Hello, West Auckland!
Classic March Out West, eh? Sunblock at Piha one minute, dodging a Henderson downpour the next. It’s keeping us on our toes, but the gardens aren't complaining.
While we’re all side-eyeing those $3-plus petrol prices, there’s plenty of local news to distract us. From new pathways finally opening to big shifts for our bus routes, here’s what’s happening in our neck of the woods this week.
P.S. If the traffic feels extra heavy heading into town this Wednesday (18 March), it’s because Linkin Park 🤘 is taking over Spark Arena for their From Zero world tour. Doors open at 6:30 pm—so if you're heading in from the West, give yourself plenty of extra time on the Northwestern.
In today’s edition:
The Quiet Revolution: Electric Buses are Coming 🚌
Local Business Feature: Magick Potions 🪄
Te Whau Pathway: First Boardwalk Opens 🚶
The West’s Top 3 Slowest Roads Revealed 🚗
40+ Events this weekend & Live Music!
— Adrian Domingo
Holidays - No holidays this week or the next!
News
The Quiet Revolution: Electric Buses are Coming
Auckland Transport’s new $755 million deal is a massive game-changer for the Westie commute.
Massive Rollout: Kinetic is delivering NZ’s largest zero-emission bus fleet.
The West Connection: 165 new electric buses are set to hit our local streets from July 2027.
Local Perk: Expect smoother, quieter rides on our most frequent routes, using lightweight double-deckers designed to save our local roads from extra wear and tear.
Click Here: To get the full details
A message from Magick Potions
Beautiful pieces of natural healing magick you can wear or display
Magick Potions heal the body, mind & soul through nature and the senses.
Magick Potions is a small local business specialising in
hand selected crystals and gemstones,
hand crafted jewellery,
aromatherapy jewellery
and potion bottles.
With fairy magic, dream catchers, and so much more it is like stepping into another realm.
A visit to the new shop layout is "a hug for the senses & the soul"
And they are offering a special promo:
Mention "West Auckland Digest" to get A FREE GIFT with any purchase until April 17
Click below to learn more about natural healing for meditation, comfort, sleep, and emotions.
Community Digest
Te Whau Pathway: First Boardwalk Set to Open
The wait is almost over. After years of watching piles driven into the mud, we’re finally getting on the water.
The Big Day: First section opens Friday, 20 March 2026.
The Route: Connects the Northwestern Cycleway to Bridge Ave and Roberts Field in Te Atatū South.
Why It Matters: A scenic, flat alternative to the Lincoln Road chaos—perfect for Freyberg Community School families.
What’s Next: Work starts late March on the Wingate Street to Ken Maunder Park leg.
Click Here: To read the official announcement and full details | and FB
City Updates
West Auckland’s Slowest Roads: Is Your Commute on the List?
It’s that time of year—"March Madness" is officially testing our patience. I bet you already had some guesses. Here are our slowest local crawls:
Lincoln Road: Between Te Pai Place and Triangle Rd (12km/h AM / 11km/h PM).
Triangle Road: Waimumu Rd down to Lincoln (12km/h AM / 24km/h PM).
Central Park Drive: Universal Dr to Lincoln (14km/h AM / 15km/h PM).
These are 8AM and 5PM times so plan accordingly :)
Click Here:To read the full slowest roads list
Exciting Events this week: Mar 11th - 17th
Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please click on the RSVP 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!
🧒 Kids & Youth
New Lynn Plunket Playgroup! | 9:30 AM–11:30 AM, Wed 18 Mar ($)
📍 45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn | Learn more
A morning of play, learning, and socializing for children and their caregivers.
Little Bounces with KangaKids | 11:00 AM–11:30 AM, Wed 18 Mar
📍 595 Te Atatū Road, Te Atatū Peninsula | Learn more
An active session helping kids grow confidence and creativity through healthy movement.
FREE Messy Play by Messy Rainbows | 10:30 AM - 11:30AM & 1-2PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 West City Mall | Learn more
Get ready to splash, squish, pour, and play! Perfect for 1-5s.
Kids Learn to Skate - Term 1 2026 | 5:30 PM–6:15 PM, Tue 24 Mar ($)
📍 The Trusts Arena | Learn more
A fun introduction class for kids to learn basic skating skills.
🏃 Sport & Active
Dodgeball Training | Accuracy & Fitness | 8:00 PM–9:00 PM, Thu 19 Mar ($)
📍 Te Atatu South Community Centre | Learn more Training session focused on precision and conditioning for all skill levels.
Disabled Surfers Association NZ 'Have a Go Day' | 8:30 AM–11:30 AM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 Piha Surf Life Saving Club | Learn more
A surf event tailored for participants of all abilities to experience the waves.
Warriors 2026 Games (vs. Knights) | 5:00 PM–7:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 Greenfields, The Hangar, Taphouse & Workshop | Learn more
Live screening of the Warriors taking on the Knights.
