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. 

• After a very successful first year, Toko A&P Society is back with Milton's Got Talent for 2022. Got talent and keen to perform on stage? Want to win $1000? Then they want you! Being held at the annual Toko A&P Show on SAT 10 DEC. For more and to nab an entry form contact Paul [email protected] or 027 364 6237 or hit up Tokomairiro A&P Society on Facebook. 

• A new exhibition, Freed Up In Lockdown by Ewan McDougall, has just opened at the Eastern Southland Gallery in Gore. When the first Covid-19 lockdown arrived in March 2020, the Dunedin-based artist was content as he had time to devote to his painting. All of the works in the exhibition were completed during and after lockdown, and are a distillation of McDougall’s intense period of creativity, when the oil paint flew liberally onto the canvas every day. True to his style, the paintings are vibrant and witty. Open Monday to Friday 10am - 4.30pm, and weekends 1-4pm until 18 Sept. Admission is free. 

• Two new, collaborative exhibitions are on at He Waka Tuia (a joint initiative between the Southland Museum and Art Gallery and the Invercargill Public Art Gallery). It was created to ensure the Invercargill community and visitors can still access collections, experience history and stories and appreciate a variety of cultural endeavours, delivered in innovative and experimental ways. Manager Sarah Brown said the two exhibitions, Wild and Gateway Murihiku, will follow on closely from Play, an immensely popular exhibition that has been a celebration of the simple joy that comes from informal play. Wild and Gateway Murihiku will run concurrently, each show complementing the other with similar themes that talk about the natural environment and our community’s place in it, she said. “Wild celebrates our unique wild environment. The community get to recreate a native bush and underwater scene from Fiordland within the gallery space, using both paper templates of native plants and pipe cleaners,” Brown said. There will also be a salon style art exhibition of works from the IPAG collection that depict the wild environment of Murihiku, along with artefacts from the Southland Museum and Art Gallery collection. “Wild will also include a dedicated area for children featuring ‘Reflection Rocks’, an installation of rock pillows that children can climb and hide in. There will also be games and large colouring-in activity based on the wild theme,” she said. Gateway Murihiku will come from work done by the Gateway Murihiku Group, which showcases the Invercargill Estuary over time and its importance to the community, Brown said. “The exhibition is going focus on the past, present and future so we’ve got some artefacts, time lapse footage of the estuary and a mural by pupils at Ōtātara School. Visitors can reconnect with the area by sharing memories and hopes for its future.” The two exhibitions will be complemented by artist workshops. “I think people are figuring out that we’re here, that we’re not boring and stuffy, that we are doing things differently and that we do things that the community wants,” Brown said.

• Too tired to cook? Keen on a free meal with like-minded people? Otautau Connect Farmers Meals are back Tues evenings until 27 SEPT at Otautau Connect Centre, Main Street Otautau. Rock up anytime between 6:30pm - 8pm. There is plenty of parking at the back, no need to get changed, come as your are. All farming related workers and their families welcome. 

• If you're in Riversdale area and don't feel like cooking, come along to Meals at the Hub held every Tuesday night until 27 SEPT. It's a busy time of the year for many, and can be a little lonely too. So take a night off and join for a free meal and some company. All welcome to drop in between 6:30pm - 8pm at The Hub on Newcastle Street, Riversdale. Meals provided by the Riversdale Waikaia Presbyterian Church. For more contact Sarah on [email protected] 

• Feeling busy, tired and hungry? Come along and join for a free, wholesome meal Wednesday evenings at the Presbyterian Church Complex, Meldrum Street Winton between 6:30pm and 8pm. Running until 21 SEPT. All farming related workers and their families most welcome. 

• South Otago Theatrical Society presents their 2022 production of "I'll be back before Midnight" at the SOTS Theatre on George Street, Balclutha. Running from 12 - 20 August with evening performaces 7:30pm and one matinee 2:30pm on the 14th. They are hosting a pop-up ticket shop at 40b Clyde Street on SAT 6 AUG 10am-noon and TUES 9 AUG 1-3pm. Find them on Facebook for more. 

• Riversdale Bowling Club and Riversdale School Pool are hosting a fundraising Quiz Night on FRI 12 AUG at the Riversdale Community Centre, doors open 6:30pm. EFTPOS, raffles and auction on offer. Teams of 4, just $40. Register on the night. 

• Come along and play in Tuatapere! Active Southland and Southland District Council are coming to Tuatapere for people of all ages to interact and PLAY. Come down to the Tuatapere Domain on FRI 12 AUG for a free BBQ from 3pm-5:30pm. Regional activator Jenna and Open spaces Planner Bridget will be there to speak about open spaces. Come along and tell us what you would like to see in Tuatapere and chat about the new plans for the Railway Station and Main Street. 

