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Hi Westie,
Music Month. Open studios. Mother’s Day chaos (wrestling included).
Big week!
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Let’s get into it.
In today’s edition:
40+ Events this week!
- Adrian Domingo | Publisher
Holidays none
City News
💬 Water Safety Rules Consultation
Auckland Council is proposing updates to navigation rules, including mandatory lifejackets on vessels under 6m while underway. Updates also cover e-foils, exclusion zones, and mooring rules. Consultation open until 7 June 2026 More: Auckland Council
🚌 Transport Policy Statement Approved
Auckland Council has adopted its first transport policy statement to guide future investment decisions. Focus on public transport, emissions reduction, safety, and value for money which will inform development of a 30-year regional transport plan. More: Auckland Council
🏛️ Transport reforms pass third reading
Legislation has passed to shift transport planning and policy powers from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council. Establishes a new regional transport committee. Council to take greater control over planning and delivery. More: New Zealand Government
Am I the last person to know about these $10 Whittakers Dream Cake tubs?
Because Candy Bakes in Te Atatū South is quietly blowing up across your socials, and for good reason. These aren’t your average dry, basic cake-in-a-cup. We’re talking proper, soft, moist cake layered with rich fillings, packed into a grab-and-go tub that somehow tastes like a full custom order.
People keep posting about them, selling out batches, tagging friends… and if you haven’t tried one yet, you’re already behind.
What makes Whittakers Dream Cakes a hit:
Proper bakery-quality cakes, no shortcuts
Just the right sweetness for morning tea, afternoon tea… and that cheeky midnight fix
It’s the kind of thing you plan to “try later” — then realise everyone else already has.
Don’t overthink it — message, order, and lock one in before the next batch disappears.
Community News
West Auckland takes the crown for THE BEST CINEMA in all Auckland
A major ranking by The Spinoff has dropped and West Auckland has come out on top.
In a full city-wide review of 29 cinemas, Hollywood Cinema Avondale was ranked #1 in Auckland, praised for its unique character, 35mm film screenings, and strong community vibe.
West Auckland is officially home to the best movie experience in the city.
Click here: to read the full article and see how the 3 other movie houses ranked
Or scroll to the EVENTS section for the next showings.
🛹 Shade sails have arrived: Parrs Park and Ōkaurirahi / Ceramco Park
Announced last February and March, they are finally here! :)
Click here: to go to Parrs Park or to Ōkaurirahi / Ceramco Park
🚧 Road and Rail Closures
Beach Road (2 sections) (Te Atatū Peninsula) – 7pm–5am – Apr 26–May 26
Cartwright Road (Kelston) – 24-hour closure – Mar 23–May 25
Dunlop Road (Westgate) – 24-hour closure – Dec 15–Jun 20
Glenview Road (Glen Eden) – 7pm–6am – May 4–8
Godley Road (Green Bay) – 7pm–5am – May 3–10
Great North Road (4 sections) (New Lynn) – 7pm–6am – May 4–8
Gunton Drive (Westgate) – 8pm–5am – May 11–13
Hillview Avenue (New Windsor) – 8am–6pm – May 6–12
Keikei Street (Westgate) – 7am–7pm – Feb 20–Aug 20
Kenley Place (Avondale) – 7am–6pm – Apr 7–May 7
Lone Kauri Road (Karekare) – 7am–5pm – Apr 22–May 24
Maki Street (Westgate) – 8pm–5am – May 5–7
Maki Street (Westgate) – 8pm–5am – May 12–14
Palm Court Drive (Glen Eden) – 7pm–6am – May 4–8
Rathlin Street (Blockhouse Bay) – 24-hour closure – Apr 13–May 23
Sabulite Road (Kelston) – 7pm–6am – May 4–8
Tarapuka Road (2 sections) (Westgate) – 24-hour closure – Jan 12–Jul 1
Victory Road (Laingholm) – 24-hour closure – Mar 9–Jun 30
Wood Bay Road (2 sections) (Titirangi) – 24-hour closure – Apr 20–Jul 20
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Exciting Events this week: April 22-28
Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please click on the Learn more links to check them out before going. If at an event and anyone asks, please let them know that you found the event in the West Auckland Digest newsletter. It helps get the word out. You are awesome! Thanks!
Hot Events
FRIDAY May 8
POSSESSION (1981) | 8-10:15pm ($)
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
🎸 MUSIC + MERCH With The ACETONES LIVE | 5-8pm
📍 Huapai | Learn more
Celebrate NZ Music Month with a free live concert featuring The Acetones.
SATURDAY May 9
Radiance Rising – Auckland Fire and Flow Showcase 2026 🔥 | 6pm
📍 Western Springs (Motions Rd) | Learn more
Malarkey (Live @ What-A-BBQ! Smokehouse) | 6pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Autumn Orchid Show | 10am
📍 Western Springs Garden Community Hall | Learn more
AUTUMN PLANT FAIR | 10am
📍 Western Springs | Learn more
Free Car Seat Checks & Installations (Baby Bunting Westgate) | 10am
📍 Westgate | Learn more
Mothers Day Bingo – Pink Ribbon Fundraiser | 1pm
📍 West Harbour | Learn more
Jean & Andrea (Titirangi Folk Club) | 7:30pm ($)
📍 Titirangi Beach Hall | Learn more
Waitakere Arts 2026 Members Art Exhibition| 9–17 May, 10am-4pm
📍 Corban Estate, Henderson | Learn more
🎵 The Trusts Live at Corban Estate | 7-10:45pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
A soulful evening of Māori and Pasifika music featuring Makaira Berry and MOHI.
