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]

  • On the back of the exciting new development at the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds, they are now up to stage 2 - a fence built around the new equestrian development. This permanent surround will match the western end of the oval. Smart, safe and long-lasting. They have 212 sections to fully fence. Each section is for sale at $140 for families, individuals or businesses to purchase. This is a wonderful way to give back for anyone who has enjoyed the A&P Showgrounds facilities in the past, and help it become a permanent part of the new Equestrian Arena for future events. Find more on the Ashburton A&P Association FB page, or make a donation direct to their bank account 06-0837-0154538-00 with the reference your name, and the code "fencing". 
  • 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.

 

  • Spring into these school holidays! Ashburton District Council has launched the Spring edition of their popular What’s On Guide. Get the low-down on 27 events taking place across the Ashburton Library, Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, EA Networks Centre and in our parks. Loads of fun and activities – from searching for treasure to racing remote controlled cars and planting delphiniums in the domain. The best part, most of them are free! Printed copies of the What’s On Guide are available at Council facilities, or you can download a copy from the Council website.  
  • Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum currently has an exhibition on about the SS Ventnor – a ship which sank off the west coast of New Zealand in 1902. For the school holidays, the team has created a treasure hunt where children can search for bounty and also make a treasure chest. The activity runs for both weeks of the holidays. In the second week, children can also make a ceramic vase that they take home and bake. This activity ties in with another exhibition about taonga treasure and honouring your ancestors – vases have been used over time as visual stories of the past.

 

  • ANZ Ashburton is once again hosting their annual Daffodil Day Quiz Night and Auction at the Hotel Ashburton on THURS 18 SEPT, from 6.30pm. Teams of up to five, $75 entry fee to compete. It’s a fun-filled quiz evening to raise funds for the Mid Canterbury Cancer Society. Team entries via email to [email protected] or pop by branch. 
  • Time is running out for those wanting to enter the County Lions of Ashburton Stars in your Eyes.  It’s time to break out the sequins, warm up the vocal chords and choose a star you wish to impersonate. The competition is open to anyone of any age, and bands can have up to four members. The funds raised from the evening, which generally sells out, will go to the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Mission 26 and other charities. The 2023 event raised $14,000 for the helicopter.  Entries close FRI 19 SEPT at 5pm. Entry forms are available at the Ashburton Event Centre or from Nicki on 0273028025. The event will be onstage October 17. 
  • The Ashburton District Farmers’ Market returns full strength this SAT 20 SEPT to the West St carpark. It runs each Saturday through the Spring/Summer season from 9am to 12.30pm. Among the items for sale are freshlygrown garden produce, scented goods, artisan products, fish, butchery meats, coffee and a whole lot more. The market has run on the car park site since 2007. Stall updates can be found via the Ashburton Farmers Market Facebook page.
  • The Mt Hutt Memorial Hall in Methven will be full of more than 200 Guinea Pigs this SAT 20 SEPT for the NZ National Cavy Show. About 100 exhibitors will be participating. International judges from Sweden, Scotland and Australia will be present to select the best in each of the categories, and then the winner of Best in Show. There are more than 30 different breeds whose coats vary in colour and texture. If you want to find out more about owning and caring for a guinea pig there will be plenty of people on hand to share their knowledge and experience. There will also be displays, raffles, a cafe and stalls from One Stop Bunny Shop the main sponsor and Petcover. 9:30am-2:30pm. Entry is a gold coin donation. 
  • Methven Chill Fest is on SAT 20 SEPT from 4pm to 9pm. Including a street style rail/jump session behind the Methven Medical Centre. Cost $5. Live music, food trucks, a bar and more. A fundraiser for the new accessible playground at Methven Primary School. Event details on the Mt Hutt website.
  • The unbeaten Mid Canterbury Hammers host 9th placed King Country in Round 6 of the Heartland Championship this SAT 20 SEPT. 2pm kick off at Ashburton Showgrounds, entry is free. 
  • Ashburton Speedway is hosting its first opening of the dirty tracks for the season this SUN 21 SEPT. Get there early for a car park by the fence and get ready to watch some fun racing. 12-midday start at the Speedway on Seafield Road. 
  • Ashburton Market Day (formally Boulevard Day) is back MON 22 SEPT (South Canterbury Anniversary) at the new location of Baring Square East. From 9am to about 4pm. Browse more than 70 stalls. Please note there are street closures down the likes of East and Cameron Streets. Details on the Ashburton Council FB page. 
  • Ashburton Rotary Club’s annual Bookarama is also back from MON 22 SEPT at the Sports Hall in Tancred St. Opens at 8am on September 22 and closes at noon on Saturday 27th. Two late nights on September 24 and 26. 

