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.
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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.
- 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!!
- 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.
- Enjoy the flavours of Methven at the Methven Arts and Growers Market. Something for everyone to sample & savour with stalls, food trucks, coffee and more. Visit for a family friendly day out. Bring your baskets or bags and stock up on all the fresh produce, flowers, breads, pies, tacos. The market is on 2 & 16 February, 2, 16 & 30 March, 13 April, 27 April. 10am to 2pm on Hobbs Road (500mtrs from Golf Course). On Site Parking. Find more at https://methvenmarket.com/ or find them on Facebook.
- Longbeach School is hosting a pea straw bale sale to raise funds for Yr 7 and 8 children who are off to a camp at Stewart Island in November. Just $7 per bale pick up, or $8 per bale delivered within Ashburton township. To order bales, text or call Nicole on 027 707 0068.
- Helen Breach and the Boost team are after more volunteer tutors this year. Boost is a unique and locally funded programme across 19 schools in Mid Canterbury. It helps children achieve literacy success and gain confidence. For prospective tutors: No experience needed. The commitment is 2 mornings in school (4hrs a week) from March-Nov during term time (30 weeks). They use a research-based structured literacy programme called StepsWeb. No stress if you've never heard of it - all training, resources and support provided. Join a rewarding and supportive volunteering group. Please contact: Helen Breach (Boost Coordinator) on 027 507 1633 or [email protected].
- Need something signed by a Justice of the Peace? JPs are available every TUES and FRI at Community House on Moore Street. Pop in between 12pm-2pm, no appointment needed. For more contact Community House on 03 308 1237.
- The Mid Canterbury Connector service is seeking more volunteers. The service brings people living in rural areas who are unable to drive themselves, into Ashburton for medical/dentist appointments, doing business with council, seeing family and friends, accessing government and social services and more. The volunteers can drive hours which suit them, between 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Induction and training is provided. For more information please call Lesley Symington at Safer Mid Canterbury, on cell 027 5866 556 or email lesley. [email protected].
- Ashburton’s Recycle a Device programme is running from the Ashburton Library this year and continuing to refurbish donated laptops for charity. Recycle a Device (RAD) teaches young people tech engineering skills while they refurbish the laptops, which are then given free to people in the community who need them. Open to ages 12 to 18, it will run during term time 3.30pm to 5pm. Ashburton Library manager Jill Watson said RAD had previously run at Ashburton College, but was being based at the library this year.
- Ashburton District Council is calling on local community groups and projects that would like some free money! Each year Council grants about $300,000. Last year’s recipients included an upgrade to a rugby club’s bathroom facilities, a women’s group teaching kids how to cook and repairs to a rural school pool. Grant applications will be accepted through FEB. Groups and project organisers are encouraged to get a head start and see if they meet the criteria. To see the grant categories and find more visit ashburtondc.govt.nz.
- Do you have artwork you've created hiding away at home that you would love to share with the community? Perhaps a Methven Summer School work of art? Or a photo you took that you're super proud of? The Mt Hutt Memorial Hall Art Gallery is calling on locals to contribute to the Methven Art Showcase to be held over the month of March. Drop in and see them, or message [email protected]. They are open 10am-4pm weekdays and 10am-2pm weekends. They have up to 35 spaces, first in first served. Cut off is FRI 14 FEB so get in quick!
- Farming Families Charitable Trust End of Summer Session is on SAT 5 APRIL at Ashburton MSA. Featuring entertainment from Brad Staley Trio and Molly Harrison. Platters provided and a fundraising auction in support of the trust. Early bird tickets $45pp, tables of 10 $400. Tickets from 15 MAR $60pp. Find more on the Farming Families Facebook page.
- Todd and team at Mitre 10 Mega Ashburton once again hosting the Massive Tool Mania. Starts with the BBQ launch event in the main carpark this TODAY 13 FEB. From 12-noon til 6pm, drop by for special tool deals, try out new products, chat with over half a dozen brand specialists from the likes of Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, HiKoki and more! Enjoy something off the FREE BBQ and go in the draw for a great prize pack having a go at the MEGA challenge. Not just a day for the tradies with plenty of home handyman and garden tools on sale. And hand tools levels, tape measures etc. Ask about the free test and tag offer. The sale then runs until 5 Mar.
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Ashburton Festival of Pipe Band Music is on SUN 16 FEB in Ashburton Domain on the Royal Lawn. 5 pipe bands from all over the region coming to compete. Beginning at 12.30pm with marches on the grassed area, followed by Sets & Medleys. Bring your chair and/or picnic rug and your own refreshments, and enjoy an afternoon of scottish music in the beautiful garden setting. Free entry.
