What’s On – in east Auckland, May 16 to May 29

Fridays@Twelve

Join us each week at 12pm to June 27 to see our young local talents perform at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick. School bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, choirs deliver an hour of captivating music that spans classical, jazz and beyond. Schools include Sancta Maria College, Pakuranga College, Elim Christian College, Howick College, Saint Kentigern College, Botany Downs Secondary College and Edgewater College. For more information visit www.uxbridge.org.nz. $6 per ticket.

Celebrate Scottish culture

James of Clan Donald invites the public to a luncheon celebrating Scottish culture. It’s on at Goode Brothers at Botany Town Centre at 11.15am on Saturday, May 17. RSVP by text message to 027 279 9176. Each guest will handle their own payment for the luncheon. It will be a sight to see kilts and associated dress.

Make May creative

Discover the range of exciting workshops happening at Uxbridge Arts and Culture this month. They’re perfect for trying something new, taking time out, or gifting a unique experience for someone special. Brushes and Bubbles, Paint Carving, Make a Leather Journal, Soap Making, Make Resin Jewellery, DIY Cleaning Products, Cheese-making, Make Eco-Friendly Paints, and more. Go online to www.uxbridge.org.nz.

Free wellness session

Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga is hosting a free session on ‘Autumn Wellness’ from 10am-11.30am on Friday, May 23 at the Howick Local Board room, Pakuranga Library building, Pakuranga. It’s being facilitated by Anju Desai, Wellness Coach, and will be an interactive session about the healing power of spices. Registration required. To register email settlement.pakuranga@cab.org.nz or text 022 308 9337.

Teach English to adult former refugees and migrants

Learn how to teach English to a new adult migrant, helping them to settle successfully in the community. English Language Partners Auckland South offers a course which covers six Fridays. Starts June 6 at 9.30am-2pm and is open to volunteers who have a good understanding of everyday English and an interest in helping adults develop their English skills. We welcome migrants as well as New Zealand-born adults who are happy to visit learners in their homes once a week, for an hour or two. Training course at Eastview Baptist Church, Botany. Ph 278 9099 or email aucklandsouth@englishlanguage.org.nz.

Meet new people

U3A Pakuranga is for people 55 yrs+ looking to meet new people. Plus, provides an opportunity to participate in a number of interest groups. Our monthly meeting is on Monday, June 9, at 1.45pm at St Andrews Church, Vincent Street, Howick. Guest speaker is Joost de Bruin from the Hundertwasser Art Centre Whangarei.