As exam season approaches, you may notice your teen experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation? We are delighted to welcome the wonderful Michelle Plaisted from HealthyBodyMindSoul.Solutions once again at Highbury House, who is offering a series of three free "Brain Reset" workshops to provide our teens with some easy techniques to manage stress heading into exams. Michelle is a local and very experienced practitioner offering to share her extensive knowledge of somatic nervous system regulation, to provide teens in our community with tools they can use before and during exams to clear mental blocks and calm a racing mind. This series of three free workshops will be held at Highbury House Wednesday's 5.30-6.15pm starting Wednesday 21st October. Workshops aimed at 15 years + and spaces are limited to 10 participants. Please scan the QR or follow the link below to secure you spot.

Saturday 17th October 2pm to 6pm Highbury Community House Free of charge! Adults only (16 plus) Build your woodworking skills while creating a raised planter box. This practical workshop will help you gain confidence using power tools and working with reclaimed timber, while learning simple, sustainable food growing ideas. You will get practical experience using power tools, learn safe and effective techniques, and take home your finished planter box ready to use or gift. What to expect: • Health and safety briefing at the start • Step by step guidance using all tools • Support throughout the build Please wear covered shoes and fitted clothing. Some work may be outdoors so dress for the weather. Participants must attend from the beginning for the safety briefing to take part.

After the popularity of the sign language courses offered earlier in the year we are delighted to be offering the beginners 1A course again in Term 4. This 8 week course begins on Monday 12th October from 7pm to 9pm and will run weekly until Monday 7th December 2026. Note, there is no class on Labour Day Monday (26 October). Attendees ages 16+ are welcome, aged 12+ can attend if accompanied by an adult. The cost is $150pp including materials. Barry will return again to teach the course - a NZSL teacher and member of the NZSL Teachers Association.

TŪ MAI: Tū — to stand Tū Mai — stand, step forward, be present Want to feel more confident when it’s your turn to tū and introduce yourself in te reo Māori? Tū Mai is a relaxed and practical 8-week programme where you’ll learn to prepare your own mihi, share your pepeha, and learn a supporting waiata to stand alongside your kōrero. Whether it’s for work meetings, business events, hui, pōwhiri or community events, you’ll learn something you can actually take away and use with confidence. You don’t need to be fluent or have previous experience. Come along, learn, practise, understand the tikanga behind what you’re saying, and build the confidence to Tū Mai. KAIAKO | MATILDA KAHOTEA Matilda has taught people across many different professions to confidently tū and introduce themselves in te reo Māori - whether at work, meetings or events. Free 8 week course, starting Thursday 15th October 2026, 6-7.30pm. Places limited to 10 participants so register to secure your place now. Nau mai, haere mai. Come learn, have a go, and find your confidence to tū.

Join us on Thursday afternoons from 12pm to 2pm for this relaxing and welcoming art class with the fantastic Tarci! Term 4 starts October 15th.

We are delighted to have our kids sewing classes back at Highbury House. Suitable for ages 8 plus and for beginners or Intermediate level sewers, sewing machines and materials (for class projects) will be provided. Now taking bookings for Term 4!

A great sewing class for both beginners and intermediate sewers. Learn how to follow a pattern to create some fantastic items. Sewing machines and materials (for class projects) will be provided. Now taking bookings for Term 4!

A great smaller sewing class for both beginners and intermediate sewers. Learn how to follow a pattern to create some fantastic items. Sewing machines and materials (for class projects) will be provided Now taking bookings for Term 4!

Gain mobility and strength so you can be strong in your day-to-day life. Three Tuesday morning classes offered, $3 per class. Register below or call (09) 480 5279

Work on those projects in a group that share your passion for sewing and crafts. Wednesday morning, 9am-12pm, $3 a session.

A great, fun way to keep the brain active. Monday afternoon, 12.30-2.30pm (suitable for experienced players) Wednesday afternoon (a new session starting August 19th) , 12.30-2.30pm (suitable for beginners) $3 a session Register below or call (09) 480 5279

Join us in a relaxed environment for an evening of discussing your favourite book & discovering new ones. Last Tuesday of every month, 7-8.30pm, $3 a session Register below or call (09) 480 5279

Our knitting group share ideas, socialise and produce items for charities. Friday afternoon, 2-4pm, $3 per session. Register below or call (09) 480 5279

Make new friends and socialise over a tea or coffee at our weekly coffee group. The group meets in our Mokoia room on Tuesdays from 10am to 11.30am. The cost is $3 per session. All welcome!

Join us on the first Monday of every month for a light luncheon followed by a guest speaker or fun activity. Places a limited so please email us if you are interested in attending this free event.

Join us in a relaxed environment for an evening of discussing your favourite poem or original poetry work. Monthly on every 2nd Tuesday from 7pm to 8.30pm

Meet at Highbury House at 9.45am on Friday mornings to set off at 9.50am for a local walk with a wonderful group of community members. Suitable for those wishing to walk locally at a gentle pace for about an hour. Often followed by a coffee and chat.

Book your kids in for these popular art classes run by Creative Sparks. Tuesday and Thursday after school classes available.

A boys art class aimed at children aged 10 to 14 years. Step into a world where imagination meets architecture as we explore the exciting art of drawing and designing Fantastic Towns. Using graphite pencils, erasers, professional art paper, blending tools, and a variety of drawing materials, students will develop strong foundational drawing skills while creating their own extraordinary towns, streets, buildings, and imaginative worlds. Wednesdays 4pm to 5.30pm. Starts October 21st 7 weeks

Every Monday, step into a world of colour, creativity, and imagination! A place where ideas come alive, friendships grow, and there are no limits to what you can create. Each week we explore a new artistic adventure — from expressive painting and drawing to mixed media, sculpture, and experimenting with exciting materials. Suitable for kids aged 11 to 14. Mondays 4pm to 5.30pm. Starts October 19th 7 weeks

Returning in October! Join the amazing Dinny from Art Yoga for a Free 7 week Seniors course to enhance creativity and connection, that combines freedom of art expression and meditation. Thursdays 10.30am-12.30pm. Limited spaces.

Having a baby and need some more information on pregnancy and birth?. Donna Cox from Soul Sisters Studio runs monthly Antenatal Class here at Highbury House.

Sadly this class is no longer being offered, but we are busy looking at a different session to offer. If there is something you would be interested is attending please email us with your idea. Bridge? Games session? Discussion group?