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.

  • 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. 
  • 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/ 
  • U3A meet at the Ashburton Event Centre again TUES 25 NOV. Doors open 9.30am for free hot drink, Christmas treats and socialising. Lecture from Wallace Woodley on ‘The Historical Development of the Piano’, begins at 10.15am. Casual visitors $10. 
  • The free Light Up the Night Christmas celebration returns SAT 29 NOV from 6pm in Baring Square East. Bring your family & friends  for a night of live entertainment, festive fun and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Bring a picnic blanket or chair - and find a nice spot on the grass. Plenty of tasty treats at the food court which is open from 5pm. Enjoy free face painting, decoration making, Santa and the elves roaming, and the Hokonui/iHeart Photo Booth. At 9.15pm, we'll be lighting up the town’s giant Christmas tree. All the details including the entertainment and food van line-ups can be found at lightupthenight.co.nz
  • Methven Playcentre is celebrating their 60th Jubilee on SAT 29 NOV with a free sausage sizzle, cake, facepainting and play from 10.30am to 12.30pm. At the playcentre, Main St, Methven.
  • 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.
  • Get ready for a festive day out at the Christmas Market Extravaganza, hosted by Variety Theatre Ashburton! Join them SUN 30 NOV from 10am to 2pm at 212 Wills Street (The VTA Rooms). A joyful celebration of handmade crafts, delicious treats, and holiday spirit. Browse unique gifts and artisan creations, indulge in festive baked goods and a sizzling sausage sizzle, and soak up the seasonal atmosphere with friends and family. Whether you're shopping for presents or simply soaking in the Christmas vibes, this market is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Everyone’s welcome—come share the magic!
  • Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge is back SUN 30 NOV. Bike, run, walk, duathlon events. More information, and to enter, at longbeachcostalchallenge.com. 
  • Ashburton Anglican Parish Nativity Exhibition is on at St Stephens Church, crn Park and Tancred Sts from WED 3 DEC. Open daily from 11am to 2pm and Thursday 5-7pm. For groups of six or more book through [email protected] 
  • 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. 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. 
  • Santa’s hideaway, a sparkling display of all things Christmas starts FRI 5 DEC at 27 Wakanui Rd. Friday’s and Saturdays 3pm - 9pm. Entry free. 
  • Get ready for festive fun at the 2025 NBS Ashburton Santa Parade & Market Day! Join the celebration SAT 6 DEC, with the Santa Parade starting 12:30pm. Once again rolling down Walnut Ave between West St & Oak Grove. Expect colourful floats, cheerful music, and plenty of holiday spirit! This year's theme is "Unwrapping the joy of Christmas" as picked by last year's float winners, Phoenix Preschool. Before and after the parade, explore the Market Day from 10am to 4pm in the Domain next to the Paddling Pool. Discover local crafts, tasty treats, and perfect gifts while soaking up the festive atmosphere. Proudly supported by Ashburton Yamaha, ACL Landscape Supplies, Four Square, and the Ashburton District Council. Follow the NBS Ashburton Santa Parade Facebook page.
  • Methven Lions is once again selling real Christmas Trees SAT 6 DEC at Methven Mall. $25 each. 
  • Come cheer on Merv Grewar as he attempts a 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), he 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. Merv is also planning to play with his band on the day. Find more here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1N2Pmkb7v6/
  • Book in a festive day out at Tranquility Boutique’s Mini Xmas Fete! SUN 7 DEC from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM at 157 Victoria Street, Ashburton. Wander through the boutique’s beautiful garden, browse handcrafted treasures at artisan market stalls, and enjoy delicious BBQ bites in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Entry is by gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting Hospice Mid Canterbury. A perfect way to kick off the holiday season while giving back to the community!
  • Mid Canterbury Choir is gearing up for the annual Christmas Concerts on FRI 12 DEC. Two shows, at 12-noon and 6pm. Baring Square Church. Entry just $5 with a Christmas Treat Gift of non-perishable food for the Ashburton Salvation Army Foodbank. 
  • The first one was such a good time, they've decided to do it again!!! Join Inner Wheel Braided Rivers for Early Edition 2.0 on SAT 13 DEC. A 6pm start at The Print Room, means you can party and still be in bed by 10pm! Good times, good music and good vibes for the over 25s. A community fundraiser brought to you by The Inner Wheel Club of Braided Rivers with the continued support of the team at The Print Room. Tickets $35 (plus booking fees). Find more and book here: https://www.facebook.com/events/789558463665552/
  • Hakatere Marae is hosting a Tamariki Christmas Store on SUN 14 DEC, 1–4 PM. This is a special Christmas shopping experience just for tamariki! Children can choose affordable gifts (under $10) for their parents, grandparents, and siblings in a festive, welcoming space. To make the store a success, Hakaterae Marae is seeking donations of: New items (colouring books, tea/coffee sachets, candles, toiletries, cosmetics), Gently used items (jewellery, toys, books, games, decorations, mugs, clothing, linen) and more. Also wrapping supplies (paper, tape, bows, ribbons, tags, cellophane, tissue paper) and cash donations to help buy chocolates and ingredients for homemade treats would be much appreciated. This initiative helps tamariki experience the joy of giving while supporting whānau and community connection.
  • 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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