What's On Mid Canterbury

  • A heads up from NZTA Waka Kotahi - There will be overnight road resurfacing works on State Highway 1 right through Tinwald. There will be temporary traffic lights and temporary speed restrictions, as milling and paving of a new asphalt surface is undertaken. Access to the highway from side streets will be closed, 7pm to 5am. This work is expected to run until REVISED DUE TO WEATHER  FRI 13 MAR, weather depending. Expect lengthy delays. There is also road reconstruction work just south of Tinwald, at the Longbeach Road intersection with SH1, where it is currently scheduled to be reduced to a single lane on weekdays until WED 11 MAR. From 7am to 6pm, northbound traffic will be detoured, southbound will remain on SH1. From 6pm to 7am, the site will operate under temporary traffic lights. At weekends, both lanes are due to be open but under speed restrictions. 
  • The Ruralco Golf Classic is back at Tinwald Golf Club FRI 6 MAR. Pitched as an opportunity for the rural community to come together, the event is in support of Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust. Last year it raised $10,000 for the trust. Open to teams of three to four players, with sponsorship opportunities also available for businesses looking to support this worthy cause. For registration or sponsorship inquiries, visit www.ruralco.co.nz or contact the Ruralco team on 03 307 5100. 

  • Stroke Aotearoa NZ offering free blood pressure and pulse checks from their mobile van on FRI 6 MAR, 10am to 1pm, outside Te Whare Whakatere/ Ashburton Civic Centre. Community Navigator Kirstie Hamilton will be available to provide expert guidance and quick checks. It’s said 1 in 5 Kiwis experience high blood pressure. A third of them don’t even know they have it! Hypertension is the biggest risk for stroke because it puts a strain on blood vessles, including the ones in our brains. But the good news is it can be managed. The first step is to get checked. For guidance to reduce your risk of stroke visit www.stroke.org.nz or call 0800 STROKE (0800 78 76 53). 

  • Scores of runners and walkers will take to the Ashburton River trail FRI 6 and SAT 7 MAR for the Ashburton River Trail Marathon. The two day event is made up of a 5km Friday evening event from 6pm, and 10km or 21km events from 8.45am on Saturday. Each event starts and finishes at the Allenton Rugby Clubrooms on Melrose Rd. 
  • Former Mid Cantabrian Kathi Craig and her daughter Marla Kavanaugh will perform a “Homecoming” show at St Stephen’s Church, featuring a programme of secular and sacred music. Craig, a former opera singer who teaches singing, and husband Malcolm Hopwood, travel regularly back to Ashburton from their Palmerston North home, for Craig to teach students. Kavanaugh is an international soloist who has been a star of the Edinburgh Tattoo and Tartan Week in New York. Also performing will be Hopwood, narrating readings and singing a duet with Craig. Ashburton College and Trinity College distinction students Isabel Wang and Maddie Page will perform as part of the concert. SAT 7 MAR, 4pm. Entry is via a programme available at the door, $25 cash, or $40 for two. 

  • The Multicultral Bite and Autumn Food Festival is back at the Ashburton Domain SAT 7 MAR from 11am to 3pm. Offering tasty bites of food from countries around the world. There is a public vote for the best bite. Alongside the kai there will be singing, music and dancing performances including Pasifika groups, Filipino and Highland dancers. Entry to the event is free, food tickets just $4 - cash and EFTPOS accepted. 

  • Zonta Club of Ashburton International Women’s Day breakfast is on SAT 7 MAR, with special guest Judy Dobson. Tickets $45. 

  • Kai for Kids Housie fundraiser is on SAT 7 MAR at the Hampstead Rugby Club. Doors open 6pm games start 7pm. 

  • Methven Rugby Club’s under 12 Goondiwindi tour quiz fundraiser at Methven United Clubrooms. SAT 7 MAR. Doors open 6pm, quiz starts 7pm.

