Join us for a fun-filled Halloween event featuring festive activities, free community services, a family second-hand market, a community talk, and live performances!
🎭 Halloween Fun & Activities
🎃 DIY Halloween Masks – Create your own Halloween mask and visit the activity booths for some trick-or-treating! 🍬
💇 Free Community Services – Haircuts, electrical appliance repairs, clothing mending, and calligraphy sharing.
🧡 Family Second-Hand Market – Give pre-loved items a new life and share the love through recycling.
🪭 Cultural & Artistic Performances – Enjoy Hanfu costume shows, a traditional Chinese pipa solo, Latin dance, and jazz dance.
🤖 Community Talk: AI in Everyday Life – Explore practical ways to use AI in daily life and join an informal discussion.
Come dressed in your favourite Halloween costume and bring your family and friends along for an afternoon of community spirit, sharing, and fun!
🎉 Free Entry – No Registration Required!
📅 Date: Sunday, 1 November 2026
🕝 Time: 2:30–4:30 PM
📍 Venue: Fickling Convention Centre
Address: 546 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings
📞 Event Contact: Alex – 022 499 5507
💬 WeChat ID: darenlife618
🎉 We look forward to celebrating with you and sharing a wonderful afternoon together!
Reunion in the Community, Let’s Make Snow Skin Mooncakes Together! No experience needed! Even complete beginners can easily get started. All materials will be provided—you just need to bring a good mood. Whether you’re an adult or a little one, everyone can enjoy the fun of making something by hand and creating something truly unique. Let’s celebrate a delicious and meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival together!
In addition to the Snow Skin Mooncake DIY, this month’s “Daren Life · Mutual Help Comprehensive Activity Hub” features nine regular activities, including appliance repair, clothing mending, haircuts, Maximizing resource utilization, Daren Conversations, calligraphy, board and card games, karaoke, and yoga. It perfectly combines practical daily services with a vibrant array of recreational activities—all in one place!
(FREE EVENT)
Contact: Alex 022 499 5507
WeChat ID: darenlife618
Date & Time: Sunday, 13 September 2026, 3:30–5:30pm
Location: Fickling Convention Centre 546 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings
Got forgotten toys, sleeping books, or outgrown clothes collecting dust? Don’t waste them! Join us on Saturday, 18 July and let your kids become “Eco-Warriors” for a day!
In addition to the secondhand market, this month’s “Daren Life · Mutual Help Comprehensive Activity Hub” features nine regular activities, including appliance repair, clothing mending, haircuts, Maximizing resource utilization, Daren Conversations, calligraphy, board and card games, karaoke, and yoga. It perfectly combines practical daily services with a vibrant array of recreational activities—all in one place!
✨ Highlights
Eco-Living Tips: Learn clever ways to reduce waste and give everyday items a second life in a relaxed, friendly chat.
Little Bosses in Action: Let your child run a stall! Bring idle toys, books, or crafts. It’s a fun, real-world way to practice communication and learn the value of reusing.
Free Stall Spots:100% free! Spaces are limited and first-come, first-served. We provide the space; you bring the treasures!
Whether you come to host a stall or hunt for bargains, let’s make old things shine together! ❤️
📍 Event Details
Time: Saturday, 18/07/2026 | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Venue: Fickling Convention Centre (546 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings)
Every Saturday morning, let’s start a wonderful weekend with dance!
In the Dancing Activities at Onehunga Community Centre, come and join the Daren Life Society to stretch your body in a brisk rhythm and chat during tea breaks!
-No basics? No problem! Experience the charm of dance in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere -Free conversation, Morning Tea between dances, share life stories -Free participation, fixed weekly activities, no need to make an appointment in advance -Exercise and improve temperament -Welcome all kinds of dancers to come and learn from each other -Rehearse works and participate in other activities and performances
*Event information: -Time: Every Saturday 10:15 – 11:15am -Location: Onehunga Community Centre – Yates Room 83 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland
Anyone who loves dancing is welcome to join us! Dance is the heartbeat, conversation is the temperature, let’s lighten our steps!
