Thursday 14 May
Waiheke Art Gallery: Exhibitions on until 17 May include the Small Sculpture Prize, a national award for original sculpture, Charcoal – Seen (in) the left half, read (in) the right half from well-known Waiheke artist Kazu Nakagawa, and Into the Field by Daisy Saaiman, who creates emotionally resonant paintings from her studio on Waiheke. Open seven days from 10am-4pm, 2 Korora Road, Oneroa. Free entry
Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi O Tāmaki: The much-loved annual celebration of books, writing and ideas is back, with this year’s line-up boasting 220 artists from across the country and the world featured in over 170 events. Tuesday 12-Sunday 17 May in Auckland. www.writersfestival.co.nz
Friday 15 May
Forest & Bird Ramble with the Kiwi Conservation Club: Make seed balls and then ramble through He Atawhai Whenua. Meeting at the WRT, 1a Mako St, Oneroa on Friday 15 May at 3.30pm. Gold coin donation. Dogs on leashes.
Pink Shirt Day: Wear pink to stand up to bullying and celebrate diversity for Pink Shirt Day 2026. Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying. Friday 15 May. Visit pinkshirtday.org.nz
A Night with the Waiheke Local Butcher
Are you missing out on the best part?… join us for dinner with the Waiheke Local Butcher for a hands-on night to learn to use undervalued cuts, extend shelf life, reduce waste. 6.30pm -8.30pm at the Sustainability Centre, Oneroa. Tickets at Humantix.com. (This is a BYO friendly event).
Saturday 16 May
Book launch: Heir to a Family Business: Janet November celebrates her first published work of fiction, Heir to a Family Business. 2pm on Saturday 16 May at Waiheke Library.
Onetangi Memorial Surfcasting Competition: Waiheke Island Fishing and Recreation Club presents its annual surfcasting event, with $500 for average weight, $500 for mystery weight and other cash prizes. Tickets from Ox Tackle, Poto Street. Saturday 16 until Sunday 17 May. Weigh in at The Yard between 12pm-1pm. For more info contact Paul 027 696 2467.
Ostend Saturday Market: Locally-made crafts, vintage, new books and their writers, second-hand books, artisan foods and more, every Saturday 8am-1pm, under the trees and in the Ostend Memorial Hall, Belgium Street. waihekeostendmarket.co.nz
Sunday 17 May
Myofascial Release Workshop: A 90-minute practical workshop focused on reducing muscle tightness and improving mobility using simple self-massage techniques with massage balls, active stretching and passive yin yoga. 2pm-3.30pm on Sunday 17 May at Koukoulee Wellness. Info and bookings email Yuna.huellou@gmail.com
Human Design Workshop: Free introductory workshop. Learn how you’re designed to make decisions and navigate life. Part of the ICC Sunday Series. From 10.30am-1pm on Sunday 17 May at Waiheke Library. Download your free chart www.humandesign.nz/free-chart
The Rocky Bay Café: Homemade treats made by locals every weekend. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-1pm at the Ōmiha Memorial Hall Rocky Bay.
Red Shed Gallery: The gallery is open weekends, 10am-4pm at 74a Palm Road, Palm Beach, with works for sale from current and previous exhibitions.
Monday 18 May
Special School Assembly: Open to all, this assembly showcases an environmental project that our Enviro leaders have been working on. Presenting a video of their two-day event at Awaawaroa Bay and books and illustrations. At 12pm at Te Huruhi School Hall.
Wednesday 20 May
Bingo: $20pp, 6.30pm start, all proceeds to Reach Out Waiheke supporting mental health in our community. Sponsored by Placemakers, cash and spot prizes. Tonight, at Waiheke Bowling Club at 2 Marama Avenue, Surfdale.
Museum and Historic Village: Open Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 11am-3pm at 165 Onetangi Road. Entry by donation.
