What's On Southland & South Otago

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

Wyndham & Edendale Home & Garden Tour
Property Brokers Wyndham and Edendale, supporting Edendale Home & School and Wyndham PTA are hosting a tour of 10 beautiful homes and gardens, plus baking, raffles, and great prizes
When: Sunday, November 16th, 2025, from 10am to 4pm
Where: Wyndham and Edendale area
Why: Fundraising for new playgrounds at Edendale and Wyndham Primary Schools
Tickets available via the https://facebook.com/events/s/wyndham-edendale-home-and-gard/2021891408551852/ or at both school offices during school hours

South Otago Toot for Tucker – Christmas Can Drive
Support the Clutha Food Hub Thursday, November 20, from 6.30pm. When you hear the sirens in Balclutha, Owaka, Clinton, Kaitangata, Stirling, and Kaka Point, leave non-perishable goods at your gate or bring them out to donate. The shelves are empty, so every item counts!
For more details or to offer extra support:  [email protected] or 027 311 4867

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!

Gore River Valley Lions Toot for Tucker
River Valley Lions are supporting the Salvation Army Food Bank with their annual Toot for Tucker.
When: Thursday 27th November
Collection starts from 6pm — simply leave non-perishable groceries or toiletries in your letterbox when you hear the toot!
Every item helps local families in need!

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