  • Terrace View in Tinwald is opening its beautiful grounds to the community for a fun, family‑friendly Open Day on SAT 7 MAR! Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or some chairs, and enjoy a relaxed day out with pony rides, a sausage sizzle, live music, face painting, and a range of games for all ages. Visitors can also take a tour of Terrace View’s stunning villas from 10:30am, with all the fun day activities starting from 11:30am at 37 Carters Terrace. Come along, explore the grounds, and enjoy a great day with the community! 
  • The Love Grace Appeal is once again calling on the community to support women escaping domestic violence by donating handbags filled with essential items. The appeal honours the memory of Grace Millane and provides women using Women’s Refuge services with a small but powerful gift of dignity and choice. New or near-new handbags can be filled with everyday essentials such as toiletries, along with small luxury items if desired. The appeal runs until International Women’s Day on SUN 8 MAR. Filled bags can be dropped to Beauty Worx on Tancred Street. Each donated bag helps restore confidence and comfort during an incredibly difficult time. Find a list of items that could be included at facebook.com/lovegracenz. 
  • "Dearly Beloved: 100 Years of the Wedding Dress" is an exhibition on at Rokowhiria Ashburton Art Gallery & Museum until SUN 8 MAR. Twelve wedding dresses spanning a century are on display in this celebration of bridal fashion and personal stories, all with Mid Canterbury connections. From classic and coloured gowns to hand-crocheted designs and unexpected materials, the exhibition also features bridesmaid and flower girl outfits, wedding accessories, and unique local treasures. Some historic gowns are on public display for the first time. There's even Greek Orthodox Stefana crowns, wartime parachute silk, and LEGO bridal bouquets. 
  • The Zonta Ashburton Women’s Art Awards (ZAWAA) return to Rokowhiria Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum for their 10th year, celebrating the creativity and contribution of artists who identify as women. This year’s awards attracted 84 entries, with 47 finalists selected across two categories. Twenty-four artists are finalists for the Premier Award, while 23 young artists aged 16–20 have been shortlisted for the Young Generation Award. Aligned with the values of Zonta International, ZAWAA aims to raise the profile of women in the visual arts and acknowledge their role in shaping contemporary art discourse. Organisers say the standard of work submitted once again reflects a high calibre of artistic talent. Judging the awards are Anna McLean (Forrester Gallery Ōamaru), Dr Bridie Lonie (former Head of the Dunedin School of Arts), and Kim Pieters, established practising artist. Award winners will be announced at the exhibition opening on FRI 6 MAR at 7pm, which also coincides with the opening of a solo exhibition by Julia Holderness, winner of the Premier Award at ZAWAA25. Visitors are also invited to take part in the People’s Choice Award, voting for their favourite work during the exhibition.
  • Arts on Tour NZ presents Prima Facie. This stunning one woman tour de force is directed by NZ acting royalty Michael Hurst and performed by Cassandra Woodhouse. An acclaimed Oliver and Tony award-winning play, Suzie Miller's Prima Facie is an unforgettable story that has the power to question the structure of the legal system and takes us to the heart of where emotion and experience conflict within the system as we know it. At the Ashburton Event Centre on FRI 13 MAR, 7pm. Tickets just $25. Group discounts available. Find more and book at www.asheventcentre.co.nz, or see Gudrun at the box office. 

  • Mayfield 100th A&P Show is on SAT 14 MAR, from 9am at the Mayfield showgrounds and domain. Adults $20, children free.The call is out for Scarecrow makers to create masterpieces for events in Mayfield and Methven. Mayfield A&P Show are holding a scarecrow competition as part of their 100th show onSAT14MAR. There are three categories, children, adult, communitygroupsand businesses. Scarecrows will be judged on creativity,recyclability and artand craft. Any materials can beused, butmust include straw.Meanwhile in Methven the popular Methven Scarecrow Trail will runschool holidaysSAT4 toSUN19APRIL. This year’s theme is Once Upon a Time (famous fairytale characters).

