What's On Mid Canterbury

  • Downsizing? Decluttering? Consider donating good quality pre-loved furniture, clothing, jewellery, homewares and books to the St John Op Shop. They also welcome the likes of manchester, mirrors and artwork. Help them help you by raising money for Ambulances & Medical Support Staff. You can drop donations to the shop 129 Tancred St (opposite Westpac Bank), or they can collect/deliver. Call to book 307 4221. 

 

  • Downsizing or Moving? Whether downsizing, moving into care or clearing out a loved one's home, the task can be daunting. Mid Canterbury Hospice can pick up and collect all unwanted items such as furniture, bedding, clothing & shoes, homeware & small appliances. All donated goods are sold with proceeds used to provide support and services to locals with a life-limiting illness. Keeping it local, the Hospice Shop on Tancred Street. Contact Janis or Nicole 3078387. 

  

  • 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.

  • Project Uplift encourages local women to donate bras which are given to women in need across the Pacific. In some cases they are also distributed to women and girls across NZ through schools, health boards and community groups. Having a bra provides comfort, dignitary and support. The bra she receives from Project Uplift is often the only bra that woman owns. Collecting both new and second hand nursing bras, crop tops and sports bras. Drop your donations to Sparrows on East Street. Find more at www.projectuplift.org.nz. 

  • Would you like to knit, weave or crochet for a veteran? In acknowledgment of 2025 being 80 years since the end of World War 2, 75 years since beginning of Korean War, 65 years since end of Malay Emergency and 50 years since end of Vietnam War, you are invited to knit, weave or crochet a scarf for a veteran. To let them know they haven’t been forgotten, they are "Wrapped in Remembrance" and their service is appreciated. Scarves can be any ply, any pattern and any colours. The project runs until November 11, 2025. Please drop completed scarves off to: Ashburton RSA, 12 Cox Street, Ashburton, Rakaia Mobil - 50 Bridge Street, Rakaia, Methven I site - 160 Main Street, Methven, Cafe Mayfield - 1992 Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road, Hinds School - Reed Street, Hinds, and Mt Somers Springburn School - Ashburton Gorge Road. Any questions contact Project Manager Dellwyn - [email protected]

  • 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.
  • Mid Canterbury Cancer Society has your chance to win a Mini! Enter the raffle for your chance to win a freshly refurbished 1975 Morris Minor Mini, valued $24,990! Also up for grabs a travel pack from House of Travel valued $5000, and a Methven Adventure pack valued $1250. Tickets just $20 available from the Cancer Society on Kermode Street, Argyle Welsh Finnigan, Property Brokers Ashburton or Forsyth Barr. You can also call 021 344 806. 
  • Advance Ashburton Community Foundation has scholarships for 2026 open now.Scholarships are available for any type of tertiary study, further education, any type of industry training and apprenticeships, and personal development. For more information and application forms visit the Advance Ashburton website – www.advanceashburton.org.nz, phone 307 5902, or pop in to talk to the team on Level 2 of Somerset House. Applications close FRI 31 OCT.
  • Halloween Disco at the Rakaia Scout Den FRI 31 OCT. Junior up to age eight years old with parent supervision from 5pm to 7pm, and senior age nine years and over from 7pm to 9pm. Tickets from $5, cash out, sausage sizzle, drinks, facepainting and lolly bags $2 each. Also that same day, a Hero’s children’s costume party from 5.30pm to 7pm at St Stephens Hall, 64 Park St, Ashburton. Open to all families; adults are asked to stay with their children. Register numbers by October 29 at the church office phone 308-5438, [email protected]. Koha invited.
  • After the smash-hit success of Popzilla in 2023, Variety Theatre Ashburton is back with an electrifying new production – Rockzilla! Directed and Choreographed by Jessie Thomson and Musically Directed by Jo Castelow, Rockzilla brings together powerhouse vocals, dynamic choreography, and the unforgettable anthems of rock legends. From the soaring harmonies of Queen and the driving beats of Toto, to the fist-pumping classics of Bon Jovi Rockzilla is packed with music that will have you singing along, stomping your feet, and cheering for more. This high-energy compilation show will set the stage alight. Three shows only FRI 31 OCT and SAT 1 NOV at Ashburton Event Centre, 7:30pm. Also a matinee on Sat 2pm. Adult $50 | Child (Primary school) $30 (fees apply). Tickets from the venue. 
  • The Ashburton Show is back again this FRI 31 OCT and SAT 1 NOV. This year's theme is "Cultivating Communities". Two full days of events featuring animals and tractors galore. Catch the NZ clash of the colleges, celebrity sharing, bar cup and a chili eating competition. Enjoy the carnival, live music, animal tent, food and free entertainment for the kids, plus the first 1000 paid gate entries on Saturday will receive a free burger made by Smoke Ashburton. Gates open 9am both days, $20 for adults. For more see the Ashburton Show Facebook page.  
  • Zonta Ashburton is holding a movie fundraiser of “Pike River” will screen at the Regent Cinema 4pm on SUN 2 NOV. The movie stars Ashburton’s own Robyn Malcolm as Sonya Rockhouse. Tickets $22, available from Zonta members. Funds raised will go towards the club funding local and national projects that empower women and girls. 
  • Ashburton Paintball Park at Lake Hood is hosting an Open Day on SUN 2 NOV from 10am-5pm. Come along and give paintball a go, meet others that are interested in the sport, and make new friends. Details on their FB page. 
  • Get ready for a fun-filled day at the Rakaia School Auto Fair — a fantastic community event for car lovers and families alike! Enjoy live music, food stalls, kids’ activities, and a great lineup of display vehicles. SUN 2 NOV 10AM – 3PM (Gates open 8AM for display vehicles and vendors) at Rakaia School Grounds. Just  $5 entry per adult | $2 per child | $10 per family. Vehicle entry: $15. Find more on Facebook Rakaia School Auto Fair, or email [email protected]. Funds raised are for the school. 
  • Rakaia Lions members are calling for food vendors for their annual family fireworks night in the Rakaia Domain on SAT 8 NOV. Details are on the club’s Facebook page. 
  • The 2025 Mid Canterbury Primary, Intermediate & Secondary School Trampoline Competition, hosted by Dynamic Gymnastic Sports, is on SUN 9 NOV at EA Networks Centre. Find more on the Dynamic Gymnastic Sports FB page.

