What's On Mid Canterbury

  • Rural Women NZ is holding an evening on FRI 27 MAR in conjunction with the Winchmore community. Head along to hear practical, local information from Ashburton Civil Defence about what to expect and how to prepare for a magnitude 8 Alpine Fault earthquake. It starts at 6pm, presentation at 7pm, at Winchmore Hall. The event is free, but donations are welcome as a light meal, tea and coffee is provided. BYO drinks. Contact Marg 0272677600 or Chris 0272498844.  
  • Hakatere Marae is hosting a Family Fun Night on FRI 27 MAR, 7.30pm at the marae. Activities and an outdoor movie. Food and drinks for purchase. Take something to sit on and wrap up warm. Register via Hakatere Marae Facebook page. 
  • Live on the Lawn is being held at Ashburton Domain SAT 28 MAR, with a ‘homegrown’ theme. Molly Harrison, Amelia and Cam Luxton, Tyrone Schwalger and The Mavericks take centre stage for a relaxing day of music from 11am. Take a picnic or buy from food trucks onsite. Free entry. 
  • 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]
  • Inner Wheel Club of Braided Rivers is hosting another Early Edition at the Print Room SAT 28 MAR, from 6pm to 9.30pm. Tickets $35 via Inner Wheel Club of Braided Rivers Facebook page.  
  • Get ready for a fantastic day out at the South Canterbury Vintage Car Club Annual Swap Meet and Bazaar! On SAT 28 MAR at Orari Racecourse, where gates open bright and early at 8 AM. With over 300 site vendors, you’ll find everything from vintage car parts and tools to collectibles, bargains, and unique treasures. Whether you’re a motoring enthusiast, a keen collector, or just looking for a great day out, there’s truly something for everyone. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere, grab some great food, and explore one of South Canterbury’s favourite community events. Entry is just $5, with under 15s free, so bring the family along and make a day of it. Come along, have a browse, meet great people, and don’t miss one of the region’s best swap meets! 
  • 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 County Scottish Society Scottish afternoon on SUN 28 MAR. At the pipe band hall, Creek Rd, from 2pm. Piping, singing, dancing. $5 entry fee. Afternoon tea provided. 
  • 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.
  • Nominations for the Mid Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards are open until TUES 31 MAR. The awards recognise athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to sport and recreation in our community. This is an opportunity to celebrate those who give their time and energy to make local sport and recreation welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone. From dedicated coaches and rising young athletes to hardworking volunteers behind the scenes and officials who help keep competition fair, these awards highlight the people who make it all happen. Finalists across nine categories will be announced by Sport Canterbury on April 14, with the winners revealed at the awards ceremony on May 9. Submit your nomination through the Sport Canterbury — Mid Canterbury Facebook page. 
  • 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. 
  • Mid Canterbury Model Power Boat Club is hosting the New Zealand Model Power Boat Club championships on Lake Hood Easter Weekend FRI 3 - SUN 5 APRIL. 

 