  • Cricket fans are in for a special night as Mid Canterbury Cricket hosts a fundraising dinner featuring cricketing greats Garth Galloway and Chris Harris. The event aims to raise funds to refurbish the Ashburton Domain oval pavilion and improve indoor training nets, supporting the future of cricket in the region. Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, hear stories from the speakers’ cricketing journeys, and learn about the importance of strong facilities for developing players of all ages. The fundraiser will be held at Hotel Ashburton on TUES 17 MAR. Tickets $120pp. To secure yours call Jane 027 942 1500 or email [email protected]
  • The Relay for Life is back!  Book in SAT 21 MAR at the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds to get the step count up in support of the Cancer Society. This community event is our chance to celebrate, remember, and fight back against cancer. Teams are encouraged to dress up for the chance to win a prize. Now's the time to rally friends, family, classmates, and colleagues. Early bird registration is just $10 per person. Sign up online at midcanterbury.relayforlife.org.nz. 
  • The Methven Ute Muster returns on SAT 21 MAR, as part of the Methven A&P Show. Celebrating rural pride, horsepower, and community spirit. This year’s headline attraction includes a Ford Ranger world record attempt, alongside crowd‑favourite events like tug‑of‑war, multiple judged categories, and the popular Her’s Not His section. With a strong focus on inclusivity and giving back, proceeds support local groups and charities, making this a must‑attend day for ute lovers and families alike. Find more and sign up via www.methvenshow.co.nz or www.proudtobeafarmernz.com. 
  • Get ready for two days of top‑class golf and great competition at the Tinwald Golf Club 3500 Pairs Tournament, proudly supported by Ton’s Thai. This two‑day pairs event kicks off SAT 28 MAR with an 18‑hole 4BBB, followed by SUN 29 MAR featuring 18‑hole Aggregate Net. Open to men’s and mixed grades, the tournament boasts over $1000 for the winning pair, fantastic prizes, nearest‑the‑pins, longest drives and putts, a mega raffle, auction, and plenty more—including your chance to win your height in beer! Entry is $100 per player, so grab a partner and don’t miss one of Tinwald’s highlight events on the golfing calendar. Entries close to SUN 22 MAR to Dave King 0278394502 or [email protected] 
  • Celebrate local talent at Live on the Lawn, a relaxed outdoor music event at the Ashburton Domain on SAT 28 MAR. From 11am, enjoy live performances from Molly Harrison, Tyrone Schwalger, The Mavericks, and Amelia and Cam Luxton. Bring a picnic blanket, soak up the atmosphere on the Long Lawn near SH1, and enjoy food trucks and market stalls for a perfect day of home‑grown music and community vibes.
  • Most people don’t realise ploughing is a "petrolhead" sport, but for a man who spent the 70s racing an 1293cc Mini for a weapon and chose the plough over racing his V12 Jaguar, the thrill is all in the detail. After watching Bruce Redman take the World Title in 2010, GVCMC member Robert Weavers, knew that the art of the perfect furrow required the same technical grit as any motor circuit.Now a 16-year veteran of the sport, Robert is calling for entries for the upcoming “Geraldine Ploughing Match” at the 'Bowan Family Farm' on Farm Road. While Robert is using the weekend to "get the rust out of his system" after qualifying early for the Nationals in Methven (TBH April 18-19), this is a Premier Local Match with five competitive classes: Modern, Vintage Competitive, Vintage Novice, Draught Horses, Contemporary. SAT 28 MAR Timaru competition, SUN 29 MAR Geraldine competition. To enter contact Robert on 021 1486979.  
  • Ashburton District Council has its annual grants round now open. This is the chance for local groups, volunteers, and community projects to access funding that helps great ideas grow. With nine grant categories and additional support through Creative Communities and the Sport NZ Travel Fund, there’s something to support a wide range of initiatives. From biodiversity to heritage, and even mountain bike trail maintenance. There's a new online tool called "Grant Guru" designed to make the process easier. The resource helps groups navigate what funding is available and how to strengthen applications. If your group has a great idea and needs a boost, this is the time to start planning and get your application ready. Learn more and apply at ashburtondc.govt.nz/grants. Applications must be submitted by TUES 31 MAR.
  • Entries are open for Rabobank Good Deeds Community Hub competition which has a share of $100,000 on offer to help improve rural community halls, schools, clubrooms and marae nationwide. Ten winners will each receive $10,000 each. And one lucky prize winner will also receive a day’s labour support from the teams at Rabobank and The Country. Entries can be made via the Rabobank website and close at 11.59pm on TUES 31 MAR. 
  • Award‑winning country duo Wicker Suite are bringing their intimate, heartfelt sound to Woodbury Hall for a one off show on SAT 11 APRIL. Fronted by Ashburton‑raised musician Liam Kennedy‑Clark, the duo has built a strong following with their honest songwriting and stripped‑back performances. Joined by Molly Harrison as the opening act, this promises to be a warm, authentic night of live music celebrating community, connection, and great country storytelling.
  • The 2026 New Zealand Ploughing Championships are coming to Methven alongside the popular Methven Country Fair the weekend SAT 18 and SUN 19 APRIL. Held at Dip Road, the event will showcase the very best in competitive ploughing, with classes including Silver Plough Conventional, Reversible, Horse Plough, Vintage Ploughing and Contemporary. A great weekend out for farming families and anyone interested in rural skills, machinery and tradition.
  • Rakaia Rugby Club, one of New Zealand’s oldest rugby clubs, will celebrate its 150th jubilee the weekend FRI 17 - SUN 19 APRIL at Rakaia Domain. The milestone weekend begins with an informal catch-up on Friday evening. Saturday features a full club day with games across all grades, followed by a jubilee banquet headlined by former All Black captain David Kirk. The celebrations wrap up on Sunday, with a brunch and farewell. The club has also been a pioneer — holding the record as the first club to win the Watters’ Cup four years in a row. All events will be hosted at the club’s new purpose-built clubrooms at the Rakaia Domain. Find more on the Rakaia Rugby Facebook page. 
  • Come along and help celebrate 150 years of Foothills education over King’s Birthday Weekend, SAT 30 and SUN 31 MAY. All past and present students, teachers, principals, staff, and committee members from Mt Somers Springburn, Mt Somers, Springburn, Alford Forest, and Bushside Schools are warmly invited to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate our shared schooling history. Saturday will include a meet and greet, light lunch, decade photos and an evening meal and dance. Sunday you’re welcome to explore the old school house, Mt Somers and Staveley Museums, and enjoy a sausage sizzle. Registration forms are available from Mt Somers Springburn School, Mt Somers Store and Staveley Store. Email registrations to: [email protected]. For enquiries, contact Max Alexander – 027 211 8960.  