- Tamar Farm is back with the annual Maize Maze. Open SUN from 12pm. The maze has been created on 3ha of crop off the Methven Highway, and should take people around 40mins to complete. Just $10 for adults and $5 children, with proceeds to St John. Last year the event raised $20k for the organisation. The course is a mystery design for people to figure out as they walk around it. Solve the puzzle for the chance to win a Tamar Beef meat pack! Horror maze nights will also make a return, the first FRI 21 FEB from 8pm-10:30pm. Something which proved wildly popular last year with one night seeing 600 people pass through in the space of 2hrs. The course is pram friendly. Find more including firm start dates on the Tamar Farm FB page.
- Mt Hutt Bike Park Feb Shuttle Day is on SAT 22 FEB. Rego from 9.30am, first shuttle 10.00am. Last run by 4.00pm. It was a sell out last time. Meet at Mt Hutt Bike Park, lower (toll gate) info booth of the ski field road. Helmets compulsory. Keep an eye on the Facebook Event page for any weather cancelations. Run by Bike Methven, this is a club fundraising event with all profits to track development & maintenance - of which is managed by selfless volunteers. Find more and book here: https://events.humanitix.com/mt-hutt-bike-park-shuttle-day-22-february-2025?_gl=1%2A1p0ywfg%2A_gcl_au%2ANDcwODg5NTc3LjE3MzY3MTI4Nzg.%2A_ga%2AMTY2NTYyMTg2MC4xNjk1NzY3NTE2%2A_ga_LHKW5FR9N6%2AMTczODM1NzEwNy4xMS4xLjE3MzgzNTc2MjMuNjAuMC4w&fbclid=IwY2xjawIXqDpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfUiG-4-P_hTRx7cEtaHwoh6a3Esj3AXxjt2HqB-J9nmdPN75Gnmuikb5g_aem_zZnEgM4AHD31_IWzGR7U_w
- The Ashburton Lions South Island Motorhome Show and Country Fete returns to Ashburton Showgrounds SAT 22 and SUN 23 FEB 2025. Motorhome sales, food vendors, market stalls, amusement rides and more. Fun for all ages with camping onsite. $5 entry each day, kids free. Find more at www.southislandmotorhomeshow.co.nz.
- Young Mid Cantabs can apply to experience Parliament as Youth MPs and Youth Press Gallery members. Those aged 16 to 18 are eligible to apply to become a Youth MP, while gallery members must be between 16 and 24. All participants will receive training and support. Applications at myd.govt.nz close FRI 28 FEB.
- Ashburton River Trail Marathon is holding three marathons in March. The event uses the formed walking and biking tracks of the Ashburton River Track. On SAT 1 MAR there is a 5km individual/ team events starting at 5.30pm. On SUN 2 MAR there is a 21km and 10km marathon. The 21km starts at 8.30am with the 10km to follow. All marathons at start/finish at Allenton rugby club rooms, 21 Melrose Rd. Register now at active.com/ ashburton-can/running/distancerunning-races/ashburton-river-trailmarathon-2025.
- The annual Multi Cultural Bite, offering bite-size morsels of cuisine from around the world alongside cultural performances, is moving from Waitangi Day to SAT 1 MAR. Organisers are yet to confirm more details. In recent years the event has been held at the Ashburton Domain.
- Women's Health Expo is on SUN 2 MAR at Trotts Garden, 10am-4pm. The day features two seminars, the first on endometriosis and premenstrual tension, and the second on peri menopause and menopause with Dr Tara King. Hosted by County Lions. Fasion, beauty and jewellery. Produce stalls, raffles, health and fitness, health promoters, food and drink available to purchase. About 30 stalls in the big Marquee. Health providers include Cancer Society, Heart Foundation, Ash Kidney Society, Whaitana Trust (smears, Diabetes, Maori Support lady) St John Mid Canterbury, Safe Families network, Safer Mid Canterbury, Presbyterian Support, Tangata Tumatu Trust, and Ashburton Hospice. Limited EFTPOS available, please bring cash. Expo and garden entry $20, seminars $5 each. Tickets from St John Op Shop on Tancred Street or on the gate.
- Mid Canterbury Children's Day returns to the Plains Museum Complex in Tinwald SUN 2 MAR. From 10:30am til 2pm, bring the whanau down for a fun day of food, bouncy castles, paintball, train rides, amusements, emergency services, face painting and more. Special Under 5s area. New this year is an entertainment stage featuring Elgregoe the Magician and local acts. Leave your wallet at home, the day is free thanks to the generous support of many local groups and funders. Find more by searching Mid Canterbury's Children's Day Celebration on FB.