SUNDAY May 10
Rumpus Machine – Mother’s Day @ The Original Kaipara Tavern | 2pm
📍 Helensville | Learn more
Free Rongoā Workshops | 10:30am
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Live Wrestling - Mothers Day Mayhem! | 3pm ($)
📍 Kumeu Community Centre | Learn more
NZ Comedy Fest: Stories About My Body (2026 World Premiere) | 5-7pm
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
Events
Wed 6 May
🚲 Group ride to the Big Bike Film Night (Glen Eden to Avondale) | 6:15-9:15pm
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
A beginner-friendly bike ride from Glen Eden to a film screening in Avondale.
🎬 The Big Bike Film Night | 7-9:30pm ($)
📍 Avondale | Learn more
Thu 7 May
🌿 Tiaki Taiao/Enhancing Habitat - Volunteer with us! | 9am-12:30pm
📍 Cornwallis | Learn more
Help rangers remove invasive weeds to protect native habitats.
🧵 DIY Sewing Workshop for Adults - Wheat Bags! | 10am-1pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Fri 8 May
🧵 Workshop: Making Book Cloth | 11am-1pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
Sat 9 May
🎨 Open Art Studios Upper Harbour 2026: The Freemanz Studio | Sat 9 and Sun 10, 10am-4pm
📍 Greenhithe | Learn more
Internationally recognised pastel artists working on hyper-realistic pieces.
🎨 Open Art Studios Upper Harbour 2026: Wicklam Bush Studio | 10am-4pm
📍 Greenhithe | Learn more
Explore textile and mixed media art inspired by the native bush.
🎨 Open Art Studios Upper Harbour 2026: Louise Auld | 10am-4pm
📍 Greenhithe | Learn more
Experience atmospheric abstract works exploring light, depth and colour.
🎨 Open Art Studios Upper Harbour 2026: Barry Ross Smith | 10am-4pm
📍 Greenhithe | Learn more
Oil paintings featuring surreal imagery of islands and oversized birds.
🎨 Open Art Studios Upper Harbour 2026: Sarah Ward | Quilt Artist | Sat 9 and Sun 10, 10am-4pm
📍 Greenhithe | Learn more
View artistic quilt works at Sarah Ward's studio.
🌱 Dundale Stream Care Session | 10am-12:30pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
🌸 A Market For Mums | 10am-2pm
📍 Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
Boutique market featuring local artisans and handmade gifts perfect for Mother's Day.
🎨 Rānui Graffiti Workshop | 11am-1pm
📍 Rānui | Learn more
Learn graffiti techniques at this hands-on workshop in Rānui.
🛍️ Gently Loved Markets Big Kids! | 11am-2pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
A sustainable market for second-hand toys, clothes, and books for kids.
🎻 NZ Music Month May 2026: Cello & Violin Duo | 2-2:45pm
📍 Blockhouse Bay | Learn more
🎯 Get to the Point - Lawn Bowls - give a go day | 3-5pm
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
🍿 MERMAIDS | 4-5:45pm
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
🌬️ Breathwork Experience held by Owaken Facilitators | 5-8:30pm ($)
📍 Hobsonville | Learn more
A guided, immersive breathwork journey to help you reconnect and release tension.
🎤 Open Stage Night @ Titirangi Theatre | 7-10pm
📍 Titirangi | Learn more
Sun 10 May
🔨 Make a Garden Bed: Power Tools 101 | 10am-1pm
📍 Massey | Learn more
☕ Mother's Day High Tea | 10am-1pm ($)
📍 Oratia | Learn more
🚲 Kids Learn to Ride - 2-12 years old | 10am-1pm
📍 Avondale | Learn more
🎵 Kairos (Folk Duo) - NZ Music Month | 1-4pm
📍 93 Rosebank Road, Auckland, New Zealand 1026 | Learn more
An acoustic folk duo performance to celebrate NZ Music Month.
🎶 Library Live: Guzheng Performance | 2-5pm
📍 New Lynn | Learn more
Mon 11 May
🩺 Understanding disability supports | WINZ and Kaikaranga (Taikura Trust) seminar | 10am-12:45pm ($)
📍 Glen Eden | Learn more
🍻 Monday Night PubChoir | 6:30-9:30pm
📍 Helensville | Learn more
Tue 12 May
🪵 Introduction to the Wood Workshop | 6-9pm ($)
📍 Henderson | Learn more
🧘 Sound Bath Healing | 6:30-7:30pm
📍 Waiatarua | Learn more
If you want to collaborate or promote your business, please send me an email.
[email protected]
That’s it! Hope the events list got you sorted!
See you next week!
Adrian Domingo - Publisher | West Auckland Digest
Impressive news!