  

  • Former All Black legend Sir John Kirwan is coming to Ashburton this month for a free talk on mental health and resilience. His Mind Matters, A conversation with Sir John Kirwan, is being brought to town by Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust and Westpac. He will speak at the Hotel Ashburton on TUES 23 SEPT from 11am. As a Westpac ambassador for more than 10 years he has a passion to share his own mental journey to help others. He offers insight into the steps he took to manage and learn about his own mental health and what he does in his daily life to take care of himself, and his family too. Registrations are free but bookings are essential and can be done via Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust Facebook or here: https://events.humanitix.com/mind-matters-a-conversation-with-sir-john-kirwan  

  • The next Mid Canterbury Women Rural @ Heart dinner is on THURS 25 SEPT at Nobel 600, 6:30pm. Open to all women who have an interest in rural, community, and are rural at heart. Take a breather, enjoy a delicious meal, and connect with other inspiring women in our community. Guest speaker is Penny Churchill from ANZ on banking scams - "If you suspect deceit, click delete". RSVP to [email protected] by 22 Sept. You can also find more on the Mid Canterbury Women Rural at Heart FB page. 
  • Lots of family fun to be had during the School Holidays at The Plains Railway & Historical Museum. They are back open SUN 28 SEPT from 11am - 4pm. The Historic Loco A64 will be on track. Enjoy unlimited rides with every ticket purchased. View Vintage Machinery displays, stroll through the Museum Village Buildings, check out working Stationary Engines, working Blacksmith, free kids activities and much more!  Souvenirs, food and coffee available. Check out their Facebook Page for further information.
  • Head along to the EA Networks Centre on WED 1 OCT from 9am to noon for a fun, informative expo on the causes of falls and preventing falls as you get older. Twelve agencies will be there, with information on the benefits of strength and balance classes and where they are around the district; the in-home strength and balance programme; St John medical alarms; how vision and hearing problems, some medications and alcohol can cause falls; keeping hydrated; getting to activities safely (the Age Concern Ashburton Safe Driving courses and how to use the Connector community transport service if you no longer drive/don’t drive). There will be free balance, grip strength and blood pressure (BP) testing, and you can watch (or join in!) a Tai Chi, Steady as You Go, Evolve or Aquafit class. Plus, there will be take lots of giveaways and information to take home. Co­ordinated by the Safe Communities Ashburton District Programme. 
  • Mayfield A&P Association are hosting a centennial celebration fundraising dinner at the Mayfield Hall on FRI 3 OCT 3 at 6.30pm ahead of next year’s 100th annual A&P show. Tickets cost $50 per person. RSVP by FRI 19 SEPT. Ticket information via the Mayfield A&P Association Facebook page. 
  • The annual Plants 4U @ Rakaia plant sale has a new venue. It will be at the Rakaia Hall on Elizabeth Ave from 9am to 1pm SAT 4 OCT. On offer will be perennials, hostas, shrubs, fruit trees, vegetable and strawberry plants, succulents, natives, orchids, lily bulbs plus lots of surprises and helpful advice on gardening tips. Cash only sale with proceeds going to Rakaia community organisations. For more information or to offer goods contact Dorothy Knight ph 3027595. 
  • ‘Kura Pounamu: our treasured stone’ is an exhibit at Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum. Presented by Te Papa and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu featuring more than 200 taonga pounamu. It tells the story of this precious stone, its significance for Māori, and its enduring value from ancient times until today. The exhibition includes some 95 hei tiki, 20 mere, and four large pounamu touchstones, the largest of which weighs 170kg. On until TUES 7 OCT.
  • Join a beginner sewing class at the Ashburton Library! Over the course of five weeks learn the skills needed to sew your own lined, sturdy tote bag. Every Wednesday, 1.30-3.30pm; the first-class starts WED 8 OCT. Register via the Library.  
  • Women’s only swim nights are once again running at EA Networks Centre. They are being held once a month, on a WED night from 7pm to 8.30pm, at the pool for women who want to soak, swim lengths or spend time with their children. Cost $5 per adult, children under 10 free. (Boys under 10 allowed). Dates for the remainder of the year October 8, November 12, and December 10.  
  • The Mid Canterbury Career Fest returns THURS 9 OCT. Hosted by the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs, this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better, with a strong focus on practical, hands-on career pathways for those not heading into tertiary study. At the A&P Showgrounds off Brucefield Ave, 3:30pm til 7pm. They’ve made some changes based on past feedback, including moving the event away from the weekend to make it more accessible. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to the local community, inspire future talent with interactive, hands-on activities, share insights into skills, training, and career pathways in your industry, and connect with potential future employees. Plus, there’ll be a free community barbecue and coffee cart to keep everyone refreshed!
