehive)
🥾 Three Waitākere Ranges Tracks Reopen After 8 Years | Zion Hill, Kuataika and Smyth Ridge tracks have reopened after years of kauri dieback protection work. Read more (OurAuckland)
🏚️ Council To Buy Over 1200 Flood-Affected Properties | Auckland Council is planning major decisions for 1200+ storm-damaged Category 3 properties, including redevelopment, flood projects and parkland use. Read more (OurAuckland)
New Openings
🛒 FOOD4LESS Supermarket in New Lynn has officially reopened under new management📍13 Veronica Street, New Lynn
🛒 Aditi Foods is a new Indian grocery that opened in New Lynn📍13 Puriri Street, New Lynn
🍛 Mo! China Indo Chinese & Indian Cuisine opened recently with catering and birthday party options available📍89/91 West Coast Road, Glen Eden Mo! China
🎠 Wonder World Café & Indoor Playground📍33-47 Northside Drive Westgate (next to Foodie Supermarket)
What’s the TRUE Kiwi smoko king?
🚧 Road and Rail Closures
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Exciting Events this week: May 20-26
Hot Events
Weekdays
🍔 Huapai Food Truck Night | Thu 5pm
📍 Huapai Domain | Learn more
Street food, desserts and relaxed family-friendly vibes.
🌱 Sustainability Expo | Fri 3:30–5pm
📍 Hubwest Henderson | Learn more
Eco ideas, sustainable living tips and community stalls.
Saturday
🧶 Woolfest Auckland 2026 | 10am-1pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
A celebration of all things wool with traders, shearing demos, and food trucks.
🛹 Family Fun Day Riverhead Skatepark | 10am
📍 Riverhead War Memorial Park | Learn more
Skating, activities and family entertainment all day.
🎧 Henderson Block Party | 12–4pm
📍 Henderson | Learn More
Big Youth Week lineup with live local artists, youth markets, food stands, prizes, and community pop-ups.
🚣 Te Whau Whakanui Day & Dragon Boat Festival | 9:30am-3pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Celebrate the river with clean-up activities, bush walks, and a dragon boat festival.
Sunday
🎸 Fat Cat Rattle live at the Huapai Tavern | 3pm
📍 Huapai Tavern | Learn more
Live blues and rock at the classic local tavern.
🔥 Wednesday ‘Bleeds’ NZ Tour | 8pm
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
High-energy live alt-rock show on their NZ tour.
Events
Wed 20 May
🌱 Karakia for Triangle Park Community Teaching Garden Food Forest | 6am
📍 Massey | Learn more
🥦 New Lynn Community Fruit & Veg Market | 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
🧒 Youth Week at Kia Puāwai Youth Service | 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
A morning of youth connection, speakers, and free clothing.
🎨 Exhibition Opening Run It Back | Wed 20 May 11 AM
📍 Corban Estate, Henderson | Learn more
🎶 Ukulele Jam Fun for Adults and Teens | 2-3pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
🔥 X-POU: Find Your Feet, Build Your Future | 4–6pm
📍 Massey | Learn More
Youth event with live music, BBQ, games, prizes, workshops, career pathways, and whānau activities.
🕹️ SPAC135 Mini Arcade Parlour | 5–7pm
📍 Ranui | Learn More
🍷 Paint and Wine Night in Titirangi: Bob Ross' Snowy Mountains | 7-9pm ($)
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
🎵 Beats By Bingo | Wed 7:30-9:30pm
📍 Kumeu | Learn more
Music bingo night with throwback hits, prizes and pub vibes.
🎞️ Big Wednesday (1978) | 7:30-9pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Thu 21 May
🎀 OBC Cafe Pink Ribbon Breakfast | 9am-1pm ($)
📍 Oratia | Learn more
Fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Foundation.
💚 Youth Health Hub at The Square | 3:30–5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn More
Free kai, games, music, and youth wellness support for ages 12–24.
🍲 Together We Eat: Community Kai @ Parrs Park | 4pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn More
Community caring for the community.
🎲 BINGO - Hobsonville Bowling Club | 6-9pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
An evening of bingo, raffles, and cash prizes.
🍿 Passenger (2026) Opening night | 7:30-10:30pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
🥋 Free Youth Self-Defence Classes | 21 May 4–6pm, 22 May 6-8pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Trial sessions at HubWest. Gear provided.
Fri 22 May
🎤 Youth Week: Street Beats | 4–7pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn More
Food trucks, live performances, youth markets, cultural showcases, free barber cuts, and henna art.
🎶 Ka Hao Te Rangatahi | 4–7pm
📍 Henderson | Learn More
Free youth event at Zeal West with performances, kai, and free barbering.
⛸️ Country Party on Ice | 7:30-10:30pm ($)
📍 Paradice Avondale | Learn more
Sat 23 May
📖 Workshop: Section Sewn Book with Hard Cover | 10am-4:30pm ($)
📍 Henderson Valley | Learn more
🏏 Sports Tech | 10am-4pm
📍 MOTAT Western Springs | Learn more
♻️ E-Day E-Waste Recycling | 10am-2pm
📍 Rangeview Intermediate, Te Atatū South | Learn More
🛍️ West Women’s E Group Market Day | 10am–2pm
📍 Kelston | Learn More
Food, crafts, clothing, and community stalls at Kelston Community Hub.
🎤 Henderson’s Got Talent | 12-3pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A showcase for local talent with performances and creative arts workshops.
🎤 Bad For Education | William Walker - NZ Music Month | 12pm
📍 Avondale Library | Learn more
Enjoy a live solo-set from indie/punk rocker William Walker for NZ Music Month.
🪟 Painted Window Art: 3D Print Edition | 1-3pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
🎷 The Jazz Room: A Frank Sinatra & Louis Armstrong Tribute| 6pm ($)
📍Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
🎬 Movie Quiz Night at the Oratia Bowling Club | 7pm ($)
📍 Oratia | Learn more
A fun trivia night covering movies and general knowledge to support the bowling club.
🎶 The Trusts Live! at Corban Estate | 7-10pm ($)
📍 Corban Estate Arts Centre | Learn more
Live concert series in a wine cellar supporting local youth music programs.
Sun 24 May
🎀 RSFC Pink Ribbon Post Match Fundraiser | 11am-2pm
📍 Ranui | Learn more
Support breast cancer research with rugby, shared food, and a fundraiser event.
🥁 Library Live: Persian Sounds | 11-11:30am
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Live Persian percussion performance by a talented 13-year-old artist.
🎸 NZ Music Month: Kairos (blues duo) | 2-3pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
Live acoustic blues performance for NZ Music Month.
⛸️ Avondale Scrimmage | 9:15-10:45pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Late-night ice skating scrimmage for experienced skaters age 16+.
Mon 25 May
🕺 Keep on Movin' (to the 90s!) | 4-6pm
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A 90s-themed dance party with drink specials.
Tue 26 May
🛠️ Kauri Creations: Power Tools 101 | 10am-1pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
Learn woodworking and tool skills to create a custom reclaimed kauri platter.
🧘 Kind, Firm, Calm Parenting Talk | 5:30-6:30pm
📍 Huapai | Learn more
Parenting talk on effective, gentle, and firm strategies for raising children.
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted!
See you next week!
Adrian Domingo - Publisher | West Auckland Digest [email protected]
Have an awesome day, you beauty!