Coming events
“Living Is Like….” Workshop: This introductory workshop is designed for those with experience in theatrical improvisation or stage performance and explores metaphor as a poetic tool to deepen and expand stage language with director Andrea Ferpo. 6pm-9pm on Wednesday 20 May at Artworks Theatre. For tickets email lisa@lisagarrity.co.nz
“Living is Like….” Performance: Harnessing the power of metaphor to unleash the hidden emotions behind our everyday actions, the way we think about ourselves and how we view each other. Staring Matt Powell, Lisa Garrity, Andrea Ferpo and guests. 7.30pm on Thursday 21 May at Artworks Theatre. Tickets from artworkstheatre.org.nz
Kiki Kisses Cabaret: Step out of the ordinary and into a world of velvet, lace and unapologetic allure. New Zealand’s most celebrated burlesque and pinup icon, Kiki Kisses, headlines with three stunning acts alongside a cast of dazzling local artists performing drag, dance and circus. 8pm-11pm on Friday 22 May. Tickets from artworkstheatre.org.nz
Listening Lounge: Celebrating NZ Music Month, this will be a unique combination of interactive DJ sets with talking and a chance for the audience to ask questions. Four industry insider guest speakers/DJs share tracks, stories and what they mean to them. Food from Tacos Y Masa for sale and Timmy Smith’s teas. 2.30pm on Saturday 23 May at Waiheke Adult Learning. Free or koha donation.
Sip and Paint: Let your creativity flow. A glass of wine, canvas and paints provided. $35 per person. Wednesday 27 May at 6pm at the RSA, Ostend.
Notes From a Small Island: A fundraiser for Waiheke Radio for Music Month featuring local bands and acts. Ten Waiheke bands on two stages at Artworks Theatre. Trauma Party, Sun Riders, Sirens, Baz Caitcheon, Quarter Swiss and more. 7.30pm on Saturday 30 May at Artworks Theatre. Tickets from artworkstheatre.org.nz
Open Studios 2026: Discover the creative heart of Waiheke at Open Studios 2026, a vibrant event featuring over 50 artists across 30 participating studios and galleries throughout the island over King’s Birthday Weekend. Experience art across a range of disciplines including painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, textiles, jewellery and more. Saturday 30 May to Monday 1 June. For more information visit waihekeartgallery.org.nz
Worm Composting Workshop: Learn how to set up, how to maintain and tips and tricks for a healthy composting system which benefits your home and garden. 11am Saturday 31 May in Surfdale (exact location given once registered). Free to register at wrt.org.nz or emailing zoe@wrt.org.nz
Waiheke Choral Society: His, Hers, Theirs, the choral society’s mid-year concert, is on Sunday 31 May at St Peter’s Church in Oneroa at 2pm. Adult tickets $20, concession $15 and family $50.
WE Share Community Power: A monthly community conversation about how energy is changing. From solar and batteries to coordinated energy systems. Morra Hall, Oneroa the second Wednesday each month (next 10 June) 6.30pm–8pm. All welcome.
Laugh Club starring Urzila Carlson: Wild On’s comedy night Laugh Club is back for one night only this winter, with multi-award-winning South African/New Zealander comedian Urzila Carlson alongside the fantastic Tarun Mohanbhai, Nick Rado and Joel Vinson. 8pm on Friday 12 June at Wild On Estate. Tickets from wildestate.co.nz
Coro: Direct from sold-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, your favourite daytime soap gets a comedic reboot. Coming up on Coro: someone’s up the duff, there’s yet another scene in the local pub (of course), and two Kiwis battle with Manchester accents. 7.30pm on Saturday 13 June at Artworks Theatre. Tickets from artworkstheatre.org.nz
Beni Rae: As part of the young musicians on stage, Beni Rae will perform on piano on Friday 19 June at 7pm at the Waiheke Musical Museum. Tickets from musicalmuseum.org.nz
Waiheke Youth Theatre Festival: A celebration of emerging voices, bold ideas and the power of youth-led creativity. On Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June at Artworks Theatre.
Ongoing events:
AA Driver and Vehicle Licensing Unit: First and third Wednesday of every month at Waiheke Adult Learning, Artworks complex, 8.30am-4pm. Enquiries phone 0800 822 422.
Ārai Roa Waka Ama Training: Tuesday and Thursdays from 4.30-6.30pm (adults and rangatahi), Saturdays 7am (adults and rangatahi) and Sundays 9-10am (young tamariki and rangatahi). Meet at Blackpool Beach opposite Piritahi Hau Ora.