  • Lions Club of Rakaia Jackson Holmes Salmon Run is back SAT 11 OCT. This will be its 10th anniversary. The event begins at the Rakaia Domain at 9.30am. Among the categories are multisport, long duathlon and short duathlon courses as well as competitive and non-competitive stages, individual and team categories. Walk, bike , run and/or kayak. Full course details for the Jackson Holmes Salmon Run Multisport Event, duathlon, half marathon, ‘Give it a Tri’ Duathlon, and the MCTMC Junior Cup are available online at thesalmonrun.nz 
  • Get Ready to Shine at "Stars in Your Eyes"! Join Ashburton County Lions for a dazzling night of community talent on FRI 17 OCT, again at the Ashburton Event Centre, kicking off at 7:30pm. A fundraiser for deserving local causes. Whether you sing, act, or dance — this is your moment to take the stage! Tickets from the venue. 
  • KPMG and The Y Central South Island are back with the Charity Golf Tournament at Tinwald Golf Club on SUN 19 OCT. Check in 11:30am for a 12-noon tee off. $200 per team of 4. Includes build-your-own gourmet burger meal, and on course sausage sizzle and refreshments. Raffles and great prizes on offer too. 100% of the proceeds support the Y's youth development programmes across Mid Canterbury. Find more and register via the Tinwald Golf or Y Facebook pages. 
  • The National Guinea Pig Show is on SAT 20 SEPT at Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, 9:30am til 2:30pm. Come and watch the finest guinea pigs from across New Zealand compete for the title of Best in Show! Entry just gold coin donation. View rare and amazing breeds, learn about the NZ Cavy Fancy, check out the breed display and enjoy something yummy from the cafe. 
  • The Ashburton Art Gallery and the Zonta Club of Ashburton are calling for entries to the annual Zonta Ashburton Women’s Art Awards. A major cash prize and solo exhibition will be awarded to the premier winner, and all selected finalists get to have their work shown in the awards exhibition. The competition is open to all emerging and mid-career visual artists in Canterbury. The award seeks to raise the status of women artists and recognise their excellence in fine parts.  A Young Generation Award will also run for women artists between 16 and 20. The 2026 event will be mark the awards’ 10th anniversary. Entries close on TUES 7 OCT, with the finalists announced in January. The winners will be revealed in March, at the awards exhibition opening. 
  • Mid Canterbury businesses, educators and community organisations are being invited to showcase their trade at an interactive careers event on THURS 9 OCT. Career Fest 2025 is aimed at showing the many different industries and jobs that are available. Interested in being an exhibitor? Email the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs co-ordinator [email protected].
  • St David's Allenton Church annual Fair & Garage Sale is back SAT 11 OCT at 48 Allen's Road, 9am-12noon. Home Baking, Jams, Pickles & Preserves, Plants, White Elephant Stall, Garage Sale ,BBQ , Morning Tea. Also free Bouncy Castle and Children's Games, and lots more. Contact 0273537185 or [email protected]. 
  • The South Canterbury Aero Club is hosting "Timaru Run the Runway", giving runners and walkers of all abilities the opportunity to complete a loop of the Richard Pearse airport’s 1.28km main runway. The fundraiser will be held on SAT 18 OCT and will feature a static aircraft display, barbecue and raffle. Funds raised helping buy a new training aircraft. Thought to be a first for the airport. It's a 3.3km loop. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be bought from the South Canterbury Aero Club website. The barbecue and display will begin at 5pm while the walk/run will start at 6.30pm. 
  • Ride the Rakaia cycle race will start at the Mead Community Hall on SAT 25 OCT with registrations from 6.30am. The race covers 93kms with participants riding along the north bank of the Rakaia River, across the Rakaia Gorge, and back down the south side of the Rakaia River, finishing in Rakaia outside the Rakaia Domain. Register at raceroster.com/events/ 2025/96567/ride-the-rakaia 
  • The Ashburton A & P Association has teamed up with Christchurch’s SpicyBoys for the first ever Ashburton Chilli Eating Competition. Up to 30 brave contestants will be tested with chilli sauces of increasing intensity, progressing from mild varieties to some of the hottest available until only one person remains, earning the title of the 2025 Ashvegas Chilli Champion. The competition is as much a spectacle for the audience as it is a test of endurance for the participants. Competitor registrations are now open and only cost $40 to compete on Show SAT 1 NOV, at the Ashburton Showgrounds. Top prize thanks to RD Petroleum is $500. If you think you can handle the heat, get in fast. Visit ashburtonshow.co.nz to enter. 

  • Ashburton A&P annual two-day show is set for October 31–November 1, themed “Cultivating Community”, with preparations already underway for the show’s 150th anniversary in 2027. A celebration of evolving with the times while honouring the association’s long history. The first show took place in 1877. ‘At that time, NZ’s population was around 400,000, and farmers were transitioning from bullock to horse drawn ploughs. They are calling for people to share stories, artefacts, and ideas for the 150th celebration. Contact: [email protected]

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