• Speight's Bottle Cap Quiz returns to Midlands Rugby Club Rooms on FRI 12 AUG, 7:30pm $10 per person, max 4 per team. Bar will be open. Great raffles on offer and light supper supplied. Questions will be randomly read from both old and new bottle caps. Proceeds to the Central Southland Community Swimming Pool. Pre-registrations/enquiries to Maria Scammell 027 229 2891. 

• The Southland Beer, Wine & Wild Food Festival is on SAT 13 AUG. Come and experience the world’s southernmost craft beer festival at ILT Stadium Southland. Sample some of New Zealand’s finest craft beers, boutique wines and eclectic southern fare while you soak in the atmosphere with live entertainment at this truly unique event. Tickets from www.hopnvine.co.nz. R18. 

• Real NZ is hosting the Glowworm Giveback this SAT 13 AUG. A special night in the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, with the discounted entry, a raffle, and all proceeds going to the Te Anau Fire Brigade. 4:30pm. Tickets $50 for adults and $35 for kids. To book call 0800 65 65 01 or email [email protected] 

• Rugby Southland welcome everyone to Rugby Park this SAT 13 AUG to watch the Stags captains run and meet our team. 10am Captains Run starts. 10.45am - 11.15am (approx) signing and meet and greet. Bring your jerseys and pens for signing.

• Just in time for your spring clear out! Invercargill Toy Library is hosting the Preggy to Primary Jumble Sale on SUN 14 AUG from 10:30am-2pm. Book a $20 table and make some cash from your clutter/donate your unwanted items for us to sell or pencil it in on your calendar and come along to find some new treasure! Gold coin entry for adults on the day. There will be a bouncy castle and play area for the kids, membership deal, face painting, coffee, sweet treats and a sausage sizzle. Find more here or email toylibraryinver[email protected]  

• Gore Musical Theatre is hosting the synopsis for 'Last Boarding Call' on SUN 14 AUG at 5pm in the Ace of Spades (Mersey Street). Come along to find out more about the show, meet the direction team, and ask any questions. Find GMT on Facebook for more too. 

• Come along and play in Te Anau! Regional activator Jenna will be at the Te Anau Community Fun Day on SUN 14 AUG from 11am-3pm. Come down to the pump track to talk about open spaces and ways to support play and being active. Run by Active Southland and Southland District Council. 

• Furever Homes Quiz Night is being held WED 17 AUG at Eastern Suburbs Tavern, 61 Glengarry Cres Invers, 7pm start. Fundraising for Southland Rescue Animals. Raffles, spot prizes and huge prize pool. $20 for a team of 4 (plus item of donated pet food). 

• Miharo Murihiku Polyfest is back MON 22 - FRI 26 AUG. Each year around 7000 tamariki, from babies right up to school-leavers, share the stage at Invercargill’s ILT Stadium Southland at a week-long festival that celebrates the sights and sounds of the Pacific. Find more www.miharo.org.

• The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will perform a selection of the most exciting and beautiful works of the baroque era in Invercargill on TUES 23 AUG. Extravaganza features works by 17th Century baroque masters Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Pietro Locatelli and Jean-Baptiste Lully, groundbreaking composer Claude Bablon and Romantic era violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini. Directed by NZSO Concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppänen and featuring NZSO Assistant Concertmaster and First Violinist Yuka Eguchi. Italian composer and musician Locatelli is considered one of the first virtuoso violinists, who extended what the instrument could do. Extravaganza highlights Locatelli’s technical flair with two short pieces of music, known as caprices, from his Art of the Violin. Inspired by Locatelli, the great 18th and 19th Century violinist Paganini wrote 24 Caprices for Solo Violin. Among Italian-born French composer Lully’s many achievements, he was a major composer of comédie-ballet, a genre which fused a traditional comedic play with large chunks of music and dance. Extravaganza features several works from Lully, including his best-known Monsieur de Pourceaugnac, with text by his good friend and frequent collaborator, the great French playwright Moliére. Fellow Frenchman Charpentier, who also worked with Moliére, was considered the most important French composer of his generation. Extravaganza features several of his works, including the revered Te Deum. The concert opens with a groundbreaking timpani work by Claude Bablon, written for the court of the Sun King, Louis XIV. It is one of the first pieces of music written for the timpani drum as a solo instrument and in Extravaganza it will be performed by NZSO Section Principal Timpani Laurence Reese.

