What's On Mid Canterbury

  • Join Ashburton Scout Group for a Jamboree Bingo Fundraiser Night on FRI 22 MAY. An exciting evening of bingo, raffles, prizes, and great company. For just $20, you’ll enjoy 20 rounds of bingo (2 cards), plus silent rounds and super prize games, with plenty of chances to win big. Pre-order a platter to share (small $20, large $40), and enjoy additional food, drinks, raffles, and extra bingo sheets available for purchase on the night. At Mania-O-Roto Scout Park, Chalmers Ave. Doors open 6pm. Please note this is a 18+ event (EFTPOS available, no cash prizes). All proceeds go toward helping our scouts get to Jamboree camp in Hamilton—so bring your friends and make a night of it! Email jamboreefundraising4@gmail.com or call Russell 027 254 5122.  
  • International astronomer Professor Wayne Orchiston will speak on Meteorites of New Zealand at a public meeting hosted by the Ashburton Astronomy Club. At Ashburton Christian School SAT 23 MAY 7.30pm. All welcome, cost $5 per person. 
  • Friends of Methven Primary School is hosting a fundraiser of “The Bitches Box - Episode 4” on SAT 23 MAY at Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, Methven. From 5:30pm. A Night of fun, laughter and drinks + an Auction of Promises. First time EVER in Methven — so rally your crew and lock in your tickets now! Find more and book here.  
  • Mid Canterbury Black and Coloured Sheep Breeders have teamed up with Ashburton Creative Fibre for the chance to ‘have a go’ this SAT 23 MAY. Come and talk to sheep breeders and members of the creative fibre group about turning fleeces into material for use in spinning, weaving, knitting and crocheting. There will be fleeces for sale. The day is about showing the process a fleece goes through from being shorn and then going through a process of washing, carding, spinning or felting and being turned into yarn for creating with. From 10am to 3pm at Mania-O-Roto Scout Den, Chalmers Ave. Cost $2 per person includes a cuppa and biscuit.
  • The Ashburton Club & MSA proudly presents an evening with “VIAMI MICE” on SAT 23 MAY — a Nelson-based glam/hair metal covers band delivering a full-throttle night of 1980s excess. Expect big riffs, massive choruses, outrageous energy and even bigger hair, as VIAMI MICE tear through the greatest hits of Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Guns N’ Roses, Poison, Mötley Crüe, AC/DC, Van Halen and more. If you’ve ever owned a leather jacket, teased your hair, or cranked a cassette deck to max volume — this is your night. The show kicks off at 8pm, with tickets $30, available from the club. Be quick — numbers are limited. Phone: (03) 308 7149 or email: office@ashburtonclub.co.nz.  

  • Mid Canterbury Vintage Machinery Club and Hinds each have their annual ploughing matches this month. The vintage machinery club at Paton’s property on Wakanui School Rd on SAT 23 MAY, and Hinds at the Lowe property 815 Winslow Rd, Hinds on SUN 24 MAY. Both events start at 10.30am. Spectators welcome.

  • Looking to add a little more love (and mischief!) to your home? Head along to the Puss n Boots Kitten Adoption Day this SAT 23 MAY, and meet a range of adorable kittens ready for their forever homes. Run by Puss N Boots Kitty Rescue in partnership with Canterbury Vets, this is your chance to cuddle, connect, and adopt. Whether you’re after a playful explorer or a snuggly lap companion, there will be plenty of furry faces to fall in love with. 1:00pm – 3:00pm at Canterbury Vets, 363 West Street. Adoption fees apply. All kittens have been cared for and are ready to start their next chapter with you. For more information, find Puss n Boots on Facebook.  
  • Ashburton Speedway is set to come alive SUN 24 MAY for the RWD Series Quarter Midgets Champs. It’s going to be a big day of action on the track, with gates opening bright and early at 8am. Scrutineering runs from 8am through to 10:45am sharp, followed by the drivers’ briefing at 11:30am, and racing gets underway from midday. Alongside the Quarter Midget Champs, there’ll be plenty of entertainment with other grades in action including Production Saloons, Adult Ministocks, Youth Ministocks, Streetsocks, C Grade, Midgets and Six Cylinder Sprintcars. For competitors, please note you must hold a full CTRA licence and membership to compete in the title event, and all children under 14 must wear a hi-vis vest while in the pits. Make a day of it and get trackside for some thrilling grassroots motorsport. For more details, check out Ashburton Speedway on social media.
  • U3A Hakatere/Ashburton (for LifeLong Learning) is hosting structural engineer Helen Trappitt on the aftermath of disaster in Christchurch - repairing, strengthening and creating new hope. Helen’s presentation will focus on the post-earthquake reinstatement of selected buildings in Christchurch covering a broad range of structural forms and construction methods. On TUES 26 MAY. Doors open 9:30am, lecture begins at 10:15am. Casual visitors $10.  
  • Tinwald Garden Club’s next meeting is THURS 28 MAY, 2pm. At the Hall the corner of Grahams Road and Thomson Street. Raffles, speeches, displays. All visitors very welcome.  
  • Matariki is being celebrated at Ashburton Museum with a new immersive exhibition titled ‘Matariki herenga waka: A mooring place for all canoes’. There will be waka hourua decorated by students of Ashburton Intermediate School which ‘sail’ through the space, representing Whakatere Ashburton as a community of many ‘canoes’: diverse people and identities who call Mid Canterbury home. The interactive exhibition of light and sound opens FRI 29 MAY at 6pm. Free entry. It has been coincided to open alongside the Glow in the Park event happening in the Ashburton Domain. 

