Upcoming events
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The Bays Kids Market
THE BAYS KIDS MARKET
A Market By Kids, For Everyone!
Come along and support the next generation of young entrepreneurs at our very first Bays Kids Market.
40+ local children aged 7–12 will be creating, pricing, marketing and selling their own handmade, second-hand and NZ-sourced products while gaining valuable real-world skills in confidence, communication, creativity and financial literacy.
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 $𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 to enter just for turning up including :
$100 4 Square family food voucher
$100 Culley’s Hot Sauce vouche
$100 Lucy G Art voucher
Kelly Tarlton’s Family Pass,
Kids Life Pharmacy Hamper
Calimero Pizza Vouchers.
Expect a fantastic range of stalls including:
Handmade crafts & pottery
Art & cards
Cakes, hand made fudge & pizza dough balls
Plants & succulents
Recycled creations
Jewellery & bracelets
Young inventors and creators
Plus fun activities for the whole family:
Face Painting
Craft Table
Raffles
Saturday 8th August
10am – 12 noon
St Heliers Community Centre
This is more than just a market day. It's an opportunity for local children to build confidence, learn practical life skills, connect with their community and experience the excitement of running their own stall.
Bring the family, support local kids, discover unique products and help encourage the next generation of creative thinkers and entrepreneurs.
Thanks to our amazing sponsors including Orakei Local Board, Harvey Furnishings, Lucy G Design, Dawsons Lawyers, 4 Square, Thinking 2morrow, The Balance Project, Square One, Life Pharmacy, Calimero and Culleys.
Little Minds, Big Ideas
FREE ENTRY
The Power of Song in aid of Raukatauri Music Trust
Join us for The Power of Song and feel the magic of music boosting Raukatauri Music Trust!
The Power of Song in aid of Raukatauri Music Trust
Join us in person for an uplifting evening celebrating the magic of music! "The Power of Song" shines a spotlight on incredible voices coming together to support the Raukatauri Music Trust. Expect heartfelt performances, good vibes, and a whole lot of soul. It's the perfect chance to enjoy great tunes while making a difference. Don’t miss out on this special event!
Disability Journey Into Adulthood (New Zealand)
An informative Zoom conversation about leaving school
We formed this collaboration team in 2016 and have been running workshops since then but we have changed it up this year to incorporate many more subjects, we would like anyone that is interested either families, providers, schools or anyone who would like to understand the disability supports to attend. Collaboration team are from Real World Living, Flying Kites and Complex Care Group
Zoom update: robyn@realworldliving.co.nz
Author Talk with Siobhan Harvey
We are pleased to share an upcoming community event for the local book lovers and aspiring writers in our network. St Heliers Library is hosting an exclusive afternoon session featuring local author Siobhan Harvey as she discusses her newly released, internationally recognized, and award-winning memoir, What We Remember, What We Forget. During this insightful presentation, Siobhan will dive deep into the development of her book, exploring its powerful connection to memory, and sharing what it takes both personally and creatively to bring a true story to life. This is a free community event, but because spaces are limited at the library, bookings are absolutely essential to secure a seat: 09 377 0209 or sthelierslibrary@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Tree Planting - Waiatarua Reserve
Join us for the annual planting day. These plants encourage bird life.
Bring a spade, wear gumboots, and meet at the Abbotts Way car park.
Organised by the Waiataua Protection Society, funded by Ōrākei Local Board
Details HERE
Disability Journey Into Adulthood (New Zealand)
An informative Zoom conversation about leaving school
We formed this collaboration team in 2016 and have been running workshops since then but we have changed it up this year to incorporate many more subjects, we would like anyone that is interested either families, providers, schools or anyone who would like to understand the disability supports to attend. Collaboration team are from Real World Living, Flying Kites and Complex Care Group
Zoom update: robyn@realworldliving.co.nz
Lightfields: Maungarei
Lightfields: Maungarei. A magical theatre of light at the Stonefields Wetlands Reserve
A unique winter experience as the Maungarei Springs Wetlands in Stonefields is transformed into a magical theatre of light
Prepare to be amazed, enthralled, dazzled, as the Maungarei Springs Wetlands is transformed into a magical theatre of light. Bring the whole family to the Stonefields wetlands reserve on any evening Friday–Sunday 21–23 August and experience a breathtaking light installation and cinematic soundscape.