On June 21, 2026 , during the Dragon Boat Festival, the Auckland Botanic Gardens was bathed in a soft, misty rain, as if draped in a gentle filter. People, umbrellas in hand, raincoats on their backs, and small bags on their shoulders, gathered in twos and threes at the entrance, creating a scene of relaxed ease and freedom unique to hiking in the rain. With anticipation, the Daren Life Society’s “Dragon Boat Festival Garden Hiking Activity” warmly commenced.
An unexpected encounter
As the hiking activity began, a woman walking alone passed by. Seeing the volunteers holding up small flags, she asked curiously, “Are you a tour group?” Everyone enthusiastically invited her to join and introduced her to the Daren Community activities. Unexpectedly, the woman’s eyes lit up: “Ah! I know! I’ve been in your group for several years!” She excitedly took out her phone to show off her active presence.
She not only shared knowledge about the Dragon Boat Festival along the way, but also casually picked leaves to demonstrate how to wrap zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). Previously, she mostly chatted online, but this unexpected encounter made her fall even more in love with this warm and welcoming community.
Along the way, she ran into her neighbor and enthusiastically introduced the Daren Life Society to everyone. When the neighbor heard that Daren Life Society offered such a variety of activities, such as singing, yoga, and community mutual help, and that its mission was to put people first , she immediately joined the Daren Life Society .
Understanding between people comes from mutual resonance.
“Life should be simple and pure.” “Society is complicated,” a volunteer said sincerely. Faced with the notion that “society is complicated,” she held firm to her beliefs: “I don’t care about others; I just want to do my best. Daren Life Society is such a pure place, so I really enjoy staying here and am happy to recommend Daren to my friends.”
A veteran volunteer echoed this sentiment, remarking that it’s rare to find such a wonderful group activity in New Zealand. This time, she specifically brought a new friend along.
The newcomers seemed a little lost upon arrival. Attentive volunteers proactively approached them to chat. After learning that the Daren Life Society ‘s mutual help program was a long-term and enriching platform, the newcomers’ eyes lit up with joy, and they expressed their anticipation of participating in more activities in the future .
Everyone is shining
Along the way, the volunteers switched between various roles. One of them transformed into a “learned elder,” introducing everyone to the native New Zealand plant growing by the roadside—the Kawakawa tree , which is cherished by the Maori people .
“This plant is a treasure trove; its leaves, when steeped in water, can reduce inflammation and relieve pain, and also boost immunity…”
Everyone saw the heart-shaped, glossy green leaves and touched the veins radiating from the center. A gentle pinch released a refreshing, warm fragrance of grass and wood, invigorating the senses.
“Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. When we share our knowledge and experience with those around us, we are building bridges, making the connections between people grow longer and longer.” The journey has not been long, but everyone’s hearts have grown closer.
The botanical garden, though in winter, was still ablaze with blossoms in the rain. The golden flowers shone brightly in the overcast weather, like tiny suns. Soon, a glimmer of light appeared on the horizon. A woman couldn’t help but hum a little tune: “Life is short, only a few autumns, let’s not stop until we’re drunk…” The song echoed in the rain, washing away all sorrow and worries.
The flowers, plants, and trees in the botanical garden were stunningly beautiful. Everyone took photos and chatted, their laughter filling the air.
While dining at a nearby library, someone accidentally spilled oil, which was immediately wiped clean. Turning around, one could see everyone spontaneously tidying up tables and cleaning the floor, treating the public space as their own home. There were no reminders, no instructions, only naturally displayed manners and goodwill.
A sentence is written on the library wall: “Where ideas grow,” which perfectly reflects the theme of this event —Daren Mutual Help in Daily Life, which is to let the “light of humanity” quietly emerge in everyday life.
This hike had no set schedule, everyone came with their own story, and through conversation, they illuminated one another. As long as people are put first, even the coldest sky can be transformed into the warmest of humanity.
Looking forward to more exciting events and a wonderful life.
This month’s “Daren Life · Mutual Help Activity Hub” will feature not only our nine regular monthly programs but also special Dragon Boat Festival activities:
【DIY Scented Sachets】
Handcraft your very own exquisite scented sachets
Choose from a variety of materials and blends
Select from a range of sachet styles
Made with natural, additive-free ingredients and hand-dried
The event is completely free—bring your family and friends to join the fun!
A moment worth reliving again and again. Click here to revisit the laughter and heartwarming moments from that day—you might just find a scene you’d like to save.
This was not only a cross-cultural celebration but also a collective expression of harmony among people and a shared aspiration for a better life.
