What's On Southland & South Otago

WHAT'S ON SOUTHLAND 

• Gore Classic Car Rally runs the first SUN of every month. Meeting at the Trout on Medway Street 10:45am for route instructions. Pub visit for lunch. All classic cars are welcome, entry is free. For more call Terry McNamara 021 070 6069. 

• Selected works from Te Papa’s summer exhibition - Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist | He Ringatoi Hou o Aotearoa - brings together 20 works by one of New Zealand’s most iconic 20th- century artists, Rita Angus (1908–1970). On display at Eastern Southland Gallery until SUN 17 JULY. The paintings span Angus’s life and career as an artist, drawing out the themes of pacifism, feminism and nature that shaped so much of her work. This exhibition includes many of Angus’s most important works, including Rutu, 1951, Cleopatra, 1938, and Central Otago, 1953 56/1969. It will also feature two significant recent acquisitions. Marjorie Marshall (1938-39/1943) is a remarkable portrait of Angus’s friend and fellow artist Marshall, set against the backdrop of Central Otago mountains. The Aviatrix (1933) is one of Angus’s most important early works – a striking portrait of her sister Edna, the first woman pilot in the East Coast Aero Club, wearing her flying costume. Eastern Southland Gallery Curator, Jim Geddes says, “The Gallery is absolutely delighted to be able to host this exhibition. Rita Angus is well represented in our permanent collection by a number of paintings from the 1960s, but this is a great opportunity for our public to see first-hand a survey exhibition that spans her entire career. Te Papa have been very good to us over the years and sending this particular show to Southland is an especially generous gesture on their part.”

• The new book ‘Hound the Detective’ has just been installed on the Gore StoryWalk® and will be there until mid June. If you love a good mystery or fancy yourself a bit of a super sleuth- you need to check it out. Meet Hound, a brilliant detective who ALWAYS solves his case. But this latest trail of clues has him perplexed - could it be that he's missed something important? As you take a walk through the autumn leaves, search for the clues and a green caterpillar hidden in each picture to help Hound to solve the mystery. With glorious autumn-themed illustrations and a rhyming riddle that builds and builds, everyone is sure to love the Hound and this whodunnit tale! Activities to complement the story:

  • Collect your very own detective notebook from the start of the StoryWalk® and tick off the clues as you find them (Bring a pencil/pen)
  • Find the green caterpillar hidden in every picture
  • Test your observation skills on the Spot the Difference page at the end of the walk.

• Nominations for this year’s Gore District Community Awards are now open. The awards recognise groups, individuals or businesses who have made a difference in our community or bring positive recognition to our District. Following the decision to make the event biennial, this will be the first Awards night since 2020. “We are very excited to be building on the success of our last event, engaging with community groups to provide excellent entertainment and delicious food, all at an affordable ticket price,” said Events Coordinator Jessica Swan. “This year sees the introduction of two new award categories, the Business Excellence Award and Te Ao Māori Award, plus we have modified some of our existing awards to reflect our evolving community.” Nominations are open until 5:00pm Friday 16 September. The qualifying period for nominees is from 1 September 2020 – 31 August 2022. “There are a range of awards available, everything from the Mataura Valley Milk Environmental Award to the Soroptimist International of Gore Woman of the Year Award. “Each award criteria is outlined on the nomination form, so carefully read the criteria and pick the one most applicable to your nominee,” Miss Swan said. The Gore District Council’s ‘Do It Online’ portal on its website allows people to make their nominations quickly and easily at any time. Nomination forms are also available at the Council’s main office. Nominees for all categories must either live within the Gore and District Health Inc boundary, which encompasses West Otago, Southern and Northern Southland as well as the Gore District, or be a member of a club, school or organisation in the Gore District. Use this link to submit your nomination online: https://online.goredc.govt.nz/do-itonline/events-bookings. 

•  Otautau Golf Club are calling for expressions of interest, to all past and present members, for their 100^th Jubilee. Celebrations will take place on 24^th,25^th,26th, 2023. Please call Judy on 0211169996 or Margaret on 0279546520.

