Ōtāhuhu is vibrant with activity, fuelled by the support of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board’s grants for an array of community events.
Dedicated to ensuring that the community recognises their commitment to building strong partnerships, this collaborative spirit is at the heart of the boards local board plan as the board looks to help create a vibrant and inclusive area for everyone.
Board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich shares that community grants help local groups and networks provide services that bring everyone together and foster inclusivity.
“Partnership is crucial to our future wellbeing,” says Bakulich.
“As a board, we want to empower our incredible community providers - like the Ōtāhuhu Business Association, Ōtāhuhu Town Hall Community Centre or Māngere East Community Centre, who are best positioned to deliver these free events that promote healthy, fun and active living. These initiatives are designed to bring our community together, catering to everyone - from seniors and youth to families, couples, and diverse cultural celebrations. Our many community providers help activate our spaces that enrich the vibrancy and cultural diversity of Māngere-Ōtāhuhu.”
A total of $26,000 has been allocated to support these events, in varying amounts.
Bakulich adds, “Whilst we would love to give more to so many worthy organisations, we are restrained with what funds are available. We want our community to know that we are doing everything we can with the resources available to us, like funding these FREE events / initiatives.”
Ōtāhuhu Wheels Day, 21 October at the Ōtāhuhu Town Hall Community Centre
Ōtāhuhu Town Hall Community Centre.
The event featured bike circuits, safety talks, FREE bike repairs, and a special appearance by Harold the Giraffe. Local tamariki came out to enjoy the fun, with plenty of goodies and giveaways to take home!
Ōtāhuhu Food Festival, Saturday 26 October at the Ōtāhuhu Town Centre
An epic food event, the Ōtāhuhu Food Festival is New Zealand’s largest annual street food festival.
Featuring over 100 delicious cuisines - both sweet and savoury - representing more than 20 countries, including Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Netherlands and Hawaiian, this culinary experience was delivered by the Ōtāhuhu Business Association.
Vendors from all over Tāmaki Makaurau and afar showcased their offerings, while local favourites came in strong, including Kiwi Tucker, Emz Pineapple Pies, Eat Now Kitchen, and SULS Island Food, to name a few. The epic event drew a fantastic crowd, and everyone left feeling satisfied.
Photo credit: Ōtāhuhu Business Association.
Halloween Trunk or Treat - Thursday 31 October, Ōtāhuhu Town Hall Community Centre (OTHCC)
In celebration of Halloween, the OTHCC conjured up a spine-chilling trunk or treat night at their venue, inviting the community to join them for a night filled with frightful fun and ghoulish delights.
Youth Tag module 2024 – running from 29 October to 26 November, Murphy Park, Ōtāhuhu
Entry is free, and registrations are open for local teams to join the Youth Tag module, running from October 29 to November 26. Participants will have the chance to win $100 in prizes, a coveted module trophy, and, of course, ultimate bragging rights.
This event series ensures that rangatahi are actively engaged, as the area has a strong reputation for its sporting excellence.
Ōtāhuhu Health Expo 2024 – Saturday 9 November, Ōtāhuhu Town Hall
The expo is dedicated to supporting the community by offering free health checks, access to health providers and valuable information. The hope is to raise awareness of available services in the area and provide resources to help locals lead healthy and prosperous lives. The event was well attended and among the providers were Local Doctors, BreastScreen Aotearoa and The Hepatitis Foundation NZ.
Māngere East End of Year festival, Saturday 23 November, Māngere East Community Centre
A vibrant, year-end tradition where members of the community come together to celebrate the unique spirit. With live music, performances, activities, this vibrant event is proudly organised by the Māngere East Community Centre, with the generous support of the Ōhomairangi Trust.
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