  • Methven Scarecrow Trail starts SAT 4 APRIL and runs through the school holidays until SUN 19 APRIL. This year’s theme is Once Upon a Time (famous fairytale characters). Check out the creative characters as they pop up around Methven. 
  • Over Easter weekend, the Studebaker Drivers Club will host the New Zealand Nationals at the Hotel Ashburton. Members will be travelling from across New Zealand, along with international visitors from Australia, to take part in this special gathering of classic Studebaker vehicles. Come along to a “Show and Shine” classic car display on SAT 4 APRIL in the main car park from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The display will feature up to 50 beautifully restored and original Studebakers – from the 1930s through to the mid 60s, and even some modern 2000 era Avanti’s which are extremely rare in this part of the world. In fact, there’s only two in New Zealand which are both in Christchurch. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the cars and atmosphere. Entry is free! For more contact 027 273 1253.  
  • Safe Families Ashburton presents “Chewing the Fat” with Lucky Te Koha. A Story of Survival, Value and Purpose at Hotel Ashburton on THURS 9 APRIL, 7pm. Lucky has had a 50-year life of violence, addiction, mental health challenges, foster care, and prison before encountering a new life through faith. His life story is the subject of a documentary, following his efforts to bring healing and change to gangs. Come and hear Lucky share his raw, honest story to inspire hope, resilience and transformation in individuals and communities. The event is free, but you need to register - [email protected] 
  • Looking for something fun these holidays? Mid Canterbury Rural Women are excited to offer a FREE Cook & Eat Holiday Programme for students in Year 6–8! Being held THURS 9 APRIL, 9am – 3pm at Mid Canterbury Technology Centre. Students will enjoy a hands-on day of cooking, baking, and learning new kitchen skills in a fun and friendly environment. No charge, all ingredients provided. Sponsored by Ashburton District Council & Canterbury Rural Women Charitable Fund. Numbers are limited, so get in quick! Registrations close THURS 2 APRIL to Jill: 021 506 856. Come along, learn new skills, and enjoy a great day of cooking and eating.  
  • Quiz night fundraiser for Ashburton College Maori Tour is on FRI 10 APRIL. At Hampstead Rugby & All Sports Club, Bridge St. Doors open at 5.30pm, starts at 6pm. Teams of up to six - $60 per team. 
  • 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.
  • Ashburton Spiritual Group invites you to a special Meet the Mediums Night on SAT 11 APRIL, 7pm–10pm at Hotel Ashburton (Valetta Room). This unique evening brings five well-known travelling mediums to Ashburton for a heartfelt night of spirit communication, guidance, and connection. This event is also a fundraiser to support local non-profit organisations. $20 entry – cash sales or internet banking available. This is their last big event for the year, and they would be very grateful for your support. For more email [email protected].  
  • Crafters, makers and fabric lovers are invited to the Fabric & Craft Bazaar on SAT 11 APRIL. 9am to 3pm, at the Old Ashburton Library, corner of Havelock and West Streets. Browse a fantastic range of good‑quality fabric, wool and craft supplies—ideal for sewing, knitting, quilting and creative projects of all kinds. Entry is free, with all proceeds supporting Altrusa Ashburton, giving back to the local community. Donations of good‑quality fabric, wool and craft supplies are welcome and can be dropped off at Smith Church or Resene Paints. For enquiries or collection details, contact Rosemary on 027 439 6793 or Isabell on 027 231 8911.
  • NZ Saloon titles on the line at the Ashburton Speedway, Seafield Rd. SAT 11 APRIL, starting at noon. 
  • The Methven Country Fair & Ploughing is set to be a fantastic family-friendly weekend packed with rural action, vintage machinery, and classic country fun! On the weekend SAT 18 and SUN 19 APRIL, at Dip Rd, Methven. This event includes the New Zealand Ploughing Championships alongside a full country fair with something for all ages. Visitors can enjoy vintage machinery displays, horse and tractor ploughing, traction engine demonstrations, tractor pull, and the Lanz Bulldog & Field Marshall crank-up. There’s plenty for families too, with balloon rides, pony rides, bouncy castle, colouring competition, dinosaur dig, food and trade stalls, and more, plus live demonstrations (weather permitting). Entry is just $10, with children under 12 free, making it an affordable day out for everyone. Come along and support local ploughing contestants Matt Ridge and Tryphena Carter, and enjoy a great weekend celebrating farming heritage and country life at the Methven Country Fair & Ploughing!
  • Rakaia Rugby Club, one of the oldest rugby clubs in the country, will celebrate its 150th jubilee the weekend FRI 17 - SUN 19 APRIL at Rakaia Domain. The milestone weekend with the theme "past, present and future" 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 and current NZR Chair David Kirk. Around 250 are booked in for this. 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. Please note that registrations close TUES 31 MAR (before Easter). Find more and get yours in via the Rakaia Rugby Facebook page. 
  • Rakaia Scouts is running a Trivia Quiz Night on FRI 1 MAY. It is an R18 event at the Rakaia Recreation Centre, in the Rakaia Domain, from 7pm. Fundraising to get to the national scouts jamboree. Register via the group’s Facebook page. 
  • The Methven Lions Machinery Auction will be held on FRI 15 MAY, starting at 11am, at the Methven Showgrounds. This popular auction is your chance to turn surplus machinery into cash, with a wide range of equipment expected on the day. Entries are invited and the auction is run by the Methven Lions, with proceeds going back to the local community. Stay up to date by following the EVENT on Facebook and clicking INTERESTED for updates and information. Search for Methven Lions.  For enquiries or to request a hard copy entry form, email [email protected] or get in touch with Alastair. 
  • Rokowhiria, Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taongaare presents ‘‘Documenting our Heritage”. Photos taken for their competition showcasing heritage sites in Mid and South Canterbury, beginning at 5.30pm. Exhibition runs until May 17.
  • Come along and help celebrate 150 years of education in the Foothills area 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. You can also register online via the Mt Somers Springburn School Alumni FB page, or email [email protected]. Be quick, registrations close WED 22 APRIL. Enquiries to Max Alexander – 027 211 8960.

  

ONGOING

  • You could win 3.3 cubic metres of firewood, delivered, for just $2 a ticket. The raffle will be drawn MON 4 MAY, with proceeds going to support Year 12 and 13 students as they explore Māori culture, history, and heritage on the first‑ever Māori Tour to Northland, Auckland, Hamilton, and Rotorua. Tickets can be purchased online here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZNIUc5LNnnWyokPqwFsDPkg08znzLzT6lSXvWN4gmw/. Ngā mihi for your support. For any questions, please contact Roz Cuter at [email protected]. 
  • A free walking tour, a leaf hunt, puppet workshops and water bombs are among activities in the Ashburton District Council’s Autumn What’s On Guide, out now. A whole host of action at Council facilities in April acknowledges the arrival of cooler weather, Easter and Anzac Day, and many activities are free. The popular What’s On Guide contained 20 pages of ideas to keep youngsters busy in the school holidays. 500 physical copies have been printed and will be available from facilities. You can also download the guide from their website at ashburtondc.govt.nz/events.  
  • 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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