New Zealand news. A wider perspective.
Asian Insider
Events
A temple cherry blossom festival in Flat Bush, a Japanese market in Birkenhead, a halal food day in Māngere and the Waitakere Diwali Mela in Henderson. Here are the details for 14 and 15 November.
Diwali
Sylvia Park's Diwali display runs until 16 November; its live dance sessions were held on 5 and 7 November. Te Manawa in Westgate held free storytime and craft sessions. All were free to attend.
Community
Retail fireworks sales ran from 2 to 5 November. Fire and Emergency and Auckland Council explain where they can be lit, and why this year's dry conditions matter.
Election 2026
Voting places open from 9am to 7pm on Saturday. You can go to any voting place in the country, you don't need ID, but you can't enrol on the day this year.