We hope to showcase to the world a group of people who put humans first. We look forward to reuniting with you at future Daren activities to continue creating wonderful experiences!
This year’s Daren Culture Event were even more impressive than in previous years. The event’s success was inseparable from the attention and support from all around the society. There were 24 performances, 34 stalls, and 54 volunteers on site; every participant left a wonderful mark on this event.
[Interview with the Performers]
Onehunga Chinese Association Dance Team
The dance “Call of the Sky” uses the bold and unrestrained body language of Tibetan dance to express the feelings between man and nature.
Jenny – “It’s all about connecting with humanity and nature in various ways to express love among people.”
Rose – “It is itself a harmonious call to heaven, earth, and nature.”
Angel Dance Troupe
Lily – “I’m really happy. We participate in all the activities organized by Daren. We dance to make everyone happy, and we feel younger as we dance. Thank you to all the friends at Daren for their support and for giving us this opportunity.”
Lily also stated that in order to participate in this event, they tried to choose dance and music styles that were popular with the general public. The dance troupe also participated in the Daren Culture Event last year, and this year’s event was even better than last year’s. They hope to hold the event frequently in the future, and that it will continue to improve!
Jiuyi Hanfu Classical Dance Troupe
“Hanfu and classical dance are amazing. We have participated in Daren Culture Event for three consecutive years, and each year is different and better than the last. The entire event is very well organized and we can feel that the volunteers of Daren Life Society are very dedicated in helping each other. It’s excellent!”
Maori singer Page Graham
“Te Aroha is somewhat like a promotion of peace and harmony. You feel respect for ancestors during the ceremony, and the overall feeling is for life. So for me, Te Aroha fits this perfectly, and most importantly, it’s about love. Respect for everyone’s culture and beliefs. No one judges anyone because no one is superior to anyone else.”
By participating in the event and visiting various Stalls, Page Graham believes that people are the most important thing, and it was people who put forward this idea.
He also spoke with reporters about the “DaZhan Code”: “I think the ‘DaZhan Code’ is very, very good. It cleanses all bad behavior or negative things. Maintaining a positive mindset is key. It’s good for everyone, and you can do good deeds every day.”
K-WELL’s KPOP Dance Team
“Very happy to participate in the Daren Culture event and have a platform to showcase ourselves.”
Burundian Association
Aristide Niyongabo – “Burundi drums and the art of drumming are part of our culture. You may not know this, but Burundi drums have been listed as an international cultural heritage by UNESCO. When we drum, we really feel like we’re coming home. Drums have profound meaning, and drumming is a very unique tradition. We participate in various cultural events. The Daren Culture Event is a great opportunity for many cultural performers to showcase their passion and gain recognition. Culture is like a bond that connects us with others.”
Max, a member of the New Culture “DaZhan Code” performance team
“On stage, I felt a sense of righteousness and positive energy rising from within, which boosted my overall spirit. Our sense of responsibility towards ourselves, our families, and society also increased. We should create a humane and just environment for people, which I believe is what everyone wants.”
He also talked about his experience of self-reflection through the “DaZhan Code”, “When you reflect on yourself and awaken to yourself, you will find that your inner self becomes clearer and more distinct, and your sense of boundaries is more defined, which can clear up the chaotic environment inside and outside.”
Volga Dance Studio
Yelena: “This was a fantastic event. I felt connected to something special. I loved the food, I loved the show, and I really enjoyed everything around us. It’s such a great place.”
Alex: “I think events like this are very important, especially for allowing different countries and people to exchange and share their cultures. The more we learn about other cultures, the easier it is for us to come together. New Zealand is a multicultural country. These events provide a great opportunity for people to learn from each other and showcase their own cultures.”
Noopura Dance Academy
Midumi Lamahewage (New Zealand Miss Sri Lanka 2025): “It was a great honor to perform at this event. Our performance combined dance, singing and drumming, which was not only fun but also gave people a sense of pride while playing the drums.”
[Stallholder Interview]
Women’s health checkup institutions
Offering free health checkups at the event, they were surprised by the positive response at the Daren Culture Event. They provided free checkups for women aged 58 to 70 and could assist with booking follow-up services on-site.
Evergreen Traditional Chinese Medicine Free Clinic
Crevble provided free health consultation services to the public at the event.