The wetlands in Stonefields is a uniquely stunning urban location for this large-scale lighting event, with a boardwalk leading you over shimmering water, surrounded by a majestic cliff face, and overlooked by Maungarei (Mt Wellington) and its rich history.
Lightfields is a free, inclusive and accessible* event. It’s open from 5:30pm to 10:00pm each evening from Friday to Sunday, 21–23 August.
Free admission but tickets are essential. Allow 30–45 minutes for this immersive experience.
What you need to know before you visit
Lightfields: Maungarei
Lightfields: Maungarei. A magical theatre of light at the Stonefields Wetlands Reserve
A unique winter experience as the Maungarei Springs Wetlands in Stonefields is transformed into a magical theatre of light
Prepare to be amazed, enthralled, dazzled, as the Maungarei Springs Wetlands is transformed into a magical theatre of light. Bring the whole family to the Stonefields wetlands reserve on any evening Friday–Sunday 21–23 August and experience a breathtaking light installation and cinematic soundscape.
The wetlands in Stonefields is a uniquely stunning urban location for this large-scale lighting event, with a boardwalk leading you over shimmering water, surrounded by a majestic cliff face, and overlooked by Maungarei (Mt Wellington) and its rich history.
Lightfields is a free, inclusive and accessible* event. It’s open from 5:30pm to 10:00pm each evening from Friday to Sunday, 21–23 August.
Free admission but tickets are essential. Allow 30–45 minutes for this immersive experience.
What you need to know before you visit
Tree Planting at Waiatarua Reserve
Join local volunteers for the annual Planting Day, led by the Waiatarua Protection Society.
Details HERE
Lightfields: Maungarei
Lightfields: Maungarei. A magical theatre of light at the Stonefields Wetlands Reserve
A unique winter experience as the Maungarei Springs Wetlands in Stonefields is transformed into a magical theatre of light
Prepare to be amazed, enthralled, dazzled, as the Maungarei Springs Wetlands is transformed into a magical theatre of light. Bring the whole family to the Stonefields wetlands reserve on any evening Friday–Sunday 21–23 August and experience a breathtaking light installation and cinematic soundscape.
The wetlands in Stonefields is a uniquely stunning urban location for this large-scale lighting event, with a boardwalk leading you over shimmering water, surrounded by a majestic cliff face, and overlooked by Maungarei (Mt Wellington) and its rich history.
Lightfields is a free, inclusive and accessible* event. It’s open from 5:30pm to 10:00pm each evening from Friday to Sunday, 21–23 August.
Free admission but tickets are essential. Allow 30–45 minutes for this immersive experience.
What you need to know before you visit
Transition Expo 2026
The transition from school into adulthood is a major life change for disabled young people, as well as their families and support networks.
Whether you’re planning for the years ahead or searching for opportunities now, Transition Expo is here to help your whānau discover what's possible and how to make it happen.
At this free event, you can connect with over 140 stalls and explore:
• Disability supports - transition providers, individualised funding hosts, government services
• Education - universities, training and other learning opportunities
• Career pathways - employer conversations, small businesses, social enterprises
• Recreation, therapy and community - travel, libraries, music, circus, arts, things to try
• Housing and transport - residential and community living options
• Professional services - financial, legal, advocacy
• And much more!
This is your chance to meet several providers in person and explore what life can look like after finishing school.
There’s a café onsite if you’d like to sit down for a drink or snack. Our Chill Zone (a dedicated quiet space with sensory-friendly activities and toys) will also be available if you need a breather during the day.
Young people aged 12+, their parents, caregivers and whānau are all welcome, as well as families with younger children who want to start planning early for the future.
This event is also a valuable opportunity for sector professionals, teachers, SENCOs, and anyone involved in supporting students through the transition into adulthood.
Event details:
Date: Wednesday 9 September 2026
Time: 9:00am to 2:00pm
Location: Auckland Netball Centre – 7 Allison Ferguson Drive, St Johns, Auckland
Cost: Free
The venue is wheelchair-accessible and has free parking. NZ Sign Language interpreters and Mandarin Chinese translators will be available - visit the Disability Connect stall for assistance.
For any queries, email us at admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz or call 09 636 0351.
Disability Connect would like to give a massive thank you to our sponsors - the Ministry of Social Development, Mercury and Clipboard - for helping us make this possible.
