What's On Southland & South Otago

Kāhui Whetū Thursday 19 June
Meaning a constellation, Kāhui Whetū refers to the stars as a gathering of the people of the land
Join us at Kāhui Whetū as we celebrate the Māori New Year!
From 5:00pm through till 9:00pm, see the Gore Gardens transform as we illuminate them with a sparkling light display for Matariki. Make sure you wrap up cosy and warm, as this winter event takes full advantage of those dark, crisp and early nights.
Enjoy live waiata performances, a wide variety of delicious kai from local food vendors, and treat the whānau to neon face painting, UV light art, and a range of fun, family-friendly activities.
This community event is free to attend and suitable for all ages.
Contact the Events team at [email protected]

Balfour Rugby Football Club 125th Jubilee 
The Balfour Rugby Football Club are celebrating it 125 years at  Matariki weekend 20th - 22nd June 2025.
They are calling on all past and present members, players, supporters who wish to join in the celebration to register. Please check out their Facebook page for details or call Krusty on 0272952177

Wyndham Lions Club – Annual Hay & Baleage Competition
Where: Three Rivers Contracting Yard, Wyndham
When: Thursday 26th June – BBQ from 12:00 PM, Auction at 1:00 PM
There are three entry classes:
- Conventional baled hay (8 bales per entry)
- Big Round/Square baled hay (1 bale) 
- Baleage (1 bale)
Entries accepted: 
Wednesday 25th June, 1–4 PM & Thursday 26th June, 10 AM–12 PM
(Pick-up available by arrangement.)
Hay entries will be judged, and spot prizes awarded for baleage.
All proceeds go to Hospice Southland.
For more information contact: Hugh Diack on 0274 588 580 or Keith Dyer on 027 275 3087

An Evening with Philippa Cameron – Hosted by Gore Parents Centre
Join Philippa Cameron — author of the beloved What’s for Smoko, A High-Country Life, and Winter Warmers — for an evening of stories, recipes, and down-to-earth inspiration.
Saturday 28 June, 7:30 PM
Gore T&C Stadium
Tickets: $30 per person
To book, email: [email protected]
Bring a friend and enjoy this heartwarming event supporting Gore Parents Centre.

Gore Parents Centre Winter Fete 2025
Warm up your winter with a fantastic day out for the whole whānau!
Browse a wide variety of stalls:
- Clothing 
- Homeware 
- Jewellery
- Plants & Gardening
- Children's items
- Kids’ Zone includes face painting, hair braiding, candy floss & fun!
 - Food trucks, coffee & more!
Sunday 29 June 2025
10 AM – 3 PM
Gore Town & Country Stadium
Entry: $2 (Under 16s free!)
Proudly hosted by Gore Parents Centre.

Riversdale Lions – Annual Hay Drive & BBQ
Where: Andrews Transport Yard, Riversdale
When: Friday 4th July 2025 – Judging at 12:30 PM, Prizegiving at 3 PM, Auction at 3:15 PM
A BBQ and refreshments will follow the auction at the Riversdale Rugby Clubrooms.
All funds raised will support youth and medical needs in the local community.
For more information contact: Rhys Houghton on 027 392 9687

Charity Stars in Their Eyes Returns for 2025!
When: Saturday 2nd August 2025
Where: Gore Town & Country Stadium – with this year’s event raising funds for Waikaka Rugby Club and the Birchwood Hunt.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday 9th July at Churchy Butchers.
Prizes:1st: $500 2nd: $300 3rd: $100
To enter: Grab a Contestant Entry Form and return it by Friday 27th June to Churchy & Lana via the Charity Stars in Their Eyes Facebook page!

Justice of the Peace – Available Weekly
Need a document signed or witnessed?
A Justice of the Peace is available every Wednesday from 6:30PM–7:30PM at the Gore District Library.
JPs provide free services to the public and can:
• Witness signatures
• Certify copies of documents
• Administer affidavits and statutory declarations
Can’t make it Wednesday? Find a JP anytime at: justiceofthepeace.org.nz

Gore Community Patrol – Volunteers Wanted
Looking for a meaningful way to contribute to your community?
Gore Community Patrol is seeking volunteers to help keep our town safe. Work alongside trained patrollers and community partners to help prevent crime and reduce harm.
To learn more or sign up:
Visit: www.cpnz.org.nz  or email: [email protected]

Become a Big Buddy – Change a Life
Family Works Southland is looking for volunteers in Gore and Invercargill to become Big Buddies — giving just 2–3 hours a week to mentor a young person in need.
Encourage confidence, social skills, and connection through a lasting friendship.
Interested? Learn more at: pss.org.nz/family-works/services/buddy-programme