A donkey and miniature horses at the 2013 SPCA Auckland Blessing of the Animals. Photo / Dean Purcell
Westhaven Marina has an Open Day for all would-be mariners. You can try sailing and gutterboat racing, hunt for bargains at the marine market and carboot sale, enjoy a dock tour or take advantage of the free sausages. Have a go at sailing, paddling, take a cruise around the marina on The Watchman or join a dragonboating team.
Saturday, 10am-2pm. Westhaven Marina.
Awww, there's real tweeting out there, with a racket you wouldn't believe at the annual Dawn Chorus outings to Tiritiri Matangi island. With a little luck, the kokako will join in the song. Bookings essential through.
This Sunday (and next, Oct 11). Ferry departs Gulf Harbour 5am, choose returns at either 12pm or 3.30pm.
If you don't have a small child handy, you may have to borrow one as a front for the trip you know you want to take to the Auckland Doll and Teddy Fair. Some 50 stalls feature doll displays, doll- and bear-making supplies, clothing, Barbies, antiques, collectibles, books and more. A paradise for aficionados, you might start the Christmas shopping early.
Today, 10am-4pm. Auckland Deaf Society, Potters Park Event Centre.
The spring SPCA Blessing of the Animals brings man's (and woman's) blessed friends together to celebrate World Animal Day. Begin by walking with your pet to honour St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of the animals then gather in the church at 1pm for the Blessing of the Animals. Heartwarming with plenty of laughs, especially when some animals sing along with the hymns.
Tomorrow, 11.30am. St Matthew-in-the-city.
The power of words gets a terrific outing at the Inter High School Spoken Word Slam semi-finals. Students from Mt Albert Grammar, McAuley High School, Papatoetoe High School, Westlake Girls High School, Onehunga High School and Rangitoto College speak from their hearts with striking poems.
Today, 1pm. Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre.
New book, New Zealand’s Best Gourmet Pies, features 38 unique pies and their origins.