Community Groups

“Art is standing with one hand extended into the universe and one hand extended into the world, and letting ourselves be a conduit for passing energy” Albert Einstein. This space is currently a place for local community Artists, Writers and crafters to display and sell their creations. The "gallery" is located at Waiuku Family Support. If you would like to be part of the display please contact us.

A pleasant country drive through Waiuku and 33km beyond, leads to peaceful Awhitu on the southwest shores of the Manukau Harbour. Wander freely over parkland pastures, explore the wetlands, enjoy the safe, sandy beaches and sheltered picnic and barbecue areas.Camping sites available.

Cornerstone Christian Church moved into "the church on the hill" at the beginning of 2023 and we love our new home.  Everyone is welcome to attend our Sunday Services which are held at 10am including a children's programme followed by fellowship around a cup of tea/coffee or once a month a shared lunch.

We run several programmes from the Church including Mainly Music on  a Monday for mothers and toddlers, Gampizmo for youth on the Peninsula, Marriage Courses, Money Courses and "Our Table" which is a weekly lunch for those in our community needing good sustenance and company.  We also have Chaplaincy & Counselling available.

We love our community and work together with the other churches of Waiuku to provide a Foodbank, services at Estuary Village, the Light Party (alternative to Halloween) and School Holiday Programmes to name a few.

LIGHTHOUSE CURRENTLY CLOSED

Due to a major road slip on the Awhitu Peninsula, the Manukau Heads Lighthouse is NOT currently accessible by road and is CLOSED to the public. Once it has re-opened it will be updated here.

Visitors to the Manukau Heads Lighthouse and its beautiful natural setting, feel a sense of reconnection with nature.

Auckland's highest most remote lighthouse is open daily until 5pm. One of the hidden gems of Franklin. Enjoy breathtaking views of the treacherous Manukau Bar which sank the HMS Orpheous in 1863, spectacular vistas across to Auckland and to the western horizon. This is one of the few lighthouses where you can climb to the top. You can make a donation to assist with the ongoing maintenance of this beautiful piece of history. For directions go to their website listed here. On route make a stop at one of the lovely sleepy bays lining the east coast of the peninsula, Awhitu Regional Park or the rugged west coast. Other places of interest in the area; Pollok Co-op Art Gallery with it's unique local arts and crafts where you can enjoy a coffee in the sculpture garden, Awhitu Wines where you can taste beautiful boutique wines and take some home with you to enjoy.

Marama Hou Ministries Trust has been operating since 1985 in the Waiuku Community. It was first founded by Pastor Richard Taikato as a Christian School in Bicultural Studies. It is based on Christian beliefs, principles and values.The Trust was set up for Christian Faith and Fellowship and later a provider of Social Services for families living in the Waiuku areas.Services:It offers Whanau Support and Care for Children, Youth and Families, based at the Hamilton Estate Community Hall.A provider of WINZ and CYFS approved 'Before and After School' care programmes, based at View Road School Hall.Managers of WRLFC League sports and a free community Playgroup for under 5 year olds.Organises youth group social nights, camps, Up & Go playground activities and family events.Managers of volunteers at the Waiuku Community Gardens.

St. Andrews Church will once again be celebrating the festive season with Advent Boxes in the Waiuku town centre this Christmas. There will be 12 boxes opened at various businesses from Sunday 13th December until Christmas Eve. Bring the children and join in this special community event.St Andrews Centre is a community friendly facility offering church services and many group activities catering for a wide age group. Church services are each Sunday at 9.30am.Mainly music and Play group caters for preschoolers. Kidz Alive and Youth group.School holiday programmes.Home and Fellowship groups for all ages. Mens group, Fridays, 6.30am.Monthly concerts, Sunday @ St Andrews featuring talented guests from wider Auckland area. The Opportunity Shop offers a wide range of goods.

The shop is a non-profit organisation and relies on donations of goods from the community. Monies raised, after supporting the Church, are donated back into the community. 

Come in-store to donate, volunteer or shop and find out why we're NZ’s most trusted charity.

At Te Ara Rangatahi Charitable Trust we are a youth lead operation implementing the aspirations of Rangatahi in the Franklin area. We support Rangatahi into Education and Employment pathways by inspiring and motivating them to unlock their true potential and dream big.

The Mudlarks are a very special group of people in our community who are passionate about our waterways and keeping them healthy for future generations. They volunteer their time for this very worthwhile cause.

They have made huge progress since they started in 2009 and have given over 50,000 person hours to this ongoing project.

They have cleared over 28 hectares of mangroves, rejuvenating the waterways, the bird life and natural ecosystems.  Before they started their work, the area around this wharf had mangroves on each side, with only a narrow channel of water left.  What you see now as you look out on the Waiuku river and trail, used to be solid mangroves.

Since resource consent was approved they have resumed their work, tirelessly cutting mangroves, to clear and beautify our waterways. They are now under way working under the terms of a new, 35 year, 75ha consent that covers, with a few exceptions, all mangroves down to the needles.

The removed mangroves are turned into mulch and re-used to help with operating costs.