Waiheke Adult Learning: Courses and workshops to promote lifelong learning. For more information call 372 9868 or wal.org.nz. Located at Artworks complex, 2 Korora Rd.
Literacy Aotearoa Waiheke: Free classes in digital skills, computer training, essential communication, workplace readiness and more. Contact 022 5523 0408; 8 Miami Avenue, Surfdale.
Amateur Radio Club: First Monday of the month at 7pm except on public holidays. Visitors welcome. Waiheke Community Radio, 4 Korora Road, Oneroa.
Badminton: Mondays 7-9pm and Thursdays from 7.30-9pm. All welcome, under 14s with an adult. Any questions text 027 910 4878. Recreation Centre at Waiheke High School, Donald Bruce Road.
Waiheke Cinema: Bookings at waihekecinema.co.nz. 2 Korora Road, Oneroa.
Bike Hub: Assistance with bike repairs and maintenance Thursdays-Sundays, 12-4pm on Mako Street, Oneroa.
Bingo in support of Project Reach Out: Every other Wednesday at 6.30pm. All welcome. Waiheke Bowling Club, Marama Ave, Surfdale. waihekebowlingclub.co.nz
Blackpool Residents Association Social Night: Every second Friday of the month, 6-8pm, Old Blackpool School. BYO snacks and gold coin towards hall hire.
Bowls: New players welcome on Wednesdays at 1.30pm and Sundays at 9.45am. Waiheke Bowling Club, Marama Ave, Surfdale. waihekebowlingclub.co.nz
Breast Cancer Support Group meeting: Every second Tuesday of the month at Unit 2, 11 Moa Avenue, Oneroa, from 11am-1pm. For more information phone 372 7131.
Waiheke Bridge Club: Sessions are Tuesday at 9.45am, Wednesday at 6.45pm and casual play Thursday 1pm at Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre, 32 Pūtiki Road, Ostend. Contact waihekebridgeclub.co.nz
Cards (500, euchre): on Thursdays at 1.30pm at the Waiheke RSA, Belgium Street, Ostend.
Chat Group for the Elderly: Every Thursday from 10.30am-12pm at the Waiheke Library.
Chess Group: Social chess group meets Tuesdays 2-5pm at the Waiheke Library.
Choral Society: Every Tuesday at 7pm at Waiheke Musical Museum for choir practice. Phone Dee on 372 3456.
Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, impartial confidential help and advice on any topic: employment, immigration, tenancy and lots more. Justice of the Peace. Free legal, tax, immigration and tech clinics available. Open 9.30am-3.30pm Mon-Wed and 9.30am-12.30pm Thurs/Fri, call 09 372 8640 or email waiheke@cab.org.nz
Club Night: Every Friday with live music from 6pm. All welcome. Waiheke Bowling Club, Marama Ave, Surfdale. waihekebowlingclub.co.nz
Club Night: Every Friday from 6pm at RSA, 29 Belgium Street, Ostend. All welcome.
Community Concert: On the last Thursday of every month the Waiheke Musical Museum hosts a free community concert. It’s free and all are welcome.
Community Garden Working Bees: All ages and experience levels welcome. Blackpool garden – third Sunday of the month 8.30-11am, corner of Moa Avenue and Nikau Road. Ostend garden – second Sunday of the month 9-11.30am, 30 Pūtiki Road. Surfdale Food Forest – first Sunday of the month 9.30am-midday.
Community Lunch: Create a delicious lunch while reducing food waste as a community. Cooking starts at 11am and eating at 1pm. Every Friday at the Waiheke Sustainability Centre, Mako Street.
Costume Hire – Otherworlds: Amazing variety of costumes and accessories to hire. Open every Thursday from 12–5pm at Artworks Theatre.
Croquet Club: At Oneroa Old Bowling Club on Mako Street. All welcome. For more information phone 027 276 4024.
Darts Club: Every Thursday, 5.30pm at the Waiheke RSA, Belgium Street, Ostend. Friendly crowd, no need to register, all welcome.