2026 Term 1 - Adults Skate Session | 5:45 PM–7:00 PM, Tue 24 Mar ($12)
📍 The Trusts Arena | Learn more
Learn and practice basic skating skills with other adults.
🎨 Arts, Crafts & Creative
Sew a Cushion | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Wed 18 Mar
📍 135 Chamberlain Road, Massey | Learn more
Create a cushion using reclaimed upholstery fabrics saved from landfill.
Mend/Make at the New Lynn Community Centre | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Thu 19 Mar
📍 New Lynn Community Centre | Learn more
Adult workshop to learn machine and hand mending skills for textiles.
Waiōrea Craft Club | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Fri 20 Mar
📍 990 Great North Road | Learn more
Creative session for making mini projects using repurposed textiles.
Make Garden Signs at the Waterview Hub | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 Waterview Methodist Church | Learn more
Build and paint meaningful wooden signs for shared community spaces.
Andy Mardell - NZ History in Wood Carvings Opening | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 West Coast Gallery | Learn more
Exhibition of art pieces sculpted from fallen or salvaged native timbers.
Te Atatū Art Club | 6:30 PM–8:30 PM, Mon 23 Mar
📍 595 Te Atatū Road, Te Atatū | Learn more
A welcoming session for artists to work on personal creative projects.
🌱 Environment & Sustainability
Free Love Food Hate Waste Workshop: Grow Your Own Microgreens | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM, Mon 23 Mar
📍 Waitākere Central Library Henderson | Learn more
Hands-on session to learn how to cultivate nutritious greens from seed to harvest.
🎪 Festivals, Markets & Community Events
New Lynn Farmers Market | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Wed 18 Mar
📍 New Lynn Memorial Square | Learn more
Weekly market featuring fresh fruit, vegetables, and local produce.
Eid Market | 6:00 PM–10:00 PM, Wed 18 Mar
📍 New Lynn Community Centre | Learn more
Market supporting local Muslim businesses with gifts and modest fashion.
Waitākere Gardens Health Expo | 10:00 AM–1:30 PM, Thu 19 Mar
📍 Waitākere Gardens, Henderson | Learn more
Showcase of health, wellness, and lifestyle services for the community.
Te Whau Pathway Opening Celebration | 12:30 PM–2:30 PM, Fri 20 Mar
📍 111 Roberts Rd, Te Atatū South | Learn more
Celebration of a new boardwalk completion with a sausage sizzle and kids' fun.
Twilight Treasures Market | 5:30 PM–8:00 PM, Fri 20 Mar
📍 2B Topere Way, Westgate | Learn more
Community market celebrating 40 years of Hospice West Auckland.
Pop up Toys - STOCKTAKE SALE | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, Fri 20 Mar
📍 76 Westpoint Dr, Hobsonville | Learn more
Warehouse sale featuring discounts on quality toys, books, and puzzles.
Glen Eden Community Market | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 13 Pisces Road, Glen Eden | Learn more
Vibrant market featuring handmade items, up-cycled goods, and local talent.
Gently Loved Markets Hobsonville Flea | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar 📍 Sunderland Lounge, Hobsonville | Learn more Indoor garage sale with stalls selling preloved clothing, books, and more.
Big Readiness Day Out | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 1 Barron Drive, Green Bay | Learn more
Family day focused on disaster preparedness with games and activities.
Neighbours Day 2026!! | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 Royal Reserve, Massey | Learn more
Community gathering with face painting, crafts, and free ice cream.
Showroom Clearance Sale March 2026 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 32A Patiki Road, Avondale | Learn more
Clearance sale featuring showroom ex-display items at significant discounts.
Palaro at Panlasa | Games and Flavours | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 New Lynn Memorial Square | Learn more
Discover Filipino culture through classic childhood games and music.
Really Really Free Shop | 11:30 AM–3:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 New Lynn Community Centre | Learn more
A community sharing event where you can donate or take items for free.
End of Summer Stock $2 Clothes & Shoes Sale | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 Gate B, 50 The Concourse, Henderson | Learn more
Clearance sale of selected summer stock for just $2 per item.
Quiz Night for Mikayla | 5:30 PM–8:30 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 198 McLeod Rd, Auckland | Learn more
Fundraising event to support costs for stem cell transplant therapy.
Te Atatū Food Truck Night | 5:00 PM–9:00 PM, Sat 18 Apr
📍 Harbourview-Orangihina Park | Learn more
A community evening featuring various street food trucks and a pop-up bar.
🎵 Music & Nightlife
Linkin Park | From Zero World Tour | 7:00 PM–10:00 PM, Wed 18 Mar
📍 Spark Arena | Learn more
Live concert celebrating the band's return and new album.