How can you help?  The Mudlarks are always looking for volunteers to help with this huge undertaking. If you would like to support them but don’t have the time or health to get out there, you can join the Waiuku Estuary Restoration Trust. This is an incorporated society and membership is $10 per annum, per household. All these funds go into the operational costs of clearing the mangroves. You can donate or become a member at the Waiuku Information Centre. If anyone is keen or willing to contribute half a day's work now and again, or more often, please contact Chairman, Ian Scobie 09 235 2246 or Dave Gribble 09 235 8867.

To volunteer, make a donation or become a member, you can also enquire at the Waiuku Information Centre, 2 Queen St Waiuku.

Community group for the retired and semi-retired Meets every 3rd Thursday, 10am at the Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club with the exception of December (2nd Tuesday) and January (no meeting)

We patrol Waiuku town area including businesses, schools, subdivisions, beaches, and reserves, plus surrounding rural areas.
· We identify and report any suspicious/criminal activity
· Gather information for Police through observing and note taking
· We assist at accident and crime scenes
· We watch out for stolen vehicles and property and missing persons
· We assist at community events including crowd control

 You will be required to undergo a Police Vetting check

Information in process of being updated to reflect the wide range of support available.

 Every Thursday between 10am – 2pm an informal group of artistic painters gather to offer fellowship, inspiration, encouragement and challenges for each other. Each person provides their own materials. All painting mediums are used and individuality is respected.Bring a gold coin donation for Tea & Coffee and Parking is available.Anyone who is keen to pursue their artistic learnings in this friendly environment, please do call in at the Christian Fellowship Centre on any Thursday from 10am – 2pm.Or Please Contact:   Peter Budd 09 235 5706 Email:  pjbuddnz@gmail.com

For Visitor Information, Bus & Train Information, Gifts & Souvenirs, Local Community Information and other services.

The Waiuku Information Centre is run by the Waiuku Business & Development Association and a group of wonderful volunteers.

For visitors or anyone wanting information about the area, pop in and see us. Waiuku and the Awhitu peninsula has so much to offer, from 4 Wheel drive adventures to it's unique local arts and beautiful beaches to explore.

Gifts and souvenirs are available to purchase (cash sales only).

Waiuku Credit Notes are also available as gifts and are accepted at most retail stores in Waiuku. 

Auckland Transport Hop Cards are not available from the Information Centre but can be purchased at Kitchener Rd Superette and Queen St Superette. Card top ups have to be done online or at Pukekohe/ Papakura train stations.

Other services at the Information Centre:

Wednesdays from 9am - 10am - Community Cops drop in session. Anyone is welcome to drop in for a casual relaxed chat to their local community cop with any concerns they may have.

Wednesdays from 11.30am-1.30pm - Justice of the Peace clinic. This is a drop in clinic, no appointment needed.

Waiuku Lions Club gathers volunteers from the community, helping with fundraisers, and doing the most for the community. 

Waiuku Red Hatters is one of the original chapters of the Red Hatter movement in New Zealand that was started in the USA The group is formed from the delightful poem by Jenny Joseph which starts with - "when I am old I shall wear purple with a red hat" https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/warning/#content The group meets the third Thursday of each month at 11.30am at The Kentish Hotel. On occasion we travel to other chapter's birthday celebrations, events and parties Dress code is over 55 years purple with a red hat, younger women are also included, called pinkies and they wear pink and lavender (note there is no compulsion to prove one's age). Bling is encouraged - there is never too much bling with any outfit When it's your birthday month the ladies change the colour scheme to red with a purple hat As you can imagine the ladies are very supportive of the Waiuku Op shops There is no joining fee, only cost is lunch and favourite tipple. Next meeting October 15, 11.30 at the Kentish Hotel. Everyone welcome

Book now for our exciting show, The Sex Fiend at http://waiukutheatre.com/tsf/

ABOUT

Welcome to the Waiuku Toy Library!

We are a charitable volunteer-run organisation which aims to provide well-designed, educational toys, play equipment, puzzles and more for local children up to the age of 8 at a minimal cost to their families. We love to meet new members so check out the below details and pop in for a chat and view our toy range for yourself. Location:Pollok Cottage, bottom of Queen St, next to Hartmann House, Waiuku Operating Hours: Thursday 9:30am - 11.30am, Saturday 9.30am - 11.30am (Subject to change at the discretion of the Waiuku Toy Library Committee) We use Facebook as our main form of communication so please click the link and like us to keep up to date with new toys and other exciting news! We also offer Party Hire- no need to be a member of the library. Discounts for members.

Cost is $2 per person. Anyone from 17 years up is welcome.

For more details contact either: Wilma Suppers on 09 235 2106 or 021 169 2561 or Moka on 09 235 0464

Waiukus place to unwind. Offering traditional and hot yoga as well as Tai Chi, Dance, Pilates, Meditation, retreats and more.

Join a class or hire a yoga teacher to work with in a one on one setting in out space or for your own private group at your location. 

Our beautiful botique space is also available for hire for your next event or ongoing offering.