What's On Mid Canterbury

• 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. Find details at midcanterbury.relayforlife.org.nz. 

• St Stephen’s Garage Sale is happening on SAT 21 MAR, from 9am to 11am at 64 Park Street. Pop along and grab a bargain with a great range of toys, books, furniture, and bric‑a‑brac on offer. Perfect for a Saturday morning browse — you never know what treasure you might find! 

• Rokowhiria, Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taongaare opening ‘‘Documenting our Heritage” on SAT 21 MAR. Photos taken for their competition showcasing heritage sites in Mid and South Canterbury, beginning at 5.30pm. Exhibition runs until May 17.

• Basketballer Sophie’s Braas fundraising quiz night at Tinwald Rugby and Sport Recreation Club, SAT 21 MAR, from 6.30pm. Teams of four $130, includes supper. Tickets via Humanitix.

• The 110th Methven A&P Show is on at Methven Showgrounds from 9am. Adults $20, kids free. Find more here.

• Boy with Wings is a free puppetry and music show for all ages, taking place at the Event Space at the Ashburton Library on SUN 22 MAR, starting at 1pm. The show is a comic, touching and environmental story that uses the wonder of puppetry and live music to tell an epic fable. It follows one young person’s life‑altering journey, set against the backdrop of the miracle of the great migration of the Godwits. A warm, imaginative experience for children and adults alike, Boy with Wings blends storytelling, music and visual magic into a memorable afternoon for the whole family. 

• Firsties at Methven is on SUN 22 MAR, 1pm–4pm at Mt Harding Racecourse. It’s a relaxed, hosted raceday designed especially for first-timers, casual racegoers, and anyone keen to bring a few mates along. You don’t need to know anything about racing — this afternoon is all about keeping things friendly, simple, and fun. It’s also the perfect chance for regular racegoers to introduce a friend to the trots in a laid-back, social setting. Entry is free. Enjoy a free BBQ running throughout the afternoon, complimentary non‑alcoholic drinks, stable tours and behind‑the‑scenes access, giveaways, prizes, and exclusive Firsties merch. Methven is a BYO venue, so feel free to bring your own drinks, settle in, and enjoy a cruisy Sunday afternoon. Free Firsties sunnies for the first 100 through the gate, with sunscreen available on the day. No dress code. No pressure. Find more here: The Trots | Firsties at Methven

• U3A Hakatere/Ashburton is hosting speaker Kate Russell on modern slavery and human trafficking TUES 24 MAR, 10.15am at the Ashburton Event Centre. Casual visitors $10. 

• 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.  

• 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.  

• 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 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.

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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.

• The 2026 New Zealand Ploughing Championships are coming to Methven alongside the popular Methven Country Fair the weekend SAT 18 and SUN 19 APRIL. Held at Dip Road, the event will showcase the very best in competitive ploughing, with classes including Silver Plough Conventional, Reversible, Horse Plough, Vintage Ploughing and Contemporary. A great weekend out for farming families and anyone interested in rural skills, machinery and tradition.

• Rakaia Rugby Club, one of New Zealand’s oldest rugby clubs, will celebrate its 150th jubilee the weekend FRI 17 - SUN 19 APRIL at Rakaia Domain. The milestone weekend 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 David Kirk. 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. Find more on 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. 

• Come along and help celebrate 150 years of Foothills education 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. Email registrations to: [email protected]. For enquiries, contact 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.