What's On Mid Canterbury

  • Mid Canterbury Model Power Boat Club is hosting a national competiton this Easter. Daniel and Kara Steenhart are the Mid Canterbury locals competing. Among 14 competitors showcasing 35 model boats. Kara the only woman. There will be petrol, electric and nitro boats racing across four types of hulls – monos, hydros, outriggers and tunnels. This is the first time the nationals have been held in Ashburton, previously they were held in Christchurch, on Lake Victoria in Hagley Park. They had to move from there as the speed of the boats, from 80km to 130km, were too fast for the size of the lake. Six boats will be pitted against each other doing five laps about buoys on a 300m course. The national Model Power Boat championships is on at Lake Hood FRI 3 to SUN 5 APRIL, starting 9am each day, through to about 3pm.  

 

  • The Methven Scarecrow Trail is back for the April school holidays! This year's theme is: Once Upon a Time (famous fairytale characters). Every year, members of the Methven community build scarecrows, usually around 30+ in number,  and scatter them around the town for families to find and try to identify. The trail is designed to be an activity that can be done easily by walking the route, with a well timed stop for lunch, within a day,  but some groups prefer to spread it over several days if they can. The scarecrows are all located within the town boundaries for safe walking. Purchase a Trail Map/Entry form from the Methven Four Square or iHub Information Centre for just $15. Cash or EFTPOS. There are sponsored prizes for the most correct entries and for the  most popular scarecrows. Amazingly, 2025 was a record for the most correct answers ever. 91 of you got all the answers right. The next best previous result was 61 correct back in 2017. Running SAT 4 APRIL til SUN 19 APRIL. 
  • 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.  
  • The two-day Grass Kart National Championships, hosted by Ashburton Family Go Kart Club members is on SAT 4 and SUN 5 APRIL. Again a first for Ashburton. At Le Bretons Rd, Wakanui from 8am Saturday. Spectators welcome. 230 grass karters are entered across 14 different classes; 80 were aged between five and 17 years of age. There’s 70 registered competitors under the Ashburton club, which is twice the amount they’ve ever had. The Ashburton club has an impressive six current national champions among its members. Five of them will compete again this year. Event expected to draw in more than 1500 people to the District. Free entry. Food and beverage vendors are on site. Thanks to GDC for their help.
  • Dog swim event at Rakaia Pool MON 6 APRIL, from 1pm to 3pm. $5 per dog. BBQ fundraiser on site. 
  • Hakatere Marae free holiday programme is on WED 8 and THURS 9 APRIL, from 9.30am to noon. Arts, crafts, games, quizzes. Register via email hakatere.[email protected] 
  • 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.  
  • Big Little Theatre Company seniors present the coming-of-age journey “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" at Ashburton Event Centre from THURS 9 to SUN 12 APRIL. It follows Christopher, a neurodivergent young man, who attempts to solve the mystery of a dead dog. Director Jackie Heffernan said she had long wanted to direct the play, applying for the rights as soon as they became available last year. She says “The play asks us to reconsider how we understand the world, and reminds us that not everyone experiences it the same way”. The main role of Christopher is being played by Anthony Watson, a previous Big Little member returning for the show. Tickets from the venue.  
  • 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. It's their major fundraiser for the year, supporting projects such as 1000 Books Before School, Life Education Trust, Refugee Settlement, Women's Refuge, Hato Hone St John, St John Health Shuttle, Westpac Air Rescue, Palliative Care, and Magic Mums & Carers Day Out. 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]. 
  • Support the Year 5/6 Titans Soccer Team! They're raising funds to help awesome young players take the next step—competing in tournaments and covering uniform costs for the season ahead. Last year, this dedicated team went undefeated, training twice a week and showing incredible commitment alongside their fantastic coach. Now they’re ready to aim even higher. Help them get there by purchasing fresh Lovett Family onions. Only $10 per 5kg bag. Every purchase makes a difference. Any funds left over at the end of the season will be donated to Mid Canterbury United Football Club. If you’d like to grab a bag (or a few!) and support the team, please get in touch via the page https://www.facebook.com/MidCanterburyUnitedFootballClub
  • 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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