Differently abled people and families: Support and get-togethers with Waiheke special needs group. For more information phone 022 191 0208.
Forest & Bird market stall: First Saturday of the month, 9am-12.30pm, Ostend Market. Lots of free information and pest-control advice. Bait and weed control products for sale.
Reach Out Waiheke Games Catchup: A space for people to meet. Free, just show up. Every Tuesday 1.30-3.30pm at the Surfdale Hall. Contact 027 330 0465.
Garden Club: Meets at Surfdale Hall, 1.30pm, fourth Friday of each month. New members welcome. Phone Sandra 022 171 1036.
Gulf News Thursday in Rocky Bay: Every Thursday at the Omiha Hall in Rocky Bay from 1-4pm. Pick up a Gulf News, have a coffee, tea and a cake for koha and catch up with friends.
Gulf News Thursday in Surfdale: Make new friends over a cuppa, cake and chat at weekly Gulf News Thursdays. From 1-3pm every Thursday at the Surfdale Hall.
Indoor bowls: 10.45am Tuesdays at the Red Cross rooms above Waiheke Medical Centre, Oneroa.
Indoor bowls: From 1.30pm on Saturdays at the Waiheke RSA, Belgium Street, Ostend. All welcome.
Justice of the Peace: Mondays and Thursdays from 10am-12pm at the Citizens Advice Bureau. Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-12pm at the Waiheke Library.
Karaoke with No’oroa: Every other Wednesday at 7pm at the Waiheke Bowling Club, Marama Ave, Surfdale.
Free legal clinic at CAB: Free half-hour legal appointments fortnightly on Fridays at Waiheke CAB in Oneroa. Contact 372 8640.
Improv night: Have fun with the legends from Waiheke Comedy on most Thursdays from 7pm at Artworks Theatre in Oneroa. Koha entry.
Life Drawing: Drop-in, untutored life drawing sessions. Mondays 6.30pm-9pm and Wednesdays 9.30am-12pm at the Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre, 32 Pūtiki Road, Ostend. catherinemitchellartscentre.wordpress.com
Meat Free Mondays: A plant-based dinner with guest chefs every month. Cooking from 4pm or dinner at 6pm. Waiheke Sustainability Centre, Mako Street, Oneroa.
Music and movement for babies, pre-schoolers and parents: Every Wednesday from 9.30-11am during term at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Oneroa. Gold coin koha and a piece of fruit if you can. All welcome.
Morra Hall: For latest events lineup visit morrahall.co.nz/calendar
Photographers’ Collective: 7.30pm, second Thursday of the month. Held at the Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre.
Pickleball: Indoor at Waiheke Recreational Centre on Donald Bruce Road. Wednesdays and Fridays 4.30-6pm; Saturdays 3.30pm-5.30pm; Sundays women’s session 3-4pm, open session 4-5.30pm. All abilities welcome. Outdoor schedule is kept using playtimescheduler.com, use either postal code 1971 or 1081 to enable notifications. For info call Jeff on 027 501 9628.
Piripoho/Consolation Support Group: For people affected by the loss of a loved one through suicide. First Thursday of month, 5-6.30pm at Hau Ora/Piritahi Marae. Contact Judy Davis 372 0022.
Playcentre: Early childhood education. New members welcome. Contact 372 9480. Waiheke Island Playcentre, 5a Albert Crescent, Ostend.
Play Circle: For children aged one to three. Mondays and Fridays 9-11am. Fossil Bay Yurt during school term times. For more information email info@fossilbay.co.nz
Playgroup: Old Blackpool School Hall, 9–11am every Tuesday and Thursday: $5 per family. Just show up. Email waihekeplaygroup@gmail.com.
Free games of pool: Tuesday to Sunday at the Waiheke RSA, 29 Belgium Street, Ostend. All welcome.
Post partum circle: A place where mothers come together with their little ones. For babies under one-year-old. Mondays 11.45am-1pm. Fossil Bay Yurt during school term times. For more information email Fossil Bay info@fossilbay.co.nz
Pottery: Mondays 6pm, Tuesday 9.30am, Wednesdays 6pm and Thursday 6pm at the Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre, 32 Pūtiki Road, Ostend. catherinemitchellartscentre.wordpress.com
Pre-School Crafts: Every Thursday from 11.10-11.45am at the Waiheke Library, Oneroa.
