What's On Mid Canterbury

  • If you are clearing out your wardrobe consider donating to St John Op Shop, Tancred St Ashburton (opposite Westpac Bank). They would appreciate any clean clothing that you may not need or want anymore. Also manchester and small furniture coffee tables, chairs, dressers, mirrors and artwork. Help them help you by raising money for Ambulances & Medical Support Staff. Collection can be arranged of larger items give them a call 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. 

 

  • If drumming in a pipe band interests you, now is a great chance to take it up. The Ashburton Pipe Band is currently looking for new members. The band practices MON nights, 7pm at the band’s hall on Creek Rd, opposite Ashburton College. It's a great hobby for all ages, male and female.

 

  • Got a new TV and don't know what to do with your old one? The Refugee Settlement Service are taking donations of TVs for our newest families. Preferably TVs that can sit on a table and take a Chromecast. Please txt / call Wendy on 027 244 7127 or email [email protected].

 

  • Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust is calling on Mid Canterbury artisans, passionate gardeners, or a small business owner with unique products to book a stall for the Rakaia Garden Fete. To be held at 282 Awaroa School Rd, Dorie. The fete is on Thursday November 21. Contact airrescue.co.nz/rakaia-garden-fete/

 

  • Ashburton Art Gallery Committee has fundraising notebooks for sale, featuring pieces from the gallery's collection. A great gift idea unique to our area. Notebooks can be purchased through the Gallery Shop for $30, or $25 by contacting Denise on 027 408 2372. 

 

  • Hospice Mid Canterbury is back with "The Christmas Experience" SUN 24 NOV, 10am-4pm. Start the day by viewing an eclectic array of 8 homes decorated for Christmas, with three of them also offering a stroll through the gardens. Then from 2pm wander through a well known Ashburton garden and enjoy a glass of bubbles and Christmas cake. Third time running this biennial event. All funds raised go toward supplying services to people of Mid Canterbury who are living with life limiting illnesses. Early bird special on tickets until 30 Sept just $65, before rising to $75 from October. Tickets from House of Travel on East Street, Hospice Base on Havelock Street, or Humantix which you can get to via www.hospicemc.nz.   

 

  • Parkrun is now in Ashburton. Join the fun every SAT 8am on 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!!

 

  • Ashburton Community Garden Needs Your Help! We know that money is super tight for whānau at the moment, but they would appreciate you considering giving even a few spare dollars to support our community project. They're now constructing raised garden beds to ensure an accessible garden for our community. If you or your business would like to donate to make this project happen, our bank details are below. Bank account: 03-1354-0445597-00. Reference: GARDEN. Receipts can be issued as required.

 

  • The Methven Summer School - six days of lifestyle, food and art courses that involve, inspire and inform! Courses are now live for the 2025 Methven Summer School that runs from January 4th to January 9th at Mt Hutt College. It's got everything from a huge variety of arts and crafts classes to basket weaving, pottery, golf, cheesemaking,and Texas-style bbq-ing. Early bird prices end November 30. Sign up at https://www.methvensummerschool.co.nz/courses

 

  • Rakaia Hockey Club is celebrating 125yrs and planning is under way to celebrate this amazing milestone in April 2025. The club hopes anyone who has been a part of the journey as a player, coach, umpire, manager or supporter will be there to celebrate.Check the clubs Facebook page for updates. 

 

  • Nominations are open for the 2024 Community Honors Awards. The awards recognise individuals and organisations who have quietly gone about making a difference in our district, without asking for payment or recognition. Nominations close FRI 13 SEPT. Find more and nominate someone you know at ashburtondc.govt.nz.

 

  • Following on from their successful annual exhibition in July, Ashburton Society of Arts is hosting its annual Spring Art Show at the Short St Studio. The society is delighted to have Karen Smith as a guest artist. Smith lives in Methven and is known for her paintings of the mountains and Canterbury scenery. The society is also collaborating with Ashburton College senior students to exhibit their artwork. Art works will be for sale at the show, which runs to SUN 15 SEPT. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm (whenever the sign is out). 

 

  • The Ashburton Embroiderers' Guild warmly invites you to explore their exhibition "The Magic of Needle and Thread" at Ashburton Art Gallery, 327 West Street Ashburton. On display until SUN 13 OCT. For more find the Ashburton Art Gallery on Facebook.