RSVP to this event and follow our Facebook page to keep up to date with any announcements or changes.
Volunteer Expo Auckland East
Discover How You Can Make a Difference.
Looking for a meaningful way to give back, meet new people, learn new skills, or even boost your career prospects? The Volunteer Expo is the perfect place to start.
Find out more here
FREE - Survivalism to Thrivalism - Ōrākei
Join Dane Tumahai in this guided walk at Okahu Bay and nearby landmarks. Learn about the cultural site of significance in Tamaki Makaurau. Details and Registration HERE
Disability Journey Into Adulthood (New Zealand)
An informative Zoom conversation about leaving school
We formed this collaboration team in 2016 and have been running workshops since then but we have changed it up this year to incorporate many more subjects, we would like anyone that is interested either families, providers, schools or anyone who would like to understand the disability supports to attend. Collaboration team are from Real World Living, Flying Kites and Complex Care Group
Zoom update: robyn@realworldliving.co.nz
Disability Journey Into Adulthood (New Zealand)
An informative Zoom conversation about leaving school
We formed this collaboration team in 2016 and have been running workshops since then but we have changed it up this year to incorporate many more subjects, we would like anyone that is interested either families, providers, schools or anyone who would like to understand the disability supports to attend. Collaboration team are from Real World Living, Flying Kites and Complex Care Group
Zoom update: robyn@realworldliving.co.nz
Ranger guided walk- Tahuna Torea nature reserve
Take a free guided tour with the community parks team through the ecologically significant Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve in Glen Innes.
Learn about the unique native flora and fauna of the coastal and forest habitats within this reserve, as well as the environmental impacts that people have had over time.
An average level of fitness and mobility required.
Bookings essential (spaces limited)
Tickets can be booked here
Remuera Library centenary
Join us and the Ōrākei Local Board in celebrating a remarkable milestone -100 years of the Remuera Library!
For a century, Remuera Library has been a cherished hub of learning, heritage, and connection in our community. Come along with family, friends, and neighbours for a celebratory morning featuring official speeches, children's entertainment, live music, delicious nibbles, and more.
No RSVP needed- simply drop by and help us celebrate 100 years of stories and community spirit!
FREE - Survivalism to Thrivalism - Ōrākei
Join Dane Tumahai in this guided walk at Okahu Bay and nearby landmarks. Learn about the cultural site of significance in Tamaki Makaurau. Details and Registration HERE
Pourewa Valley Planting
A wonderful community planting day is happening in our local area, and the organizers are looking for volunteers to help out!
Our friends at Eastern Bays Songbird Project are hosting a hands-on session to plant beautiful native species along Pourewa Creek and the bush track. This is a highly rewarding opportunity to help stabilize stream edges and replace trees where pest species have recently been removed.
It is going to be hands-on, a bit muddy, and a fantastic way to give back to our local ecosystem.
When: Saturday 18 July 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: John Rymer Place entrance to Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai (the path of land to sea), Kohimarama
What to bring: Sturdy, fully covered boots or shoes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty, and your awesome energy!
What is provided: All tools, plants, gloves, and guidance.
Weather note: The planting will go ahead rain or shine, but the organizers will postpone if strong winds make conditions unsafe.
How to Join: Registrations are essential so the organizers can prepare the right amount of gear. Please RSVP directly to them using their sign-up form: 👉 Register here
The Ellerslie Brick Show
There is a fantastic family-friendly weekend activity popping up right in our local neighborhood this week. The annual Ellerslie Brick Show is coming to the village for a full day of incredible LEGO displays. Hosted in association with the Auckland LEGO© User Group, this event brings together some of the most impressive, intricate brick creations to explore right in the heart of the community. It makes for the perfect weekend outing to bring along the kids, or the big kids at heart, to marvel at what can be built entirely brick by brick. Entry fees ($5) are payable at the door on the day, with special family passes available and free entry for the youngest builders under three years old.
Orakei Portait Archive
Come part of our local history! Join us for the Meadowbank Mall edition of this community portrait project. Whether you want to view the beautiful portraits already held in our archive or get your own photo taken, this free community event is open to all local residents.
Participants will be photographed against a specially created backdrop and will receive a complimentary digital copy of their portrait. To preserve this moment for generations to come, an additional copy of your portrait will be added to the Local History collection at the St Heliers Bay Library.
