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.

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

 Expressions of interest are now open for stall holders and food trucks wanting to be a part of this year's Parnell Festival of Roses on Sunday 9 November. 

Date: Sunday 9 November 2025
Time: 11.00am to 4.00pm
Location: Dove-Myer Robinson Park, Parnell 
EOI closure date: Friday 5 September at 5pm

Get ready to turn your school YELLOW! Inspire students to make a difference to those living with cancer this Daffodil Day.

There's so many fun ways to get involved...

• Fun run

• Themed dress up day

• Talent show... the ideas are endless!

Sign up now and inspire students to show care for those going through cancer in their community!

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

You can read the panui here.

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