  • EA Networks Glow in the Park returns Kings Birthday weekend. The three-day event is brought to town by Ashburton District Council. Runs daily FRI 29 – SUN 31 MAY from 5pm to 10pm. Find more here.

  • Step aboard for a regal railway adventure this King’s Birthday weekend! Experience the charm of a bygone era with The Plains Vintage Railway at The Plains Heritage Park. Climb aboard a beautifully restored steam train and ride like a king for the price of a pauper, enjoying unlimited rides all day with a single ticket. Running SAT 30 and SUN 31 MAY (same weekend as Glow in the Park),this is the perfect chance to soak up history, explore the heritage park, and enjoy a classic rail journey the whole family will love. Don’t miss out—you’d be a right charlie to miss it!

  • Celebrating 150 years of education in the Foothills area over King’s Birthday Weekend, SAT 30 and SUN 31 MAY. All past and present students, teachers, principals, staff, and committee members from Mt Somers Springburn, Mt Somers, Springburn, Alford Forest, and Bushside Schools are warmly invited to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate shared schooling history. Saturday will include a meet and greet, light lunch, decade photos. In the evening a dine and dance will be held at the Hotel Ashburton. Then on Sunday, the Mt Somers & Staveley Museum and the old school house will be open for viewing before a sausage sizzle at the Mt Somers Rugby Club clubrooms. They are hoping for a crowd of around 150, with registrations coming from as far away as the United Kingdom, Australia and the North Island. Registrations are now closed. Enquiries to Max Alexander – 027 211 8960.
  • Let Dynamic Gymnastic Sports take care of the kids with the Parents Night Off fundraiser! SAT 30 MAY 4:30–8:30pm for an action-packed evening of gymnastics, trampoline, parkour, pizza, popcorn and a movie. Their experienced coaches will keep the kids entertained while parents enjoy a night off. Just $35 per child. At Ashburton Racecourse. Supporting local athletes heading to Nationals in Tauranga. To book or for more info, please message them directly via Facebook.  
  • The Ashburton Trotting Club is hosting its King's Birthday meeting SUN 31 MAY. This is the club's last meeting of the season, and includes a number of feature races including Rakaia Seed Cleaning Sapling Stakes, Helen Pope Memorial, Rural Business Accountants Champion Stakes, and Gallagher Insurance Winter Cup. Plenty of kids’ entertainment including the balloon lady and Dynamic Gymnastics open. 
  • Dynamic Gymnastics is hosting an Open Day on SUN 31 MAY at Ashburton Racecourse (Gate 5, Racecourse Road). 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Enjoy access to trampolines and gymnastics equipment. Just $10 per hour, Under 5s – $5 (cash only). Hour starts when you arrive. Please wear appropriate clothing (no zips, buckles, jeans or jewellery) and bring clean socks. All funds raised go towards helping the Dynamic Trampoline Team travel to nationals in Tauranga. Bring the family and support the team!
  • Nominations are being sought for the arable industry’s best and brightest for the annual industry awards. Now held every second year, he seven open categories are; Maize Grower of the Year; Cereal Grower of the Year; Seed Grower of the Year; Agronomist of the Year; Innovation; Positive Environmental Impact; Working Together. The 2025-26 season wasn’t the easiest, with weather issues including wet conditions during harvest in some regions, but this doesn’t diminish growers’ skills and effort. New Zealand grain and seed growers are some of the best in the world, and now it’s time to celebrate them. Nominations for the seven categories close MON 1 JUN, via the website, www.arableawards.co.nz. The Arable Farmer of the Year is selected from the three grower awards winners - cereal, seed and maize - while inductees to the Arable Hall of Fame are chosen by the awards’ organising committee. Tickets for the awards dinner, at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, Wigram, on August 20, are also available now from the awards website. 
  • Get your team together for a night of fun, facts and fabulous outfits at The Big Dress‑Up Quiz! Hosted by Connecting Mid Canterbury, this lively quiz night invites teams to pick a theme, dress the part and bring their best brains. On FRI 5 JUN at the Ashburton Seniors Centre, 206 Cameron Street. Doors open at 5:30pm, with the quiz kicking off at 6:30pm. Teams of six people can enter for $15 per person. Expect a great night out, with prizes for the best dressed team and top quiz scorers, plus raffles and spot prizes. Supper is provided, and it’s BYO drinks. All funds raised support the charities Keep Learning Mid Canterbury and MC TimeBank, helping strengthen learning and community connections across the region. Book in by email to Kate@connectingmc.org 