Matariki with Ellerslie Arts
Rongoa Māori and Mirimiri
Free perfomrances
"Have a go" circus workshops with te Kura Maninirau
Taonga Tākaro
Matariki Celebration: Ōrākei Marae Waiata Performance
Come and celebrate Matariki with us at this free community event! St Heliers Library is proud to host a very special, authentic cultural celebration featuring a live waiata performance by special guests from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Marae.
This is a beautiful, open-door opportunity for local residents, families, and seniors to gather together, mark the Māori New Year, and connect with the rich indigenous history of our local area.
Matariki Festival- Starlight Storytime, Crafts & Waiata
Celebrate Matariki with the whānau at this interactive, fun-filled community event! Proudly supported by the Ōrākei Local Board, Auckland East Community Network, and The Re-Creators, this evening is packed with free activities for all ages:
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Children’s Matariki crafts (with upcycling experts The Re-creators) plus beautiful Face Painting by Ana.
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Magical Starlight Storytime.
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Ukulele waiata accompanied by complimentary hot chocolate and cookies to keep everyone warm!
Bring the family along to connect, create, and reflect together. Spaces are limited, so secure your free tickets via the registration link below.
Auditions - Seniors wanted
Auditions for “Two Islands” are coming soon at The Dust Palace in Ellerslie.
This is an intergenerational production, including seniors and the Youth Circus.
Time commitment: 4 rehearsals (monthly) and 1 performance (in October).
Details HERE and from Geoff Allen 021-262-4907 and info@thedustpalace.co.nz
FREE WORKSHOP - Love Your Leftovers
Join the Compost Collective for this FREE and interesting workshop.
Details and How to register HERE
Have Your Say at Auckland East Community Network
The draft Ōrākei Local Board Plan has been shaped by your earlier feedback - now it's time to check in.
Did we get it right? Come to St Heliers Community Centre to hear more about the plan from local board members, ask questions, and give your feedback. Everyone is welcome.
Online feedback is open from 23 June - 23 July. More information is available at https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/local-board-plans-2026/orakei-local-board-plan-2026
Think Talk - Paul Spooney
Professor Emeritus Paul Spooney will talk about “Our Demography keeps changing: What will Aotearoa New Zealand look like in the Future?”
Details HERE
Homelessness
Come and learn about Homelessness - the causes, the solutions and ways you can support a community member.
Details HERE
Disability Journey Into Adulthood (New Zealand)
An informative Zoom conversation about leaving school
We formed this collaboration team in 2016 and have been running workshops since then but we have changed it up this year to incorporate many more subjects, we would like anyone that is interested either families, providers, schools or anyone who would like to understand the disability supports to attend. Collaboration team are from Real World Living, Flying Kites and Complex Care Group
Zoom update: robyn@realworldliving.co.nz
Ōrākei Community Forum
Join us for a welcoming evening at the Ōrākei Community Forum, designed to foster connection among neighbours and provide vital local updates. This event is hosted by the Ōrākei Community Association and aims to create a space for respectful conversation about the issues affecting our community.
Pedal Power - an organ concert of fancy footwork
Organist Stephen Vincent presents a concert of music highlighting the diverse role of the organ’s pedal division (the keyboard played with the feet). Entry by Koha. Details HERE
Disability Journey Into Adulthood (New Zealand)
An informative Zoom conversation about leaving school
We formed this collaboration team in 2016 and have been running workshops since then but we have changed it up this year to incorporate many more subjects, we would like anyone that is interested either families, providers, schools or anyone who would like to understand the disability supports to attend. Collaboration team are from Real World Living, Flying Kites and Complex Care Group
Zoom update: robyn@realworldliving.co.nz
Free Introduction to Composting Workshop – Kohimarama
Join Ali at Selwyn College for a free composting basics workshop. You’ll learn how three simple composting systems work and which one suits your home and garden best.
This workshop will cover traditional cold composting bins, worm farms, and Bokashi buckets. Participants will discover what to compost, how to avoid common mistakes, and how easy composting can be.
All participants receive a 50% discount voucher to order a compost system through our website, with delivery straight to their door. They will also receive a free rat trap to help manage pests.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the benefits of composting for soil health and waste reduction.
Identify which food scraps and materials can and cannot be composted.