“First of all, the atmosphere of the event is great. We provide free services to the citizens, so that everyone can feel our love and help them solve practical problems and physical ailments.”
He also expressed his hope that the cultural spirit of unity and mutual assistance among Chinese people can continue to be passed down, and that the younger generation can better understand their cultural roots.
[Volunteer and Audience Voices]
Mr. Wu, a frequent participant in Daren Mutual Help activities, said: “Thanks for organizing this event. I wholeheartedly agree with the saying, ‘Helping others achieve their goals and exchanging pleasantries.’ friends here are all very friendly and kind, helping each other out. I hope that Chinese community organizations can organize more events like this, and I would be very happy to participate.”
Lisa, an audience member, said: ” The event was very enriching, and we benefited a lot from it. We hope there will be more events like this in the future, and we are willing to help promote it so that more people around us can experience this kind of charm.”
Volunteer Wu Xuefen: “Serving Daren means serving people. ‘People first’ is our motto. We are happy to contribute our remaining energy to the event.”
Volunteer Mary often helps people with haircuts at Daren Mutual Help stall. She said she is happy to help everyone take care of their appearance, just wanting to do something for others and have a grateful heart.
Volunteer Sally: “Helping others gives me a deep sense of satisfaction. If I don’t know a skill, I can learn it by working with other volunteers, which is very rewarding. For me, volunteering is fulfilling because I genuinely enjoy the process. The core of Daren culture, ‘People First,’ is mutual help between people.”
Xiaoxiao, a volunteer, expressed her desire to become a volunteer after participating in the Daren Mutual Help Comprehensive Activities Hub for the first time. This was also her first time participating in a Daren Culture Event. She sincerely said, “I feel very honored to join the Daren Community. Daren truly cares about people. Everyone here is selfless and gives their all.”
A heartwarming incident occurred during the event. Volunteer Lilac helped a Chinese woman alter her pants, quickly resolving the problem. The woman was overjoyed and repeatedly expressed her gratitude. Lilac told her, “You don’t need to keep saying thank you; it’s just what I should do.” Although they don’t see each other often, they get along like family. During their meeting, they hugged each other, both very happy. Lilac said, “Daren Mutual Help is not for personal return. Since you trusted me and came to me specifically for this pants problem, it’s only right that I do my best to help.” The woman said that through this interaction, she gained a better understanding of Daren Community. If she didn’t live so far away, she would definitely participate in the activities more often.
[Get closer to Daren through conversation and experience the charm of culture]
During the event, Mr. Liu Lei, president of the Daren Life Society , was interviewed and introduced the philosophy, significance, and future prospects of Daren culture.
He stated that the core concept of Daren Culture is very clear, which can be summarized in one sentence: “Human is paramount, putting people first.”
The president stated that regardless of whether it’s Eastern or Western culture, people should be respected and treated kindly; this is a shared foundation of values. Daren Culture hopes to foster more genuine and closer relationships between people in the context of rapid modern societal development.
He believes that in today’s world, which has become “a village of the earth” with ever-shrinking physical distances, there is an even greater need for hearts to draw closer. Daren Culture advocates replacing conflict with dialogue, promoting mutual help through understanding, and making respect and tolerance a part of daily life.
Speaking about future development, the president stated that New Zealand’s simple and inclusive culture provides fertile ground for the growth and development of Daren culture. He hopes that this philosophy can reach more cities around the world, including New York, Moscow, Paris, and Beijing, etc.
The president said, “We hope to show the world a group of people who put people first.”
As the event drew to a close, people lingered at the stalls, chatting. Many brought new friends, and many stopped to enjoy the food and handmade crafts, continuing their connections amidst laughter and conversation.
Many people took photos at the scene and shared them on their social media platforms. Daren is becoming known to more and more people through word of mouth.
As the president said in his opening remarks at the event:
“The simplicity and kindness of human nature is the common foundation that transcends all differences and connects all people. It is also the meaning of the existence of the Daren Life Society.”
In the future, Daren Culture Event will continue to expand the boundaries of cultural expression, allowing art, life, and conversation to continue to converge in a more open space, and enabling different civilizations to continuously grow closer through genuine interaction.
Looking forward to meeting everyone again at next year’s Daren Culture Event and continuing to create wonderful memories!