• Wyndham and Districts Museum is hosting a series of fundraising Quiz Nights starting MON 9 MAY at Three Rivers Tavern, Wyndham. Then onto Edendale's Pioneer Tavern MON 13 JUNE, and finally back at the Three Rivers Tavern on MON 11 JULY. Each night starts 7:30pm, teams of up to 5 players, $40 per team. Aggregate prize over the three nights, and raffles at each. Enquiries and registration to Ange on 027 250 7597 or [email protected] 

• Needing warm slippers this winter? Can't crochet but want to learn? Join the SuperGrans crochet workshop every THURS 9:30am-11:30am at 23a Forth Street, Invercargill. Their awesome tutors will show you everything you need to complete a pair for yourself or the kids. Not into slippers? No problem, they will help you create anything you wish! All workshops are free! Text or call to book 021 773 893.

• Do you have an idea for an activity that supports wellbeing in Invercargill? The Community Wellbeing Fund has the goal of supporting social, cultural, environmental and economic wellbeing as well as supporting the Council’s vision to create “Our city with heart – He Ngākau Aroha”. The Community Wellbeing Fund replaced the previous Council funds, the Community Grants Fund, the Neighbourhood Fund, the Iconic Events and the Development Events Fund. This fund will distribute up to $500,000 each year across six funding rounds.
  Applications are open from groups and organisations seeking funds for a project for the final round, closing FRI 27 MAY. Visit https://icc.govt.nz/funding.../community-wellbeing-fund/ to apply today.

• Gore Repertory Society presents "Death and Taxes" at Gore's Little Theatre from FRI 27 MAY - FRI 3 JUN. Gareth Burke - Destiny Life's top agent for 3 years in a row, wants to win the trip to Hawaii and take gorgeous receptionist Tiffany with him. But Lucille is determined to be the first female agent to top the sales figures and has a supernatural plan to ensure victory. Before he can take the prize, Gareth must overcome the obstacles in his path - an over-bearing wife, a manic-depressive corporate motivator, the police, the Inland Revenue, and even his own untimely death.A comedy by April Phillips. Directed by Bruce McPherson. FRI 27 and SAT 28 7:30pm, Matinee SUN 29 4pm, WED 1 JUN-FRI 3 7:30pm. Tickets from St James Irk Street $20-$25. 
  

• ‘Together Again’ - Dennis Marsh & Maureen Thompson are performing live on SAT 28 MAY, 7.30pm, Gore RSA. $25. Tickets: www.iticket.co.nz from early May.

• Murihiku Southland District Multicultural Council's first Multicultural Potluck Dinner is being held SAT 28 MAY at Lindisfarne Hall 6:30pm. A simple, family friendly atmosphere with a special children's activity corner. Bring a plate or simply come along to enjoy the night. For more get in touch with Shelly on 021 069 9770 or email [email protected] 

• Handbags and Gladrags is an event being held SAT 28 MAY at Industry Invercargill. A mystery handbag charity auction being held to raise funds for CanBead Southland. Doors open 6:30pm, auction starts 7:30pm. Get dressed up in your gladrags for the night! Tickets can be purchased at Industry, 33 Arena Ave, or email [email protected] 

• St Andrew's Church Gore Autumn Sale is on this SAT 28 MAY at 10am. In the Church Hall on Devon Street, Gore. Lots of bargains to be had, all are welcome. 

• The Kids Gig is being held SUN 29 MAY, 1.30pm, The Thomas Green. Free Entry. 

• All ages Roller Disco happening SUN 29 MAY at the Bluff Town Hall from 2-3:30pm. Free entry and wear your best fancy dress outfit. Great family day out or just something to brighten up your Sunday. Rollerskaters and Rollerbladers welcome. Bring your own skates or rollerblad s as we will not be providing these. Event has been organised by Activate Bluff.

• With the help of the New Zealand Irish Embassy, the Wellington based 5 piece Irish band Criú, is coming down South for one weekend of shows at the end of May. Combining the sounds of the wooden flute, fiddle, guitar, accordion, tin whistles and uilleann pipes (the Irish pipes), these musicians weave together melodies that have survived in the Irish music tradition, sometimes for hundreds of years. The music is full of life, mystery, playfulness and sometimes sorrow. It will have your toes tapping or your feet stamping at one moment, then the next transport you to some faraway place of deep joy or sadness. The band Criu is made up of some of Wellington's very best traditional musicians. Formed with the purpose of bringing the music of Ireland onto the stage, with tight arrangements, interesting sounds, driving rhythms and stories and history behind the tunes. They are performing 2 Concerts on SUN 29 MAY:

  • Gore 3:00 pm at The St James Theatre.