Learn how to set up and maintain a cold compost bin, worm farm, or Bokashi system.
Gain practical skills to troubleshoot common composting problems (odour, pests, moisture balance).
Auckland Council supports this workshop, and Compost Collective delivers it as part of our goal to reduce food waste and build healthy soils.
Digital Seniors Seminar Series - Taking control of your digital legacy
Digital Seniors Seminar Series with Grant Furley
Join us for practical, easy-to-follow seminars designed to help you feel more confident with everyday digital tasks.
Taking control of your digital legacy
Each session includes a preesentation followed by questions and discussion. Morning tea provided.
🎈St Heliers Library - Heritage Room
🎈Free Event - bookings essential
📱(09) 377 0209
FREE - Taking control of your Digital Legacy
Digital Seniors seminar series. Learn how to protect your important information for your family.
RSVP details HERE
Active Apirana weed workshop
Join the movement to restore our native bush. Part of the joy of mountain biking is the connection to nature, and now you can help create the incredible native environment that the upcoming trails will flow through. Come along to our free pest plant workshop on Wednesday 27 May 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, meeting at the St Johns Road entrance of Apirana Reserve.
Led by an expert from Auckland Council, you’ll learn how to identify and remove common pest plants from your own backyard and our local community. You’ll also get a first-hand look at where the new mountain bike trails are being built. Please wear suitable clothing for some "bush crashing" as we get stuck in. We know it's a workday, so if you can't make this one, keep an eye out for future sessions to connect with the land and fellow bikers while learning more about the Active Apirana project.
FREE - Live music in St Heliers
GATSONG with Holly Christina, part on NZ Music Month.
A group of local guitar students showcase original and cover songs.
Details HERE
FREE Repair Cafe
Come along to see the workshop, see the Recycling Centre, meet locals and maybe even get help with a repair.
Details HERE
Zero Waste Repair Cafe
Don’t toss it—fix it! Got a broken appliance gathering dust or a hole in your favourite garment? Bring your items to our free Repair Café at the Tāmaki Zero Waste Hub and give your beloved belongings a second life.
Our team of skilled volunteer fixers will help you troubleshoot and repair just about anything, from small electronics to textiles. This is a great opportunity to learn how your belongings work, pick up practical new repair skills, and join a community that values fixing over throwing away. Together, we can keep useful items out of the waste stream and reduce our impact on the landfill.
Come along and be part of the local circular economy! For more information on the hub's initiatives, visit the Tāmaki Zero Waste Hub on Facebook or drop by the site.
FREE - E-waste and Battery Drop-off Day
Bring along your old computers, phones, batteries etc and we will ensure they are responsibly recycled.
Details HERE
Digital Seniors Seminar Series - Forgot Your Password?
Digital Seniors Seminar Series with Grant Furley
Join us for practical, easy-to-follow seminars designed to help you feel more confident with everyday digital tasks.
Forgot your password? Mastering password management.
Each session includes a preesentation followed by questions and discussion. Morning tea provided.
🎈St Heliers Library - Heritage Room
🎈Free Event - bookings essential
📱(09) 377 0209
FREE seminar "Forgot your Password?"
Digital Seniors brings you this free seminar on Password Management.
RSVP details HERE
Free BP check
Free Blood Pressure Checks with the Heart Foundation
Know your numbers, protect your heart. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but if it stays too high for too long, it significantly increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. To help our community stay healthy, the Heart Foundation (Te Whare Manawanui) is hosting a free walk-in clinic on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.
Come along to 9 Kalmia Street, Ellerslie, to meet with a heart health promotor and get your blood pressure checked—no appointment or booking is necessary. Taking a few minutes out of your day for a check-up is a simple but vital step toward a longer, healthier life. For more information and heart health resources, visit heartfoundation.org.nz.
Learn more about the proposed pump track
Join Ōrākei Local Board members at Glendowie Park for a drop-in information session
This session will recap the project to date, including community feedback received during the initial consultation in October 2025, and outline the proposed location in the park.
FREE Love Food Hate Waste Workshop - Remuera (Love Your Leftovers)
Compost Collective: Our Love Food Hate Waste workshops help busy Kiwis cut food waste at home — saving money and reducing their environmental impact. With practical tips, clever storage hacks, easy recipes and smart shopping ideas, you’ll learn how to make the most of your food, even on the busiest days.
Details HERE