Community News

On April 19, our dear, ever-curious, and insect-loving friend Kyle Whorrall was suddenly and unspeakably killed in New Zealand. This fundraiser is being created to help bring Kyle home and to support his family through the unimaginable grief and incredibly complex challenges they now face.

Originally from Los Angeles, Kyle had been living in Auckland, NZ, as he pursued his PhD. Anyone who ever had the chance to meet Kyle will know that he was incredibly intelligent, extraordinarily funny, and inherently kind. Kyle's death is an immense loss is to his family, friends, and the field of entomology.

The circumstances of Kyle's death have introduced unexpected and uniquely challenging obstacles to his family who must now travel thousands of miles to deal with this horrible tragedy. Although no one can eliminate the overwhelming grief and difficult tasks that Kyle's family now face, we can help relieve the associated financial burden.

Funds will go directly to Kyle's mom who will use your donation to support the family’s:

Travel related expenses between the US and NZ

Funeral and memorial expenses

Therapy and grief counseling

Legal, administrative, and other unexpected costs.

We have sad news to share e te whānau.

On early Sunday morning the Penrose warehouse where we store our show gear, large apparatus and archives burnt down.

Sadly, everything in storage was lost.

We acknowledge the loss of these taonga, the creativity, energy and aroha that they were infused with, and the connection many of our artists, students and community have.

They contained the history and story of The Dust Palace.

We have insurance. We will remake what we can. We have also started a give-a-little page to help us with some of the uninsurable costs.

Our love, resilience and aroha go to our team, artists, students and community.

More to come.

Ngā manaakitanga,

The Dust Palace team

Kāinga Ora put together a monthly panui updating the community on what they are doing in the area.

You can read the panui here.

Focus group to discuss on housing challenges and homelessness in our city to shape a pubic campaign

The deadline for applications is 4 July 2025

The Auckland Library Heritage Trust is a charitable trust that supports Auckland Libraries and Auckland Council to preserve, care for, add to, and promote Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections for the benefit of the people of Auckland. You can find out more about the work of the Trust via their website: www.alht.org.nz

The Auckland Library Heritage Trust administers four John Stacpoole Scholarships annually. Three of the four scholarships are summer scholarships under the management and supervision of the Auckland History Initiative, University of Auckland. 

The fourth scholarship is offered publicly, to researchers, practitioners and professionals who have a particular interest in items in Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections.

St Heliers Centre was founded on the principle of caring for our local community, so we're happy to share our excellent facilities with groups, individuals and families who are looking for a safe and welcoming space.

Tagalad, an Auckland Council facility which St Heliers Community Centre manages, is a perfect space to host a birthday party, family gathering, reunion, event or class/workshop. Book the Hall and Lawns will have access to the whole venue - great if you'd like separate spaces and access to the reserve, lawns for putting up a gazebo for outside seating or even bigger outdoor games.

Please note that there is a $250 SpaceProtect/Bond fee. This will be fully refunded to you if the space is left in a satisfactory condition.

Weekend event bookings minimum 3 hours