 

  • On FRI 13 SEPT the Southbridge Garden Club is  holding its Spring Flower Show in the Town Hall High Street Southbridge. Admission $5.00, Primary school Children Free, Devonshire Tea $2.00.
    There will be a Floral Art demonstration Sales Table and Raffles. Come along for an afternoon out to the Country with your friends 1.00pm to 4.00pm. For more call 0273373748.

 

  • Allenton School is hosting a fundraising Car Boot Sale on SAT 14 SEPT, 10am-2pm. Open invite to the whole community. Come search for a bargain and also enjoy the onsite sausage sizzle and bake stand. Gates will open 9am for stall holders. There's around 44 spaces available. First in, first served. $20 per stall. For more and to register email [email protected]. 

 

  • Ashburton Motor-Cycle Club Minature TT Fun Day is on SUN 15 SEPT at 330 Pendarvas Rakaia Road. Sign on 8am-9am sharp. Natural terrain flowing track. Compulsory helmet, boots and body armour. All riders must have a full MNZ licence or day licence. Something to suit all ages over two tracks. Hot and cold food available. For more and to register contact Paul on 021 439 660. You can also find the the Ashburton Motorcycle Club on FB and myrides.co.nz. 

 

  • ANZ Ashburton annual Daffodil Day Fundraising Quiz is on THURS 19 SEPT at Hotel Ashburton. Please join us for a fun-filled quiz night to help raise funds for the Mid Canterbury Cancer Society. 5 people maximum/team for a $75 entry fee. You are able to order food before or on the night from Hotel Ashburton directly. Phone 307 8811 to make your order with your team name or team contact person. 5.30pm onwards, 6.30pm start time. For more and to book in a team, click here: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/12955?. 

 

  • Te Huka Tai Trust presents Hakatere Cultural Festival back THURS 19 SEPT at Ashburton Event Centre. Come and celebrate 14 local kindergartens and schools performing kapa haka and multi-cultural performances. Starts 10am until 12pm, entry is free. 

 

  • After a few years break, the SPCA's fundraising Cupcake Day is back WED 18 SEPT when members of the public are encouraged to host a morning tea or a cake stall at school, work, or anywhere their community gathers. Funds raised help our local Ashburton centre with three staff and a relentless stream of cats needing to be rehomed. The cost of each kitty’s stay the centre was $1,300, which includes food, medicine and neutering. People can register via the SPCA website, where there are fundraising tips and recipes, along with tips on how to make pupcakes for your canine friends. The day could also be a day for locals to pop in and say thanks to the dedicated team at the Ashburton SPCA. 

 

  • Mt Hutt College school Mountainbike team is hosting a fundraising Quiz Night is on FRI 20 SEPT at the MHC Hall. Major fundraiser to get them to National Secondary School Champs  next month. Doors open 5:30pm for a 6pm start. Teams of 6, $60 per team. Great auctions and prizes to be won, along with food and bar. EFTPOS accepted. Find more on the MHC Facebook page or book in by emailing [email protected]. 

 

  • Handbags and Gladrags is back at Ashburton Club and MSA on SAT 21 SEPT. Mystery handbag auction, silent auction, raffles and music by Luke Glendinning. Tickets just $35pp (tables of 6) which includes a glass of bubbles on arrival and table platter. Tickets from Safer Mid Canterbury offices on Moore Street, or by getting in touch with Anna Arrowsmith 027 722 3204 or [email protected]. Proceeds to local White Ribbon.

 

  • Credit to the Te Matapuna Brownies spotted in the paper recently collecting rubbish around Mania O Roto Scout Park as part of community action for their Within My World Badge. Second time this year they have been out, this time also tying in with Keep New Zealand Beautiful week (20-27th). If it's the sort of thing that inspires you why not pitch in yourself with Bev Skates and Litter-Free Ashburton hosting a community clean up day SAT 21 SEPT, meeting by the event caravan in West Street carpark from 10am to 1pm. Gloves and bags are provided. 

 

  • The Mt Hutt Methven Chill Fest Rail Jam in support of Methven Community Pool & MHC Climbing is on SAT 21 SEPT. There'll be a Rail Jam, Live Music featuring headline act SUMMER THIEVES, Shebeen Beer & Food Trucks and fireworks. Limited capacity and no gate sales. Tickets just $5 from the Mt Hutt or Rira Events Facebook pages. 