  • Invercargill 8:00 pm at The Southland Musicians Club.

   Tickets just $30 from www.renniepearsonmusic.com. 

• Golden Oldies Concert is on at Calvin Community Church MON 30 MAY, 1.30pm. Gold Coin Donation. 

• Open Mic Afternoon is on TUES 31 MAY, 1.30pm, Gore Town & Country Club. Free Entry.

• South Otago Museum is hosting an ANZAC Exhibition for the month of May. Developed to commemorate those South Otago men and women who fought in the military since the South African War. A Red Cross quilt is held in the collection, properly framed thanks to Red Cross Balclutha. Open 1-4pm daily at the Museum, 1 Renfrew St Balclutha. Until TUES 31 MAY. 

• Bowmar Road House Concert – Jenny Mitchell & Mike Hood on THURS 2 JUNE, 7pm, $25, Tickets by messaging 027 288 7203. 
  
  

• B+LNZ recognises the importance women place as critical farming partners in the sheep and beef sector. They are hosting a Southern Ladies Long Lunch on THURS 2 JUN at Gore Town and Country Club, 10am-2:30pm. This day has been designed to help bring rural woman from across the region together to be inspired and make wider network connections. Guest speakers include Amy Scott – communicate to connect, Kate Macdonald founder of Davaar & Co a luxury farm to fashion brand, Rowena Hume – B+LNZ General Manager, Engagement & Communications, Leanne Woodhead founder of Remotelea Creative, Tammy Taylor Owner of Fork and Spade landscaping and new mum to Tilly Taylor, and Jody Drysdale from Hopefield Hemp. Tickets cost $40 per head. Doors open at 9.30am. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE. For more information, contact Theresa Laws on 027 203 9978 or email [email protected]

• Balclutha Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting and Annual General Meeting is on THURS 2 JUN, 7.30pm, at Public Library, John St, Balclutha. Everyone welcome. Enquires Ruth 418 2621.

• Clutha District Libraries is hosting the annual Book Sale Queens Birthday from THURS 2 - SUN 5 JUN at the Balclutha Library, 23 John Street. 9am-5pm each day. Fill your own bag for just $5. Children's books are free! Coffee, donuts and fresh bread also for sale. EFTPOS available. Please wear your mask. The libraries purchased approximately 6,000 books annually, and the book sale is needed to make room for new material. This year’s book sale will also provide an opportunity for the Balclutha Library to rearrange its current layout in the coming months, to provide better access to collections and flexible spaces for a wide range of programmes. Key features will include a dedicated local history space, larger children’s area and a more accessible shelving layout. The five community libraries that make up the Clutha district library service collectively hold approximately 55,000 books. All are free to borrow and reserve, and suggestions of recommended titles for purchase are welcomed.

• Te Anau Helicopter Services Fiordland Big 3 is back THURS 2 – SUN 5 JUN. The Fiordland Big 3 hunting event is based in the Fiordland Mountains around Te Anau, New Zealand. Hunters team up to bag a deer, pig and fish. Might seem easy to some, but the 'one that got away' just doesn't count! Find more here Te Anau Events | The Big 3 and here The Big 3 | What's On in Southland (southlandnz.com). 

• The 41st Invercargill Rotary Book Sale will go ahead Queens Birthday weekend. The 2021 event was a huge success following a break in 2020. It will be held at the Civic Theatre, where books can be dropped off leading up to the event – at the red doors, or at service stations all over the city. This year’s proceeds will go towards Invercargill St John, and the three-day sale will close two hours earlier each night, running from THURS 2 JUN (4-7pm), Friday 8am-6pm Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 10am-2pm. Friday morning has traditionally been the busiest time, with hundreds of people lined up at the door when it first opens for the day. And there has been a new trend of people wanting old encyclopaedias and other interesting looking books, but not for reading. Book donations can be dropped off to these Service Stations:

  • Lorneville Motors (Lorneville Roundabout SH6),
  • Wallace Town Motors (49 Dalry St),
  • Waikiwi Motors (376 North Rd),
  • BP North Road (52 North Rd),
  • Avenal Service Centre (314 Dee St),
  • Z Gladstone (Cnr Dee St & Lewis Sts),
  • Caltex Savoy 2000 (198 Tay St),
  • BP 2Go Highway (163 Tay St)
  • BP Elles Rd (230 Elles Rd),
  • Challenge Glengarry (65 Glengarry Crescent),
  • Newfield Autos (661 Tweed St),
  • Southern Service Station (298 Elles Rd),
  • Northern Auto Services (Cnr Sydney St & St Andrews St),
  • Riverton Automotive Centre (105 Palmerston St),
  • Bay Road Service Centre (17 Bay Road Riverton).

