There are lots of opportunities to get out, have a good time, make connections with others in the community, and celebrate local.
Local boards invest in free activities and great things to see and do and Ōrākei Local Board is a big champion of bringing neighbours together.
Here are the top five picks to make the most of what’s happening over summer:
1. Movies in Parks
A reel hit with locals, Ōrākei Local Board’s annual Movies in Parks event draws a big audience. This year, this much-anticipated free event is scheduled for Saturday 28 February at Vellenoweth Green in St Heliers. The film (drumroll please…) is family favourite The Princess Bride (1987, directed by Rob Reiner).
While the film won’t start until 6:30pm, there’ll be pre-movie entertainment (last year there were goats and circus performers!) as well as food trucks. So come down early to nab the best spot for your picnic blanket. See the Movies in Parks website for more details.
2. St Heliers Library
St Heliers Library has free and low-cost activities going on every week for people who live nearby to get involved in. From Book Club and crochet groups, to Wriggle and Rhyme and school holiday workshops, there’s always plenty to do at your local library that’s more than just reading quietly.
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Book Club – third Wednesday of the month, 10am. Visit St Heliers Library Facebook page for more information.
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Crochet Club – Sundays, 2:30-3:30pm. See the St Heliers Library Facebook page for more details.
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School holiday programme including Fun With Lego sessions, a Magic Show for Kids and an Animal Balloon Show in January.
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Wriggle and Rhyme is a 30-minute session that promotes active movement and brain development for babies and toddlers aged two years and under – Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30am and 11am (please note: sessions do not run during school holiday periods)
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Storytime is a popular 30-minute session where librarians, and sometimes authors or other special guests, read captivating stories. Storytime is ideal for kids three to five years of age – Mondays and Saturdays, 10am
3. Remuera Library
Like St Heliers Library, Remuera Library offers more than just books! These groups are a great chance to meet people with shared interests or fellow parents with similar aged children.
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Book Club – second Tuesday of the month, 10:30am-11:30am
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Knitting group – first and third Thursday of the month, 10am – 12pm
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Wriggle and Rhyme is a 30-minute session that promotes active movement and brain development for babies and toddlers aged two years and under – Thursdays, 10:30am (please note: sessions do not run during school holiday periods)
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Rhymetime is a 30-minute session with songs, movement and finger rhymes for pre-schoolers and their caregivers. Suitable for ages 18 months to three years. Older pre-schoolers are also welcome – Wednesdays, 10:30am (please note: sessions do not run during school holiday periods)
4. Digital Seniors
The local board supports the East Auckland Hub for Digital Seniors - a free weekly drop-in session for seniors to get one-on-one advice about their digital devices.
Digital Seniors takes place on Thursdays 10am – midday at St Heliers Community Centre (100 Saint Heliers Bay Road). Come along and get some help from friendly volunteers about how to get the most out of your technology!
Crossfield Reserve.
5. Playgrounds
The board takes pride in providing fun, safe and varied playgrounds for local tamariki. A great free summer activity for whānau, check out your closest playground, or discover a new one.
Here are a few examples:
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Playtime Park (Fynes Avenue, Stonefields) has great water play features.
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Crossfield Reserve playground (Crossfield Road, Glendowie) includes a dedicated fenced playground for younger children, as well as a bigger kids area. There’s also a skate park and basketball court.
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Selwyn Reserve playground (Tāmaki Drive, Mission Bay) is right by the beach so that you can make a day of it!
All of the above playgrounds have some shade sail coverage.
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