ONGOING

  • Litter Free Ashburton holds its group litter collection on the second THURS of each month, meeting 1:30pm on the corner of SH1 and Havelock Street near the former library. It is looking for more members. If you can help, please inquire via the Litter Free Ashburton FB page or simply turn up at the meeting. Resources supplied. 
  • Kai's Up offers a free meal for anyone - no judgement, no criteria. Every THURS (yes, even in the rain), 6pm in The Catholic Church carpark, corner of Havelock and Park Street. Feel free to bring your own containers. Meal, hot/cold drink, sweet treat provided. Stick around and eat on site, or bring your own container and take home to eat. Families welcome. Thank you to all the volunteers behind the scenes that make this happen. Follow Kai’s Up on FB.

 

  • Join the global movement that is Parkrun! Every SAT starting 8am, take a jog from Walnut Ave through our stunning Domain. If running or walking isn't your thing, you could consider volunteering. They need people in a variety of roles including: photographers, first timer welcome, time keepers, pre event course check, course marshals, tail walkers, report writers, barcode scanners, finisher tokens, warm up leaders, course setup and close down. If you are interested or would like to find out more, search for "Ashburton Domain" on Park Run website or email [email protected]. Run, walk, volunteer!!
  • Need something signed by a Justice of the Peace? JPs are available every TUES and FRI at their new spot in the Ashburton Library. Pop in between 12pm-2pm, no appointment needed. 

  • Mid Canterbury Citizens Advice Bureau is now offering drop-in sessions at the Ashburton Library every WED from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

  • Need help with your phone,tablet, laptop or other digital devices? Ashburton District Council has friendly digi coaches back at the Ashburton Library. Whether it's setting up an app,troubleshooting a tech issue, or learning something new, come in and sit down with a digi coach. They are available Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 1-3pm. No booking needed, just drop in.

 

  • Need a van? Does your sports club, dance club, social club or school go on trips or outings as a group, and you would like to travel together? Community House has a 12 seater van available for hire. For more details or to book please visit the website https://www.communityhousemc.co.nz. You can also give them a call 03 308 1237, or email [email protected]. 
  • Hampstead Sports Club is back hosting Housie! Come along for a night of fun, laughs, and the chance to win some great prizes. On every TUES, doors open at 6:30pm, with Housie starting 7pm. At Hampstead Sports Club off Bridge Street. New faces are always welcome — it’s a great way to catch up with friends and start the year with a bit of excitement. Don’t miss out — fun, prizes, and laughter guaranteed! Find more on the Hampstead Sports Club NZ Facebook page.
  • Rakaia Sunday Market and "Art & All" museum and antiques is on every first and third SUN of the month (weather permitting). On the corner of Railway Tce West & Rolleston Street - Near the dog park. 10am-3pm. Plenty of parking. Please bring  cash, although there is some EFTPOS available. Food, entertainment, arts &crafts, farm fresh meat, baking, plants & compost and fishing gear all on offer. If you wish to sell - single stall $20, double $40. Food vendors also welcome. To find out more and book your spot call 0224192781.

  • Citizens Advice Bureau Mid Canterbury are celebrating having 500 entries in their community directory.It’sa free resource for people who are looking for information and groups within the district from starting a new sport or hobby, hire a hall for an event or need support from a social service. Access via ashburton.cab.org.nz

    A flood warning text-alert service is available in Ashburton, giving residents early notice when rivers start to rise and there is a risk of flooding. Canterbury Regional Councilsaysthe system – available on 12 river floodplains across the region – provided a crucial extra layer of early warning and can make a life-changing difference for people living or working near rivers.These text alerts give people precious time to prepare – time to move stock, shift equipment, protect property, and keep their families safe.The free opt-in service sends automated text messages when river flows reach thresholds that may result in flooding. Residents can sign up by texting the relevant river name to 3730. When the selected river reaches a critical flow threshold, subscribers receive an early-warning text. To opt out, text cancel to 3730.

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