What's On Mid Canterbury

  • Ashburton Vintage Car Club has their Museum and Parts Shed open every SAT 10am-12pm. You can find them at 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald. Approx 30 veteran vintage and classic cars and motorcycles from 1906 to 1970s. Plus much more motoring memorabilia on display. Parts available from the parts shed. Museum open at other times on request. Phone Les Bennett 308 4705 or 027 612 1160. 

 

  • 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. 

 

  • 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 on Wednesdays 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. 
  • Dairy Women’s Network is now calling for nominations for the next Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award. This is a great chance to recognise women who are not only making a difference on their farms, in their businesses, or in their communities, but who are also inspiring others to lead, connect, and contribute to a better future for the dairy sector. For many recipients it is about more than recognition, it enables new opportunities, connections, and growth. Mid Canterbury’s Frances Beeston was a finalist for the award this year, just pipped by Jo Sheridan. The award also opens up opportunities in the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. Applications close end of Feb. For more information on or to nominate, visit https://www.dwn.co.nz/fonterra-dairy-woman-of-the-year/

 

  • Mid Canterbury Rugby are looking for more match officials for their 2026 games. If you love rugby, enjoy being right and have the best seats in the house every week being a referee might just suit you. All enquiries [email protected] 
  • Nominations are being sought for the 2024-25 Rakaia Sports Awards. Nominees can be administrators, coaches, judges or players. They’re also after names of long-standing supporters of sport in Rakaia that could join their list of legends. You can email your suggestions to [email protected]. 
  • Embrace the outdoors with Forest & Bird’s Kiwi Conservation Club’s summer adventure challenges. Swap screen time for green time through five fun, easy-to-do nature-based challenges. All easy activities which can be done locally, and there’s some great prizes up for grabs. To join in on the fun and get more information, visit Forest & Bird’s Summer Adventure Challenges - forestandbird.org.nz/ summer-adventure-challenges-2025-2026.
  • 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]. 
  • If you’re keen to play football and be part of something competitive, come down to pre-season. Every WED at Argyle Park, 6:30pm. Everyone’s welcome — come have a kick, chat with the boys, and see what it's all about.
  • 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.
  • Run and Walk Ashburton is back with the Summer Series in the Ashburton Domain. Join them every TUES until 24 Feb, starting 6pm from the Walnut Ave Pavilion. It's a 1km course with 1km, 3km and 5km options. All ages and abilities welcome. Dogs (on leads) and prams also welcome. Just $2 for adults and kids U18 are free, with some great spot prizes to be won! 
  • 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.
  • The Boost Literacy Initiative is looking for volunteer tutors for 2026!  Help children across Mid Canterbury make positive gains in literacy in our local schools. The commitment is 4 hours a week (two mornings, March-Nov, term time). No experience needed - full training, resources and support provided. Cover provided if you need time away. Join a friendly and supportive team making a real difference in our communities. To find out more, contact Helen Breach - Boost Coordinator either by email [email protected], or phone 027 507 1633. Proudly funded by:  Advance Ashburton Community Foundation, Mackenzie Charitable Foundation and Heartland Bank.
  • Wanting to try something new in 2026? How about volunteering at the St John Op Shop! Shifts are 1/2 day with various days available. To find out more, please call 03 307 4221 or pop in to the shop on Tancred Street during opening hours. 

  • It's $5 month at Ashburton Hospice Shop! All clothes just $5 for all of February. Pop in and grab a style bargain, 71 Tancred Street. 

