What to do in Auckland this weekend: Diwali Festival
Diwali festival brings joy to Aotea Square
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Diwali events have been ramping up all week before this weekend’s free, two-day festival in Aotea Square. It’s the most vibrant event of the year for Auckland City with live music, Bollywood dance competitions, contemporary and traditional Indian performances, exhibitions, food, theatre, art installations, light projections, yoga classes, retail stalls, a chill-out zone and Bollywood movie screenings. Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, which makes for a truly joyful festival. Take public transport if you can. This year, there will be free BNZ rickshaw rides up Queen St from the Waitematā transport hub – a truly festive way to travel. As always, the festival closes with a large fireworks display on Sunday evening.
When: Today and tomorrow, noon-9pm.
Where: Aotea Square, Auckland Central.
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NZCCM Massage and English Programmes
The New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine (NZCCM) offers industry-focused Massage and English programmes that prepare students for professional practice.
Students gain strong Anatomy and Physiology knowledge, hands-on experience in the student clinic, and pathways into health and wellbeing careers. NZCCM actively incorporates tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori, partnering with local marae for cultural learning and community treatments.
As Auckland’s only provider of Massage diplomas, NZCCM is enrolling now for February 2026 Programmes include the Level 5 Wellness and Relaxation Massage Diploma and the Level 6 Remedial Massage Diploma, both NZQA-approved with intensive block courses. NZCCM also offers NZCEL Level 4 for academic English preparation.
Open Days will be held on 12 December and 23 January.
Contact: 09 580 2376 or auck@chinesemedicine.ac.nz
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Night-time roadworks on SH16
From 23 November to 17 December, stop/go traffic management will be in several locations on SH16 between Mabbett Lane and Restall Road (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am).
Works will include chipsealing and stormwater improvements. There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the area. Click to find out more.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
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