Puna Reo Bilingual Māori Playgroup: The Pavilion, Donald Bruce Road. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-noon. For under-fives. Phone Jane 021 139 1771 or 372 6991.
Quiz Nights Believe It Or Not Charlie Farley’s: Every Monday throughout winter from 6pm at Charlie Farley’s, The Strand, Onetangi. Free entry. All welcome.
Quiz Nights Believe It or Not RSA: Every Tuesday night at 7pm $5 per person. Waiheke RSA, Belgium Street, Ostend.
Quiz Nights Believe It or Not Club Waiheke: Every Thursday at 6.45pm. All welcome. $5pp at the Waiheke Bowling Club, Marama Ave, Surfdale. For more info visit waihekebowlingclub.co.nz
Rebus Waiheke Meeting: First Friday of the month from 10am-12pm at Palm Beach Community Hall. Guest speakers and a social get together over morning tea for retired or soon-to-be retired residents. Visitors always welcome, no charge.
Rotary Waiheke: Meets each Monday from 7pm at Club Waiheke (Bowling Club), 2 Marama Ave, Surfdale. Phone Leighton 021 297 7360.
Sewing – All Things Fabric: Wednesdays 12.30pm and Fridays 9.30am at the Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre, 32 Pūtiki Road, Ostend. For details catherinemitchellartscentre.wordpress.com
Scottish Country Dance Club: Every Monday from 12-2.30pm upstairs in the Red Cross building. Oneroa. All welcome. Contact Shirley on shirleybutler@xtra.co.nz or 021 263 8483.
The Song and Poetry Thing: A live evening of original song and poetry in an open mic format. Last Thursday of every month. Performer sign-up at 6.30pm, event starts 7pm at the Sustainability Centre, Mako Street, Oneroa.
Spinning and weaving: Mondays 9am at the Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre, 32 Pūtiki Road, Ostend. For details visit catherinemitchellartscentre.wordpress.com
Storytime: Every Thursday from 10.45-11.10am at Waiheke Library, Oneroa.
Table Tennis: Tuesday nights 7.30pm. All welcome. Morra Hall. Phone Mike on 022 648 3003. Sunday social table tennis at Onetangi Community Hall from 2-5pm. Call Hervé 020 409 1322.
Ladies Tennis Lessons: Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Onetangi Sports Park, 9.30am. Small groups and private lessons. Phone 021 880 020.
Waiheke Tennis Club: New members’ welcome. www.clubspark.kiwi/WaihekeTennisClub for details.
Winemaker’s Hour at Cable Bay: Ashton Henriks offers a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking every Friday at 2pm at Cable Bay Vineyard, 12 Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa.
Thula Mama singing for babies: Tea, conversation and singing with your baby. Every week from 9.15-10.45am at Spirit of Waiheke Cottage, Blake St, Surfdale. Come when you can.
Toastmasters: (every second Monday) 6.30pm at the Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre, 32 Pūtiki Road, Ostend. For details catherinemitchellartscentre.wordpress.com
Toy Library: Open fortnightly on Saturdays, from 9.30-11.30am. For details visit waiheketoylibrary.co.nz
Waka Ama Club: New members welcome. To join email wakaamawaiheke@gmail.com.
Wellness Wednesdays: Weekly pop-up health hub every Wednesday from 10.30am-2.30pm at Ostend Hall. Contact waihekePHA@gmail.com
Wiggle and Rhyme: Every Thursday from 10-10.30am at the Waiheke Library, Oneroa.
Writers’ group: Thursdays 10am at the Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre, 32 Pūtiki Road, Ostend. For details visit catherinemitchellartscentre.wordpress.com
Yoga at Palm Beach Hall: Monday and Thursday 9-10am, phone Robyn on 372 7278.
5Rhythms Dance: A dynamic, fun, profound dance practice. $20 cash or pay online. For more info, visit sacredmoves.com/classes. Fridays 7.30pm to 9pm at the Palm Beach Hall. •
