SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Night Nerf war: Hunt the flag, dodge the bullets and knock down the tower. Suitable for ages 5 to 12. Parents welcome to observe. July

20. Arrive at 5.15pm ready for library lockdown at 5.30pm at Takapuna Library. Numbers are limited so bookings are essential. Contact 09 890 4917 or email lisa.dam@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Family bingo: A fun game of bingo for all the family to enjoy. July 20 from 2.30pm till 3.30pm at Takapuna Library.

Board games: Play board and card games. Suitable for children aged 12 and up. July 20 from 2pm till 5pm in the teen area of Birkenhead Library. Jazz pazazz: Come along for a morning of games, music and aerobics. Dress up in your favourite active wear. July 21 from 11am till noon at Birkenhead Library. Animates: School holiday activities for children. July 21 from 11am, Animates, Albany Mega Centre, 142 Don McKinnon Drive, Albany. Admission free.

Holiday workshop: Expert cartoonists and animators cover drawing, cartooning and clay animation as well as stop motion animating in this workshop. July 21, 10am till 1pm at East Coast Bays Community Centre, 2 Glen St, Browns Bay. All ages. Early bird $60, general admission $75. To book contact Matt at 021 209 8838 or email matt@treehousedrawing.com. Cheeky crafts: Crafty kids can let their creativity run wild in Monty the monkey’s craft studio. Make a 3D Monty, a puppet and play some of Monty’s World games. Until July 22. 10.30am till 2.30pm at Westfield Albany. Free.

Gaming day: Make your own skittle for a team challenge and then play bowls, quoits, table soccer or memory cards with your friends. July 20 from 10.30am to 11.30am at Glenfield Library.

Z is for Zumba : Zumba fun for kids of all ages and parents are welcome too. July 23 at 11.30am at East Coast Bays Library.

Get your game on: Fun active games of all sorts including team challenges and rewards. July 21, meet at 11.30am at East Coast Bays Library.

The stars of Matariki: Talk and telescope star-gazing for the whole family. July 22 6.30pm till 8.30pm at Albany Library.

LANGUAGE

ESOL tutors: English Language Partners are looking to recruit anyone interesting in becoming a home tutor for refugees and migrants. Training dates are August 11 to 13, at Windsor Park Baptist Church, Mairangi Bay. For further information email Anne at anne.dunlop@englishlanguage.org.nz or call 489 2078

Pop Up French: Enjoy a morning of French for free with Alliance Franc¸aise. Meet the teachers, try a mini French class, have your level assessed on July 23 from 10am till noon at Takapuna Library. For more information phone 09 376 0009 or go to alliance-francaise.co.nz

TALKS

Gut Health: Nutritionist and holistic health expert Ben Warren is holding a talk about gut health. He’ll cover everything from how to tell if your gut is working and foods that irritate your gut to the effect of stress and creating a happy digestive system. July 20, 7pm at the Spencer on Byron Hotel. Tickets $39 from bepure.co.nz.

Hauraki Gulf: Hear renowned historian Kerry Howe talk about his book To the Island: Exploring, remembering, imagining the Hauraki Gulf. July 20 from 10.30am till noon at East Coast Bays Library.

African writers: The Michael King Writers’ Centre presents Robert Glancy and Fiona Sussman in conversation. These two writers

Nutritionist Ben Warren is holding a talk about gut health