La Mexicana, the much-loved hospitality destination on Shakespeare Road, has received a prestigious honour from the Mexican Academy of Gastronomy. Owner Marco Muñiz accepted the award at the Milford store on Thursday 11 June from the Mexican High Commissioner to New Zealand, His Excellency Alfredo Pétez Bravo, and his wife. The occasion drew a strong turnout from the local Mexican community, creating a vibrant celebration of culture, flavour and connection. This distinguished award celebrates businesses outside Mexico that honour authentic recipes, traditional ingredients and rich cultural heritage. It marks the first time a New Zealand business has received this recognition, placing La Mexicana among a select group of standout recipients worldwide in 2026.
If you want to enjoy authentic Mexican food, visit La Mexicana soon. Their tacos are made in-store by South American staff using a specially imported machine, which adds a touch of theatre while it is operating. The store is licensed and also offers takeaway meals.
Former All Black and Milford resident Ian Jones appears with Marco in his Grey Lynn store in an NBL video released on Tuesday 16 June. The video features a 19-year-old Mexican with the New Zealand Breakers. In it, Karim learns to cook authentic Mexican food with Marco before visiting the All Black Experience with Ian Jones. Ian shares the mana behind the jersey and explains the qualities needed to become a great sportsperson. It is a must-watch video. You can also learn more about the award and Ian Jones’s story about why the All Blacks jersey means so much on La Mexicana’s listing on the Milford Shops website.
More convenient parking for Milford
Following last year’s parking review, Auckland Transport will convert the former two-vehicle taxi rank on Dobson Avenue into P30 parking spaces. While the change may seem small, it will create more than 20,000 additional parking opportunities each year, making visits to Milford even easier. Look out for the new spaces in August or September.
What’s On in Milford – July 2026
Milford Motel
'Dinner with the Gals', Thurs-Sun – $55pp
Sunday Roast from 3pm – $30pp
Steal night every Wednesday – $25pp
Quiz Night every Tuesday – 7pm
La Mexicana
Weekend brunch at La Mexicana, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-2pm
Dinner 7 days a week.
Milford Cruising Club
Club Nights Thursdays and Fridays. Bar open 4pm, dinner from 5.30pm
Enjoy a meal at our restaurant
Friday 17 July: Serene Boulton singing live from 7pm
Locals are welcome to come, just sign in as a guest.
Check our Facebook page for FREE Thursday Quiz or Bingo Nights
Milford Shopping Centre
1–31 July: BLAK Bridesmaids Giveaway
Enter to win $600 towards your bridesmaid’s dresses at BLAK. Simply visit BLAK at Milford Centre to enter.
6–10 July: 11am–2pm daily – Matariki Magic Candle Making
Flame in Vintage will host a special school holiday candle-making programme. Families can create their own star-shaped candle to take home in celebration of Matariki.
9–12 July and 16–19 July: Build-A-Bear Workshops
Build-A-Bear returns these school holidays with a fun pop-up experience. Create your own pre-stuffed furry friend in a hands-on activity suitable for all ages. $10 per person. Limited spaces available – bookings essential.
9–12 July and 16–19 July: Clean for Good School Holiday Activity
A free creative workshop where children can design their dream home, colour their creations, and make a custom button badge to take home.
Murray Hill, Manager, Milford Business Association
manager@milfordshops.co.nz • 021 950 463 • milfordshops.co.nz
Facebook milfordshops instagram milfordnz YouTube MilfordshopsTV