 

  • Would you like to learn more about harakeke (NZ flax)- how to harvest, prepare and weave it? Book your place on the MON 23 SEPT one-day wānanga at Hakatere Marae with weaver Vicky King. You'll go home with a small kete you've woven! Amazing! The day is suitable for any adult beginners and just $20. Limited places, so get in quick. Wānanga organised and subsidised by Te Huka Tai Trust, thanks to Lotteries Funding. Book via Connected Mid Canterbury website. 

 

  • The Bee Gees - Night Fever is coming to Ashburton Event Centre on FRI 27 SEPT, 8pm. Back by popular demand, this tribute show features all their smooth 70s ballads and 60s pop standards you know and love including More than a Woman, You Should be Dancin', Night Fever and more. Hear world class vocals along with a live international band all brought to life by spectacular lighting in this concert. Book via venue. 

 

  • Ashburton Playcentre invites all past, present, and new families to join their 50th jubilee celebrations on SAT 28 SEPT. Since 1941, they've been play experts, creating memories for generations. Join the fun at Ashburton Playcentre from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Morning Tea Provided. RSVP to [email protected] or contact Amanda at 027 9078820. Families are welcome! Let’s celebrate together and continue the legacy of good clean fun. 

 

  • The Ashburton Art Gallery and Zonta Club of Ashburton are calling for entries to the annual Zonta Ashburton Women’s Art Award and Exhibition. A major cash prize and solo exhibition will be awarded to the Premier Award winner, and all selected finalists will have their work shown in the awards exhibition at the Art Gallery. The competition is open to all emerging and mid-career visual artists in the Canterbury region. The award seeks to raise the status of visual artists who identify as women and recognize their excellence in fine arts practice. Along with the Premier Award, there is a Young Generation Award for women artists between the ages of 16 and 20. This is a cash prize that acknowledges distinguished potential in art and aims to encourage further creative endeavours. There is also a People’s Choice Award. Entry forms can be found on the Art Gallery’s website, or from the Gallery and Museum receptions. Entries close FRI 4 OCT.  

 

  • Mid Canterbury Children's Theatre presents its production of "Frozen Jnr" - based on the popular Disney film. A story of love and acceptance between Princess sisters Ana and Elsa. When faced with danger the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. On stage at Ashburton Event Centre FRI 4 OCT 7pm, SAT 5 OCT 5pm, and SUN 6 OCT 2pm. Tickets from the venue. Directed by Libby Higson. Musically directed by Cherie Livingstone and Choreographed by Jessie Thomson. 

 

  • EA Networks Centre is excited to be hosting the inflatable Wipe Out waterpark course at its pools FRI 4 – SUN 6 OCT. It’s the biggest water adventure the facility has hosted and tickets are selling out fast. Book via wipeout.co.nz.  

 

  • BadJelly the Witch Glow Show is on at Ashburton Event Centre on FRI 11 OCT, 11am. Adapted from the book by Spike Milligan. Tickets from the venue.  

 

  • Methven Preschool is hosting the wildly popular Ms Methven fundraiser on SAT 19 OCT, 7pm. A beauty pageant with a twist! Come cheer on a collection of brave local lads who will step out of their comfort zone to embrace their feminine side, with all the wonderful wigs and heels that come with it. At Mt Hutt Memorial Hall. A guaranteed fun filled event that brings the community together to make a positive impact on early childhood education. Check out the "Ms Methven" Facebook page for more and tickets. 

 

  • KPMG and The Y Centreal South Island are back with their Charity Golf Tournament at Tinwald Golf Club on SUN 20 OCT. Check in 11:30am for 12-noon tee off. $200 for a team of 4, which includes build-your-own gourmet burger meal + BBQ on course refreshments. Also raffles and heaps of fun. 100% of proceeds to support the Y's youth development programme. For more and to register visit ymcasc.org.nz. 

 

  • Hampstead Rugby Club is hosting its 100-year celebrations the weekend FRI 4 - SUN 6 JULY 2025. They will kick off on the Friday evening with a catch up to share memories with those they have worked and played alongside. On Saturday, games of rugby across the grades from juniors to seniors will be held, followed by a reunion dinner in the evening with a speaker. On Sunday people will be able to watch a golden oldies game of rugby.

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