  • Southern Mid Canterbury Garden Tour is on SUN 9 NOV, from 10am – 4pm. Explore some stunning local gardens around Hinds, Coldstream, Ealing, and Winslow. Also the chance to view displays by local artists. Fundraiser for Southern Netball Club and Southern Tennis Club. Tickets just $40 for the tour, or $65 for the Garden Tour & Gourmet Picnic Lunch. Get yours from Humanitix or Lushingtons. Follow the club on Facebook for news and announcements.

  • Safe Families Mid Canterbury White Ribbon 10th anniversary quiz night on FRI 21 NOV at 6.30pm at the Hotel Ashburton. Test your knowledge with a fun-filled quiz. Stand in support of White Ribbon which raising awareness and taking action to end family violence. Teams of 6, $15 per person pay at the door. Contact annaarrowsmith@hotmail. com. or ph 0277223204 
  • Hospice Mid Canterbury Jingle and Mingle is on SUN 23 NOV at Staveley Boutique Lodge, 12 Burgess Road, Staveley. Gates open 10:00am | First demo 10:30am | Event ends 3:00pm. Tickets: $65 (from Kowhai House or Humanitix here). Following the success of the much-loved Christmas Experience House Tours, this brand-new event brings together some of our most requested demonstrations and festive highlights. A day of festive inspiration - featuring live demonstrations such as glazing a Christmas ham, Christmas tree trimming & styling, creative gift wrapping, building festive platters, making gravlax salmon, show-stopping desserts, flower arrangements crafting Christmas lanterns and Christmas table styling. Ticket also includes a fresh roll with lamb or ham, a glass of bubbles, slice of famous Christmas cake and lucky ticket spot prizes. Also enjoy Christmas stalls with festive goods, coffee cart, sausage rolls & ice-cream truck, raffles. Option to bring your own picnic lunch & rug. Cash recommended (not all stalls have EFTPOS).
  • Methven Rugby Club is back with it's annual fundraising golf tournament on SAT 29 NOV. Promising to be a great day out, with raffles and challenges happening throughout the day. Including the opportunity to win your height in beer! Lunch will be available on course, the drinks cart will be loaded for all your hydration needs and dinner will be provided at the end of the day. 18 holes, ambrose format. 4 person teams, $200 per team. Meet at 11.30am for a 12.30pm tee off. Email Riley Wilson at [email protected] to secure your spot or to discuss sponsorship options. Lock your spot in early to confirm your place, as this is bound to sell out again.
  • The Rakaia Garden Fete is back FRI 5 DEC at Sue and Ted Rollinson's 282 Awaroa School Road, Dorie (10 min from Rakaia). 10am to 3pm. A Christmas themed fete held in a beautiful country setting with more than 120 stalls selling artisan, NZ made products, along with 6 acres of stunning gardens to explore, Christmas wreath making demonstrations, live music and lots of yummy food. All proceeds will this year go to support Rakaia Land Search and Rescue. The Fete arose from a desire to raise funds for Ashburton St John Ambulance in 2020, and from there have gone on to support the Canterbury Westpac Rescue helicopter, and now Rakaia Land Search and Rescue. This will be the fourth Fete on the site, and it had doubled in size over those years. Tickets are now available online via Humantix and at the following locations: Rakaia Mobil, Paper Plus Ashburton and Lushingtons Garden Centre. Also the Garden Centre Timaru, Tievoli Trading Geraldine, PGG Wrightson Mayfield, Hammer Hardware Methven, Oderings Garden Centre Christchurch. 
  • Merv Grewar’s World Record Row for Dementia NZ. At 90 years old, Merv Grewar is proving that age is no barrier to strength, determination, or purpose. On SAT 6 DEC at Fit 4 Life Gym in Ashburton (69 Harrison Street, Allenton Mall), Merv will attempt to break the world record for the 100m indoor row in the 90+ age category. Merv already holds the New Zealand record for the 85–89 age group, and now he’s setting his sights even higher. Rowing not just for himself, but for a cause that’s deeply personal. Merv’s late wife lived with dementia, and through this challenge he hopes to raise awareness and funds for Dementia New Zealand, supporting the many families affected by this heartbreaking condition. Every dollar donated goes to Dementia NZ, helping those living with dementia and their caregivers to receive the care, resources, and community support they deserve. Merv is also planning to play with his band on the day. Find more here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1N2Pmkb7v6/
  • Methven Summer School returns JAN 6-11 2026. Six days of arty, craftie, foodie and lifestyle courses to ‘involve, inform and inspire’ held at Mt Hutt College in Methven.Come and learn a new skill, hobby or craft! Book your course online at https://www.methvensummerschool.co.nz/courses. Early bird prices end FRI 28 NOV. For more contact 027 858 0912. 

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