• Men’s Muster Fiordland is on THURS 25 - SAT 27 AUG. Being a bloke is hard, but we may have a better way to make it easier (and have lots of fun!) whilst learning some great tips and tricks to improve health, in the ethos of Men’s Health Week. Event Website: www.mensmuster.com

• Southland Hug a Rig Day is back SAT 20 AUG at the new venue Southern Field Days site, 12pm-3pm. Taking people of all ages with special needs or life long medical conditions. For a ride in a Big Rig, Classic Car or Hot Rod. Raffles available on the day. Anyone wanting to volunteer their time, truck or car please contact Dianne 027 773 2700. Check out Southland Hug a Rig Day on FB. 

• International sensations The Wiggles are coming to ILT Stadium Southland for two massive shows MON 29 AUG, 10am & 1pm. Tamariki 12 months and under are free on the knee! Jump online at Ticketek New Zealand or visit the venue for more and to book. 

• Hospice Southland is hosting an event "Of Course You Can Do - Now Ya Know". An evening of demonstrations by Chef Ethan Flack, fashion designer Barbara Miles of 'Two Blonde Bobs', make-up artist Claudia Young Blomfield, and Becky Evans of 'The Liberty Project Jewellery'. At Ascot Park Hotel on SUN 28 AUG, 2pm. $45 per person, or table of 10 for $400. Bubbles on arrival, goodie bag and shared platters. Tickets available from Yarrow St Hospice Shop, the venue or www.hospicesouthland.co.nz. Find more on their FB page. 

• The Paul and Paul Comedy Night is coming to Tapanui! Two of NZ's best comedians, Paul Ego and Paul Douglas will be at West Otago Community Centre on FRI 2 SEPT, 8pm. A fundraiser for the Blue Mountain College Tour 2024. Tickets just $40. Tables of 10 or small groups available. Get yours now from the BMC office, or find more on the Facebook page here. Cash bar, raffles and auction. 

• Invercargill Rocking with the Stars is on SAT 10 SEPT. A fundraiser for the Invercargill Rock 'n' Roll Club and Southland Charity Hospital at ILT Stadium Southland. Find more here. 

• The Boss Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show is back in Invercargill SUN 18 SEPT at the Civic Theatre, 7:30pm. Find more and get tickets here: https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=THEBOSS20&fbclid=IwAR0Zh5kAke-jvGiniecucTNCqVPXJOfRpsHWktEIGJqmAZy1EI_Ot2cWTWE. 

• Youth Expo Southland is being held SAT 24 SEPT at SIT Zero Fees Velodrome, Surrey Park Invercargill 11am-4pm. Free entry, free food, free entertainment and plenty of information to be shared. 

• Blind Low Vision is hosting a fundraiser Dining in the Dark on FRI 30 SEPT at Ascot Park Hotel. Doors open 6pm for 7pm dinner. $65pp includes drink on arrival and two-course dinner, followed by music from Jae and Mariam Bedford. Tickets on sale through the venue. Organised by Liz Anstice who was diagnosed with low vision 12 years ago. She worked for 10 years at the Ascot Park Hotel’s kitchen and two years ago she decided to leave her comfort zone and applied for a position at Nichol’s Garden Cafe. Joined forces with Para athlete Hannah Pascoe for this event. Tables of nine people who would be blindfolded to have an experience living in their world for the evening. "The minute you walk in your eyes will be turned off. You will need to trust the people that are around you."

• Southland Society of Model Engineers presents the Great Little Train Show on Labour Weekend SAT 22 - SUN 23 OCT. At the SSME Club Grounds, Surrey Park Invercargill. 10am-4pm both days. Model and hobby displays featuring planes, boats, trains, RC buggies and retailers. Outside train rides $2. Entry $8 for adults and kids up to 14yrs $2. Family pass $15. EFTPOS available. Back on after COVID cancelled last years show. Same fantastic format as previous years, starting in the two badminton halls beside the club, that's 10 courts full of layouts, displays and retailers, then flowing out into grounds for the two club scale layouts, ride-on trains, boats on the pond and r/c off-road displays on a grass track.

• Mataura Scouts are back with their annual fundraiser Motoring Mad Car Show and Cruise on SAT 19 NOV. The show 9am-2pm at Tulloch Park, Mataura. $10 per car, register on the day. Cruise starts after 2pm. Spectators just a gold coin donation. Keep an eye on the Motoring Mad FB page for updates. For more you can call John on 027 208 3303. To express interest in a stall email [email protected] Great family day out.  
  
  
  
  
  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.