  • Lilies are for sale again at the gate of 6 South Town Belt, Rakaia. All proceeds to the Canterbury West Coast Rescue Helicopter. They are $5 per bunch. Cash only.
  • "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. Check out the Treasured Threads workshop on SUN 15 FEB, 1–3pm. Learn how to protect and preserve special garments for future generations. Book your spot in that through the Art Gallery and Museum direct. 
  • Hakatere Marae warmly invites the community to Waitangi Day at the Pā. The day begins with a pōwhiri (welcome) at 8am (please assemble 7:50am), followed by kōrero from local kaumātua and kuia, exploring the meaning of Waitangi Day and its relevance today. A light breakfast will be shared before a morning of entertainment, featuring performances from nine groups, including singers and kapa haka rōpū Te Whānau o Hakatere and Te Wairua o Maata Waka. The event concludes at 12pm, with collection of pre-ordered fundraiser hāngī. Waitangi Day at the Pā is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together, listen, learn, connect and reflect on our shared history and future. Find Hakatere Marae at 439 Rakaia Highway, Fairton. This is a free event – koha welcome.
  • Celebrate Waitangi Day with a relaxed day out at the Waitangi Day Market in the Ashburton Domain. Head along this FRI 6 FEB, from 10am to around 4pm, by the paddling pool off Walnut Avenue for a vibrant mix of stalls, food, and family‑friendly fun. Browse a great range of quality stalls, enjoy delicious kai, and make the most of the plentiful parking and easy access. It’s the perfect chance to gather friends and whānau, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy your day off in the heart of the community. For the full list of stalls and entertainment, check out the Ashburton Market Days page on Facebook.
  • Ashburton Kite Day at Lake Hood is back Waitangi Day FRI 6 FEB featuring kites from members of the New Zealand Kitefliers Association. Open to any member of the public, with or without kites, from 11am to 4pm. 
  • The Summer Challenge is a new and exciting adventure event for women, and it’s being held right here in Ashburton! Think of it as the best friend of the very popular Spring Challenge. Teams of 3-women will navigate their way through scenic natural environments either kayaking, mountain biking or hiking, with a map and compass in hand. There’s 3, 6 and 9-hour events to choose from. It’s on Waitangi Weekend FRI 6 – SUN 8 FEB. Find all the details at https://www.summerchallenge.co.nz/
  • Litter-Free Ashburton invites the community to join a Keep NZ Beautiful clean-up session. Taking place on Waitangi Day FRI 6 FEB. Meet the Keep NZ Beautiful crew on the corner of Dobson and East St, near Burger King, at 5.30pm for a briefing. The clean up is expected to finish by 7.30pm. They would love our community to come along and support Keep NZ Beautiful to help keep our riverbed and surrounds free from litter and plastics. 
  • Get your team together for a fun-filled Quiz Night in support of Mid Canterbury Children’s Day! Join THURS 12 FEB at Armadillo’s Ashburton for an evening of friendly competition, great company, and community spirit. The quiz kicks off at 7pm sharp, with teams of up to eight people welcome. Entry is just $10 per person, with all proceeds helping create a fantastic Children’s Day celebration for local families. To register your team, email [email protected] or [email protected]. 
  • Get ready for a high-energy kids’ disco experience inspired by the world of K-Pop Demon Hunters. Flashbacks Ashburton is hosting a K-Pop Demon Hunter Disco on SAT 14 FEB. 4pm til 5pm for 10 and under, then karaoke 5pm to 7pm, before a session for the 10 and overs from 7pm to 9pm. This interactive session is designed for kids who love music, dancing and getting involved. Partygoers will be guided through energetic dance-offs, playful challenges and group games inspired by the K-Pop Demon Hunters universe. The experience is lively, colourful and upbeat — with plenty of sparkle, laughter and pop-star energy — while remaining age-appropriate and non-scary. Parents are welcome to relax nearby while kids enjoy an action-packed session filled with music, movement and interactive fun. Find more on their FB page. 
  • Rokowhiria Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum is hosting a workshop Treasured Threads covering how to protect and preserve your special garments. The workshop is SUN 15 FEB from 1pm to 3pm, and costs $50. Registrations required through the museum. 
  • Vintage Car Club Show at VTNZ Ashburton, 393 West St, on SUN 15 FEB from 11am to 2pm. Anyone is welcome to take their car along to be on display with an entry fee of $5 per vehicle. Funds raised going to the Cancer Society. There will be raffles and a barbecue. 
  • Welcoming Communities - Ashburton District, Hakatere Multi Cultural Council and Rokowhiria Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum are hosting a cultural awareness talk on the Afghan culture TUES 17 FEB, from 12pm to 1pm. The free workshop, at the art gallery space, provides an opportunity to learn about the culture, ask questions and connect with other. 
  • A big change to this year's Rakaia Fishing Competition - there will be no fish taken to the hall for weigh-in, and no requirement to fish to take part. Instead, simply purchase a ticket and go in the draw to win from $50,000 worth of prizes — think of it as a giant raffle with a purpose. A photo competition will also run during the event, encouraging participants to share images of their catch, or simply enjoying time on the river. All proceeds from the competition go directly back into the Rakaia River, supporting river care, habitat improvement, and long-term fishery recovery. The competition runs THURS 26 FEB to SUN 1 MAR. Entries close TUES 17 FEB. Enter by phone: 028 255 35419, or online at rakaiasalmon.co.nz. 
  • Stay confident and independent on the road with the Staying Safe refresher course for older drivers! Supported by the Ashburton District Council and delivered by Age Concern, this free, classroom‑based session is a great opportunity to brush up on key road rules, safe‑driving practices, and the transport options available to help you stay mobile for longer. Join on FRI 20 FEB, from 10am to 2pm, at the Ashburton Senior Centre, for a relaxed and informative workshop designed to keep you driving safely and confidently. To register or learn more, phone: 03 308 6817 or email [email protected]. A supportive, community‑minded way to stay safe, stay confident, and stay connected.
  • The South Island Motorhome Show and Country Fete is a not to be missed motor-caravanning event, held annually in Ashburton. ​This is the ultimate event for those interested in purchasing a new or used motorhome or caravan, looking to sell an existing motorhome or caravan, wishing to purchase accessories for a present or future vehicle or just wanting to look at ‘what’s new in the marketplace’ and socialise with like-minded people. It's on at Ashburton Showgrounds the weekend SAT 21 and SUN 22 FEB. Open to the public 9am - 4pm on Saturday, and 9am - 3pm Sunday. Entry just $5!  Electrical Warrant Inspections available, as are Self Containment Green or Yellow Certificates to NZMCA members. Members of the public, trade exhibitors and others associated with the event are encouraged to take their time and have fun savouring the vehicles and accessories on site. Hosted by the Lions Club of Ashburton. To find out more, or to book your spot at the event, click here: https://www.southislandmotorhomeshow.co.nz/
  • The Dairy Women’s Network is now calling for nominations for the next Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award. It offers the chance to recognise women who are not only making a difference on their farms, in their businesses, or in their communities, but those who are also inspiring others to lead, connect and contribute to a better future for the sector. Applications close end of February. For more information, visit dwn.co.nz/fonterra-dairy-woman-ofthe-year. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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