![Hero image](/media/oohhzpii/news-header.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=1920&height=520&rnd=133355353553100000)
News
Kids / Family
![](/media/tlofzumj/santa.jpg?center=0.43610959243832464,0.54383765241664972&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133655151116800000)
Christmas gets a bit of a boost
Santa and his mates have had a bit of Papakura Local Board help.
![](/media/w15javzi/july-school-holidays-2024.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133643073788070000)
Explore Auckland with July's School Holiday Guide
School holiday time is here, and there are lots of ways to keep the kids entertained in Auckland, even if the winter weather isn’t on your side.
![](/media/0tudn0vx/cguard-splash.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133598155980430000)
Forum backs Coastguard appeal
A collaborative, community-based approach will be vital in reducing the number of preventative drownings on the Manukau, Coastguard has told the Manukau Harbour Forum.
![](/media/r0bfv5id/mothers-day-image-1.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133594766711100000)
5 ways to take care of Mother Earth this Mother’s Day
Enjoy the outdoors with your mum this Mother’s Day and learn how to make Mother Earth thrive year-round.
![](/media/dsidj3ls/ray-faucett.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133592181076470000)
Playground plans get seal of approval
Concept plans bring a playground a step closer for Belmont.
![](/media/ep4lc5zd/april-school-holidays.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133555873239770000)
11 exciting adventures to keep the kids entertained this April school holidays
Kia ora whānau! It’s school holidays time and that means plenty of time for activities for the whole family!
![](/media/10klcmsn/family-on-boat.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133517897294900000)
Four fun ideas for a family day out
Everyone deserves a treat now and then, and enjoying a family day out can create memories of fun to cherish for years to come.
![](/media/mfzl4w44/garden-level.jpg?center=0.39979958900548496,0.38727452616414471&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133419256126300000)
Children learn how to build a solid future
Pakuranga Heights students have swapped the classroom for the garden, although they've had to build them first!
![](/media/v3fgxtgv/sheep-image-2.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133389218909230000)
11 places to see baby farm animals in Auckland this spring
Spring has sprung and the days are getting longer. Now is the perfect time to go animal spotting.
![](/media/bubnmyxi/school-holiday-image-updated.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133389184101630000)
Exciting school holiday events ahead with Auckland Council
Spring into the school holidays with an array of exhilarating and family-friendly events that will excite even the hardest-to-please member of your whānau.
![](/media/3kimrre1/young-leaders1.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133343203679130000)
Young leaders show the way in fight to enhance the health of Manukau Harbour
Young people are taking a hands-on role in preserving the Manukau Harbour.
![](/media/vbqelj5w/pfc-lights.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133343199994730000)
Clubs already winners as World Cup kicks off
With just hours before the Football Ferns kicked off against Norway to launch the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Auckland councillor Daniel Newman says many clubs across the city, including at Papakura, are already winners.
![](/media/frzbmpnf/ac-botanical-gardens-camelias-69.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133331191269400000)
Five ways to beat the winter blues
It might be dark and dreary outside, but these mood-boosting activities can help you beat the blues this winter.
![](/media/jbub33kg/estuary-arts-pottery-class.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133326068865800000)
Engage all five senses with activities to soothe the soul
Let your five senses take you on an adventure to discover the sights, sounds, smells, textures and tastes of Tāmaki Makaurau.
![](/media/a2mdxgeo/wananga-1.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133319896314000000)
Young environmental leaders step up
Young environmental leaders have attended a sustainability wānanga.
![](/media/qbagsd1r/dsc07942.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=320&rnd=133300046451770000)
Four all-weather indoor activities to keep the kids entertained
Too wet and cold to go to the park? These fun indoor activities are sure to keep the kids entertained when the weather isn't playing ball.