Biodanza Friday Mornings | 9:30 AM–11:30 AM, Fri 20 Mar ($20)
📍 Heart Song Temple, Bethells Valley | Learn more
A session using music and movement to support vitality and connection.
Stars of Pasifika Poetry | 4:00 PM–6:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar 📍 Te Atatū Peninsula Library | Learn more Annual event featuring a lineup of Pasifika poets performing live.
MJO at Kumeū Arts Live | 8:00 PM–11:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 Kumeū Arts | Learn more
An intimate seated concert featuring storytelling and live music.
In The Pocket - Live in Henderson | 7:00 PM–11:45 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 104 Central Park Drive, Henderson | Learn more
Live music performance by a local favorite band to round out summer.
AYO Symphonic Tales | 2:30 PM–5:30 PM, Sun 22 Mar
📍 Helensville War Memorial Hall | Learn more
An orchestral journey through drama, romance, and symphonic storytelling.
🎬 Film
Movies in Parks: Bookworm | 4:30 PM–8:15 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 Henderson Park | Learn more
Free outdoor screening of the film starring Elijah Wood.
U TURN (1997) 35mm Presentation | 6:30 PM–8:40 PM, Sun 22 Mar
📍 Hollywood Avondale | Learn more
A rare 35mm screening of the Oliver Stone film noir fever dream.
🎓 Workshops, Talks & Learning
Mental Health Sounds Like This: Stories and Songs | 3:30 PM–6:30 PM, Thu 19 Mar
📍 Rānui Community Library | Learn more
Stories and music exploring the link between creativity and mental well-being.
Waitemata BC Beginner's Bridge Lessons | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM, Thu 19 Mar
📍 56 Covil Ave, Te Atatū South | Learn more
Introduction to the strategic card game of Bridge in a friendly setting.
Minotaur Project - Biodanza Deepening Weekend | 6:00 PM, Fri 20 – Sun 22 Mar ($)
📍 Heart Song Temple, Bethells Valley | Learn more
An intensive weekend workshop for those with previous Biodanza experience.
NVC Dance Floors Weekend Workshop | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 64A Shetland St, Glen Eden | Learn more
Practical workshop for deepening Nonviolent Communication (NVC) awareness.
Show Garden Open Day | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 Unit 8 / 8 Laurenson Road, Hobsonville | Learn more
Explore urban greenery displays and get expert advice for small garden spaces.
Energy Healing techniques for beginners | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Sun 22 Mar ($)
📍 Titirangi Community House | Learn more
Workshop covering chakras, energy protection, and crystal healing.
Seeking Will Book Launch Celebration | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, Sun 22 Mar 📍 Arataki Visitor Centre | Learn more Celebration for a bilingual picture book co-created by tamariki and whānau.
Make a Chopping Board: Power Tools 101 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Sun 22 Mar
📍 135 Chamberlain Road, Massey | Learn more
Adult workshop teaching basic woodworking and safe use of power tools.
FREE Rheem Gas Continuous Flow Water Heater Training | 7:15 AM–10:00 AM, Tue 24 Mar
📍 475 Rosebank Road, Avondale | Learn more
Technical practical training session for registered plumbers and gasfitters.
Wāhi Kōrero | 2:00 PM–3:00 PM, Tue 24 Mar
📍 431 Swanson Road, Rānui | Learn more
A supportive group space to develop and learn te reo Māori.
Why Do Stressful Situations Keep Repeating? | 7:00 PM–10:00 PM, Tue 24 Mar
📍 West Lynn Garden | Learn more
Evening class on mindfulness philosophy and self-reflection on stress patterns.
Free Comedy New Lynn | 6:30 PM–8:00 PM, Tue 24 Mar
📍 New Lynn War Memorial Library | Learn more
Open mic stand-up comedy session featuring local performers.
🥋 Martial Arts
MINDSET Women's Self-Defence Weekend Workshop | 10:30 AM–3:30 PM, Sat 21 Mar
📍 Massey University Recreation Centre (Albany) | Learn more
Practical workshop focused on physical defense techniques and situational awareness.
🩺 Other
Blood Donation Drive | 12:30 PM–7:40 PM, Wed 18 Mar
📍 NZBS, 289 Lincoln Road, Henderson | Learn more
The Western Knights' 2nd annual community blood donation event.
Parent Support Group - West Auckland | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Fri 20 Mar
📍 Kings Garden Cafe Henderson | Learn more
A safe, judgement-free space for parents and whānau to share experiences.
Chillex Auckland Sidecar Racing | 12:00 PM–3:00 PM, Sun 22 Mar
📍 126 Patiki Rd, Avondale | Learn more
Action-packed meeting featuring sidecars and classic sidecar racing.
Thanks for reading the West Auckland Digest!
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See you next week!
Adrian Domingo - Publisher | West Auckland Digest
Best of NZ :D