What's On Southland & South Otago

Rural Women NZ Southland Centennial Celebration 
Join Rural Women New Zealand Southland as they mark 100 years of supporting and empowering rural women. The centennial celebration will be held at Anderson Park, Invercargill, starting at 1:00 PM on Sunday, October 19th.
All past and present members of RWNZ and WDFF (Women’s Division of Federated Farmers) are warmly invited to attend. This event commemorates the founding of RWNZ in 1925, when 16 pioneering women came together to address rural isolation and build stronger support networks. A century later, RWNZ continues to be a trusted advocate and connector for rural communities across New Zealand.
Where: Anderson Park, Invercargill
When:  1:00 PM, Sunday 19 October 2025
Tickets: $10 (members), $20 (non-members)
Register: events.humanitix.com/rwnzsouthland100
Contact: Sarah Baldwin – 021 265 4768 or [email protected]

Celebrate Spring at the Gore Rhododendron Festival,
When: Sunday, October 19th 10:30 AM to 4 PM
Where: Gore Gardens.
This vibrant community event features:
Food and coffee vendors
Outdoor furniture, clothing, and plant stalls
A beautiful rhododendron bloom display
Live music and art
Entertainment for children
Bring the whole family and enjoy a day surrounded by colour, creativity, and community spirit!  Open to all families and community members—come along for support, fun, and connection!Anderson House Turns 100 – You’re Invited!

The Anderson House Trust is celebrating a century of history at the iconic Anderson House in Invercargill this Labour Weekend.
When: Saturday, October 25th, 2025 - Monday October 27th 2025. Festivities kick off around midday on Saturday!
Where: Anderson Park, 91 McIvor Road.
What: A weekend full of stalls, displays, and community celebrations. 
Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a great day out, come along and be part of the fun – everyone is welcome!

Clean Up the Mataura River
Organised by: 1st Gore Scouts – Keas, Cubs, and Scouts (ages 5–13)
Date & Time: Thursday, October 30th, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Location: Mataura River bank in Gore, just below the bridge
What to Bring: Gloves and rubbish bags
Cost: Free
Contact/Info: Visit the 1st Gore Scouts Facebook page
Or check with Environment Southland
Purpose: As part of their Better World – Antarctica Badge, the Scouts are taking action to protect marine ecosystems by reducing rubbish that could end up in the ocean and harm Antarctic wildlife. The community is invited to join the clean-up along the Mataura River or any local tributary or stormwater drain.
Can’t make it to Gore?
You can still participate by cleaning up near your local river, creek, or stormwater drains. Share your efforts by posting a photo in the comments on the 1st Gore Scouts Facebook page.

West Gore School Home & Garden Tour – Sunday, November 2, 2025
Join them for a day of inspiration and community as the West Gore School Home & School Committee presents the 2025 Home & Garden Tour!
Date & Time: Sunday, November 2 at 10am
Location: West Gore School, Gore Street, New Zealand
Tickets: $30 – available online, or with cash from West Gore School Office or SBS Bank Gore
Enjoy coffee, food, raffles, and delicious home baking on the day!
Gather your friends and make a day of it. Follow the West Gore School Home & Garden Tour Facebook page for sneak peeks and updates in the lead-up to the tour. They can’t wait to welcome you!

Balfour Lions 2025 Fireworks Evening
Location: Balfour Racecourse
Date & Time: Friday, November 7th — Gates open at 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: $10 per person (15 years and older)
Contact: 027 498 6748
Bring your torch and deck chair for a classic family night out! Enjoy a dazzling fireworks display, coffee carts, glow sticks, food stands, live music, and fun activities for the kids.

Riversdale Lions Car Boot Sale
When: Saturday, November 8th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Riverside Community Centre
What’s Happening:
Sell your unwanted goods or find a bargain!
Entry is $10 per car (trailers welcome).
Enjoy a cake stall and barbecue while you browse.
Bring cash—Eftpos may not be available at all stalls.
All proceeds go towards community projects.
To book a stall or for more info, contact Rhys on 027 325 6965.

Waikaka Arts & Crafts – 49th Exhibition
Location: Waikaka Hall
Opening Night: Friday, November 7th at 7:30 PM
Featuring guest artist and former Olympian Andrew Nicholson
Includes wine and nibbles: $20.00
General Admission: Saturday, November 8th to Thursday, November 13th
Daily: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: $5.00
Late Night: Wednesday, November 12th until 8:30 PM
Payment: Door sales and EFTPOS available
Afternoon tea available during exhibition hours

Waikaia Poker Run – Fundraiser for Waikaia School and Waikaia Forest Trails (Grade 3 Blue Descent Trail)
When: Saturday 15 November
Where: Waikaia Hotel and route through Waikaia
Cost: $50 per car (includes one hand) | $20 per subsequent hand
Extras: Scavenger hunt on route, spot prizes, auctions, and winning hand presentation.
Pre-registration: [email protected]
Registrations open 11am at the Waikaia Hotel
Last card in by 4:30pm at the Waikaia Hotel
Followed by prizegiving and auctions

Beyond the Gate Garden Tour & Market Day
Explore the beauty of Gore’s private gardens at the Beyond the Gate Garden Tour & Market Day.
When: Sunday November 23rd.
Market Day: 10 AM to 3 PM at Gore Showgrounds (entry by donation)
Garden Tour: 10 AM to 5 PM, tickets $25 per person, available from Hokonui Pavilion starting at 10 AM on the day.
Enjoy local stalls, fresh produce, and a self-guided tour through some of Gore’s most stunning and unique gardens. A perfect day out for garden lovers and families alike! 

Old Balclutha Hospital Centenary Reunion
The Old Balclutha Hospital is turning 100 & they warmly invite all former staff to reconnect and reminisce with an afternoon of celebration, conversation, finger food, photographs, and shared memories of your time “up the hill.
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Te Pou Ō Mata-Au (Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre).
How to Register:
Visit the Old Balclutha Hospital Facebook page
Email [email protected]
Or pick up a registration form at Bates Pharmacy, Café 55, or the Clutha i-SITE at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au.
For more information: Margo Roxburgh 027 226 4455.

Menzies College 55th Reunion 
Join us for a special one-day celebration marking 55 years of Menzies College! We welcome all former students, staff, well-wishers, and Wyndham District High past pupils to reconnect and reminisce at the college in Wyndham.
When: Saturday, 7 February 2026
Where: Menzies College, Wyndham
Register: via Eventbrite or search Menzies College 55th Reunion on Facebook.
For more information: contact Julie on 027 445 4719.

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