What's On Mid Canterbury

  • Downsizing or decluttering this Summer? Consider donating good quality pre-loved furniture, clothing, jewellery, homewares and books to the St John Op Shop! They also welcome manchester, mirrors and artwork. Help them help you, as all sales raise money for Ambulances & Medical Support Staff. You can drop donations to the shop during open hours 129 Tancred St (opposite Westpac Bank), or they can collect/deliver. Call to book 307 4221. 

 

  • 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. 
  • 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/ 
  • Kids home for the School Holidays? Looking after the grandchildren? If you're in need of some fun holiday ideas that are cheap (most of the time even free) and easy, check out the Ashburton District Council's Summer What's On Guide! This action-packed activity guide can be downloaded from the Council website, or pop into any Council facility (Library, Art Gallery and Museum or EA Networks Centre) and pick up a hard copy.
  • 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. 
  • Get ready for six weeks of fast-paced fun with the Racketball Social League at Celtic Squash Club! Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this mixed-team competition is designed for laughs, fitness, and friendly rivalry. THURS nights, starting 29 JAN. Mixed teams of 3 players, 20-minute matches per player. Rackets and balls provided. Easy to learn, fun to play. Bigger bouncer ball – like tennis, but on a squash court. Bar facilities available (EFTPOS accepted). At Celtic Rugby Sports Club, 46 Keenans Road. Just $60 per team. Entries close FRI 23 JAN. Get yours to [email protected] or Rebecca Hurley at 027 333 0223. Whether you're in it for the workout, the mates, or the laughs, this league promises a great time on and off the court.
  • Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes and dance! Variety Theatre Ashburton is bringing the high-energy hit Footloose The Musical to life in 2026, promising electrifying choreography, iconic music, and a story that celebrates freedom and self-expression. Auditions are being held this SAT 24 and SUN 25 JAN. Interested performers should email [email protected] to register. Show season is set for 22–30 May at the Ashburton Event Centre. Directed by Alice Sollis, with Musical Direction from Jo Castelow and Chorography by Jessie Thomson. Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford, this production promises to be a vibrant celebration of movement, music, and community spirit. Let’s cut loose, Ashburton!
  • Mid Canterbury Rugby is hosting a Masters Golf Tournament on SUN 25 JAN at Ashburton Golf Club. A chance for our rugby community to reconnect in the new year and enjoy time together before the season gets underway. The format is 3-player Ambrose. Team entries are now open. To register, email [email protected].  
  • Methven Trotting Club is hosting the Clubs of Canterbury Race Day on SUN 25 JAN at Mt Harding Racecourse in Methven. Family barbecues and children’s entertainment including face painting, balloons and activities. Free entry. First race is at 12.10pm. 

  • Up for a road trip? Go and cheer on our local candidates in the Aorangi FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Final. This is where top talent will compete for a coveted spot in the Season 58 Grand Final! It's the first of seven Regional Finals. This year’s contest promises plenty of excitement for spectators, with highlights including fast-paced, head-to-head challenges as finalists race to complete tasks in just 30 minutes. The competition will culminate in the renowned FMG Young Farmer of the Year buzzer quiz at the Saturday evening awards dinner. Adding to the energy are future farming stars competing in AgriKidsNZ and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year contests, with finalists in all age categories advancing to the Grand Final in July 2026. It's being held at Woodbury Domain on SAT 31 JAN, 9am start. Buzzer quiz and winner announcement at the Woodbury Hall. 

  • Get your swing on in support of Te Whānau O Hakaterē Kapa Haka! They’re hosting a fun-filled Golf Fundraiser on SUN 1 FEB at Tinwald Golf Club. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just keen for a great day out, all are welcome to support our kapa haka roopu. Check-in from 11:30am | Tee-off at 12pm. $60 per person | 4-person Ambrose format. Hāngī included. Great raffles & prizes up for grabs.  Proudly supported by Stone Arts Carving and Tinwald Golf Club. Register your team by email: [email protected].  
  • Rokowhiria Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum presents a heritage talk “Not always white: Coloured wedding dresses as fashion and anti-fashion". On SUN 1 FEB from 11am to 12pm at the Art Gallery and Museum. 
  • 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/  
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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