   

• MLT Music Round Up returns to Gore FRI 3 JUN including Triple Shot featuring The Terrace, 8pm – 12.30am, Traffers Bar, Hokonui Drive. Also Melissa Partridge Band featuring Gemma Bullied, 7.30pm – 10pm at Croydon Lodge, Waimea Street. The Sisterhood Featuring Abby Gutschlag on 8pm – 11pm at The Thomas Green, 30 Medway Street. Find more search Tussock Country on Facebook. 

• McDonough Contracting Gore Truck Show returns to the mean streets of Gore SAT 4 JUN. Judging at Transport Repairs Yard, Falconer Road, from 9am. Parade starts from the yard at 2pm, followed by Prize Giving at Croydon Lodge from 4pm. Driver entry $10. For more and to enter contact Rhonda Wilson 027 257 8895 or email [email protected] 

• Dinner and Show at the Gore RSA on SAT 4 JUN featuring Marian Burns, Bevan Gardiner & James Davey. 6pm Dinner, 7.30pm Show. $65 dinner and show, $30 show only. Tickets: www.iticket.co.nz from early May. 

• Hokonui Line Dance Social is on SAT 4 JUN 1.30pm, Esplin Room, Gore Town & Country Club. Gold coin + small afternoon tea plate. 

• A Market Day celebrating Samoan Language Week is being held SAT 4 JUN at 135 Bowmont Street, Invercargill. Doors open 9am. Live music, island food, Samoan crafts, Ava, card games and more. 

• Hokonui Ute Muster returns to Gore for Queens Birthday Weekend SUN 5 JUN. Enter your ute, your dog and even your mullet and be in to win $500 for People's Choice! Plus prizes across all categories. Road legal utes of all makes, models, ages and stages are welcome. Join in for a catch up, laugh and entertainment in support of rural mental health initiatives. Families and dogs welcome. Register at GWD Gore from 11:30am. Muster at the Southern Field Days from 12-noon. Public viewing, judging and awards presentation until 2:30pm. Food and coffee trucks onsite. Competition entry $10, spectator entry by gold coin. Find full information at www.gwd.co.nz.

• Rosebank School Council is holding a Disco on FRI 10 JUN at the school hall. Juniors (yr 1-4) from 4:30pm-5:30pm and seniors (yr 5-8) 6pm-7pm. Dance competition. Wear what you like there is no theme. More on the school FB page. 

• Comedian, snapchat satirist, dancing Alien, game show champ and now TV foodie Tom Sainsbury is about to hit the road with with his brand new show SNAPCHAT DUDE LIVE! and no stone will be unturned in his quest to poke fun at New Zillunders. Famous for taking the Mickey out of politicians like Paula Bennett and Simon Bridges, as well as his parallel life as Gingerbread the cat, Tom will be plumbing the depths of our quirky culture. At Civic Theatre Invercargill WED 15 JUN. Tickets from Ticketek. 

• Waikaka Hay Day is on FRI 17 JUN, auction 3pm. Donated hay, baleage, straw and lucerne is auctioned at 3.00 pm in Foyle Street Waikaka to raise funds for the Waikaka Squash and Hockey Clubs and Youth in the district. A prize-giving is held at 4.00 pm followed by refreshments at the Sports Complex, Waikaka. Sausage sizzle and games for children. For more contact Frances Calvert 027 688 6994. 

• It's almost time for The Pantry's annual fundraising dinner on SAT 18 JUN, 6:30pm at the Pod on Grace Street. This year the theme is Mid-Winter Christmas - So dust off the tinsel and dig out your elf on the shelf outfits and come along to a night of good food, fun and fundraising for a great cause. Cash bar, vegan and gluten free options available. Raffles and auctions on offer too. Tickets are only $48pp and are now on sale. Contact the Pantry Team to get yourselves booked in or visit https://www.thepantry.co.nz/.../mid-winter-christmas.... 