- The Molloy Agriculture Methven Adventure Race is on SUN 2 MAR at Mount Alford Station, with the event centre at Pudding Hill Lodge. A fundraising event for the Methven Community Pool Committee. There are 3 and 6 Hour foot rogaine options, each covering a range of terrain and navigational difficulty. The times listed for each event are the course closure times for each event (i.e the maximum time a team can spend out on the course). Your team can cover as little or as much distance as you'd like, if you don't want to be out for the whole time you can also return to the event centre before the time limit is up. Rogaining allows you to choose your own adventure! Special thanks to the Methven Lions Club and Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) Methven for their volunteers and ongoing support. Find more and book here: https://www.crazykeaevents.nz/methven
- Positive Ageing Expo by Age Concern Ashburton is THURS 6 MAR at Hotel Ashburton, 10am to 2.30pm. More than 60 exhibitors will showcase suggested hobbies, information on health services and how to connect with the community. Entry is by a gold coin donation.
- Thirty-one finalists have been chosen for the 2025 Zonta Ashburton Women’s Art Awards. The finalists were chosen from 126 entries, an unprecedented number for the event, which is in its ninth year. The premier winner will be announced opening night FRI 7 MAR at the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, 7pm. Twenty-five finalists have also been chosen for the Young Generation Award, for artists aged 16-20. The Zonta Ashburton awards seek to raise the status of visual artists who identify as women, as well as acknowledging the contribution women make to the greater art scene. The awards are also aligned with the values of Zonta International, which exists to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. The exhibition runs from 8 March to 27 April. Vote in the people’s choice. Coinciding with this is a solo exhibition by Marie Porter, the 2024 premier award winner.
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Zonta Ashburton is bringing award-winning television journalist Barbara Dreaver to Ashburton for its 29th annual Women’s Day Breakfast on SAT 8 MAR at Hotel Ashburton. Organiser Freda Bierema said members were thrilled to have the acclaimed broadcaster as its guest speaker. “Barbara has spent 30 years bringing the news from the Pacific Islands to New Zealanders and her work has exposed major crime, as well as raising awareness of climate change and other important issues,’’ Bierama said. “She was most recently in Vanuatu after the devastating quake there.’’ Of Kiribati, Cook Islands and Kiwi heritage, Dreaver has specialised in stories from the Pacific across print, radio and television. She was named an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit in the 2024 New Year’s honours. Barbara’s work aligned with Zonta’s goals of building a better world for women and girls. Tickets $45, available from Zonta Ashburton members or via the club’s website and social media pages.
- Mayfield A&P 99th Annual Show is on SAT 8 MAR. An exciting day out for all the family, with 22 sections, entertainment, things to see and do, delicious food on offer and some incredible trade and craft sites. Find more here: https://www.facebook.com/mayfieldaandpshow
- EA Networks Centre and Wheetbix Try Challenge are playing host to a Kids Duathlon/Triathlon on SUN 24 MAR. It’s a chance for kids to have fun, stay active and healthy through a programme of participation. Open to Kiwi kids of all sporting abilities, $40 entry per child. Register at eanetworkscentre.co.nz.
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Geraldine Adventure Race is on SUN 30 MAR. A fundraiser for the Geraldine High School. Expect rolling farmland, pockets of native bush, and awesome views over the Canterbury Plains. There is a 3 hour and a 6 hour option, both of which will include a mixture of mountain biking, trekking, and navigation. The event centre is within a 15 minute drive of central Geraldine. It's suggested that teams travelling from out of town stay in Geraldine the night before. Entries open now! Find more and book here: https://www.crazykeaevents.nz/geraldine/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIXps9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfleFcRiSxYN--HyUQE732ZNj42sLmtxydW9yjKhPNTamWzEFmAnAu60Qw_aem_-W47U7dxiSC2Dh4iC7dfWA
- Mid Canterbury farmers are being invited to unwind, connect and recharge at the Farming Families Charitable Trust End of Summer Session on SAT 5 APRIL from 7pm. At Ashburton MSA, the night will feature entertainment from Timaru's Brad Staley (who also featured to rave reviews at the recent Party in the Paddock). He will be accompanied by Ashburton's own Molly Harrison. Tickets are available for $45 (early bird until MAR 15) before they rise to $60. Tables of 10 available at a sharp rate too. A great chance to bring family and friends and enjoy some time off farm. Alongside the food and entertainment there will also be an auction to raise funds for the Farming Families Trust. Find more on the Farming Families Facebook page.
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Rira Events is back with their 6th Battle of the Alps on FRI 11 APRIL at Mt Hutt Memorial Hall in Methven. Local fighters will embark on an intensive 10 week training programme in early February. This will be an R18 event (no exceptions) and strictly dress to impress event. Find more and tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/battle-of-the-alps?fbclid=IwY2xjawIXpnFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHepZ_WzzlJhqtN_ZtrSah964i1C7Ndgoc3rNyiiI6wQwFUZmiSgSNcZCEg_aem_r1dKQ2MzRnX8DvCNi_3emQ
- Hampstead Rugby Club is celebrating 100yrs 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. They want to make sure everyone involved with Hampstead over the past century is invited. For registration details and more information please contact Tracey on 0274058064 or email [email protected].