• Come together and celebrate Matariki in Gore FRI 24 JUN at the Southern Field Days Site. From 2pm-6pm bring the whanau for some waiata, kapahaka, fireworks and yummy kai! Performance slots are available for kura and early childhood groups, school bands and choirs. Free entry! Event thanks to Hokonui Rununga, Lower Mataura Valley Kahoi Ako and Gore Kids Hub. Supported by Gore District Council. 

• Riversdale Arts Mixed Media Exhibition is back FRI 1 JULY - SUN 10 JULY. Every year, Riversdale Arts Inc produce a stunning mixed media exhibition which runs over a 10-day period. The annual exhibition is a visual feast of outstanding artwork, stylishly displayed to its best advantage, producing a sophisticated exhibition which can rival any of that in larger city centres. Find more at www.riversdalearts.co.nz

• Queens Go South returns to Ascot Park Hotel FRI 1 and SAT 2 JULY. Join us for an evening of big hair, fabulous fashion, great dance numbers, and risqué comedy! Following a sell-out show in 2019, the Queens are coming back to deliver their unforgettable entertainment! $60 Premium -includes some drinks & nibbles (10 seats per table) or $25 General Admission (6 tables of 10 seat per table, & the remaining tickets standing/at bar leaners). Available from the Ascot Park Hotel, call 03 2199305 to buy your tickets.

• Riversdale Arts is hosting a series of Exhibition Workshops through July. Including Creative Picture Framing with Andrea Sexton on SUN 3 JULY, Floral Wreaths with Anna King on SAT 2 / SUN 3 JULY and Watercolour Card Making for Beginners with Jo Jagon on SAT 2 JULY. Then the following weekend there's Earring Making with Ruth Napper on SAT 9 JULY, Wire Hearts, Poppies, Daisies with Lee van der Geest on SAT 9 / SUN 10 JULY, and Macrame Basics with Aleisha Eden on SUN 10 JULY. Book via the new online booking system here: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/eventlist/exhibitionworkshops?embed=1&fbclid=IwAR0NFUAjDq3Yya6V0IrbfK9iCPSeNkJe2ZhvFOKsSwoUB9RKFPvFEdNfzaI. 

• 2022 NZ Gymnastics Championships are being held at ILT Stadium Southland WED 13 - SAT 16 JULY. Four days of non-stop action as New Zealand's top athletes across aerobic, artistic, rhythmic, and trampoline gymnastics compete for the 2022 national titles. See more info at bit.ly/GNZNationals2022. 

• ILT Kidzone Festival is back WED 13 - MON 18 JULY. Imagine being a kid again. Now you can be! Join us these winter holidays for Southland’s most popular six-day family festival jam-packed with hands on designing, building, riding, touching and creating. The ILT Kidzone Festival will be at Southland Girls’ High School from the 14th – 19th July with over 150 activities for kids and families to enjoy. Find more www.iltkidzone.co.nz. 

• Full steam ahead for the 33rd Hokonui Fashion Design Awards. Strictly Fashion Evening is FRI 29th JULY and Gala Evening SAT 30th JULY at Gore T+C Stadium. Longest running event of its type in NZ, $42k in prizes! Judging panel always been second to none in the past we’ve had Karen Walker, Nic Blanchet, Francis Hooper, Trelise Cooper, Kate Sylvester, Liz Findlay, Doris Du Pont and Margi Robertson (of NOM*d). This year: Rachel and Anjali from Twenty Seven Names joining Juliette Hogan and Steve Dunstan founder of Huffer. The label name is a homage to the list of 27 people who helped to get their label off the ground. Proudly made in New Zealand since its inception, the brand's values lie in a commitment to sustainability, ethical production and supporting local industry.  Find more at www.hokonuifashion.co.nz. 

• Playing all the classic Exponents hits and more, The Jordan Luck Band are thrilled to be bringing their annual Winter Road Trip to Southland Musicians Club - Invercargill on THURS 4 AUG. From ‘Who Loves Who The Most?’ to ‘Victoria’…. ‘Why Does Love Do This To Me?’ to ‘Ill Say Goodbye’…. and so many more Kiwi classics, the Jordan Luck Band party will be sure to banish those winter blues!! Tickets from undertheradar.co.nz.