  • BCITO, in conjunction with Ashburton College, is hosting a Trades Secrets event to showcase careers in the building and construction industry. Come along WED 10 JUN, from 6pm to 8pm at Ashburton College, 27 Walnut Avenue (Rangitata Block). This free event is a great opportunity to learn how to get qualified without a student loan, chat one-on-one with training advisors, and hear from employers and apprentices already working in the trades. Kai will also be provided. To book your spot, head to tradesecrets.nz. For more information, contact John Moore on 027 230 8102. 
  • CanBead Mid and South Canterbury are calling for stallholders for their fundraising artisan market. The event, at the Tinwald Hall, on Graham St, is an annual fundraiser for the illness, trauma and loss support group. It is on SUN 14 JUN from 11am to 3pm. To book a $40 site email charlene@caninspire.org.nz 
  • Get ready for a magical mid‑winter night at the Mt Somers Winter Ball. It’s back SAT 20 JUN at the Mt Somers Memorial Hall, 64 Hoods Road. Doors open from 8pm, with live music from Nick & Dan, a sparkles theme, and a great night of dancing guaranteed. Tickets are $70, with supper provided, a cash bar available, and no BYO. This is an R18 event and always a popular night out on the Mt Somers social calendar. Enquiries & tickets via Mt Somers Winter Ball organisers / Mt Somers Store.  
  • Train lovers of all ages are invited to the Ashburton Model Train Show, rolling back into the Tinwald Memorial Hall the weekend SAT 4 and SUN 5 JULY. 10:00am – 4:00pm both days. Jump aboard and explore an impressive range of detailed model train displays, showcasing incredible craftsmanship and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just looking for a great family outing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Adults: $10, Children: $3, and Family (2 adults, 2 children): $20. With food available and EFTPOS on site, it’s an easy and enjoyable day out for the whole family. For more information, visit: www.ashburtontrainshow.co.nz 
  • Get involved in the Ashburton Rowing Club’s Erg (Indoor Rowing) Challenge, happening at the ARC Shed at Lake Hood SAT 18 JULY from 10am. Participants can take on either a 1km or 2km challenge, with categories for male and female competitors (under 18 and senior), as well as team events (male, female or mixed teams of four). Teams can decide how to complete their 2km relay. This event is open to all fitness levels, and training support is available for first-timers, including coaching and introductory sessions for those new to the rowing erg. Entry fees: $45 for individuals or $180 per team of four. Entries close FRI 17 JULY (early bird training opportunities available for those who register earlier). To register or find out more, email arcergchallenge@gmail.com or check out Ashburton Rowing Club on Facebook.  

  

ONGOING

  • Did you know that Mid Canterbury Netball run walking netball on a Tuesday? It's low impact exercise and a lot of fun! It's netball with a few rule alterations - no running or jumping allowed, but you do get a bit more time with the ball and you won't get pulled up if you take an extra step... Whether you're a retired player wanting to get back in to it, or if you've never played netball before but want to have a go - this is for you!! All ages and all abilities - you're never too old to start. Why not come along and give it a crack this week? There's 2 time options - 9.30am or 5.30pm - and the first game is free! Netball MC would love to see you. 
  • CanBead is marking its 15 year anniversary by launching a fundraising campaign on Givealittle to raise $20,000. It’s to keep their workshops running and extend their reach to more kiwis who need them. The charity, founded by Sarah Clifford of Ashburton, offers free creative therapy workshops to people facing illness, trauma, and loss. It started as a quiet act of personal healing as she went through melanoma treatment; she make one necklace every day. Those necklaces were auctioned and the proceeds used to launch CanBead. It is now a nationwide movement of creativity, compassion, and community. Last year, more than 1400 took up the option. CanBead — officially the CanInspire Charitable Trust — works with other registered charities to reach people through organisations they already trust. To donate givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-us-celebrate-15-years-of-canbead 
  • Ashburton Writers’ Group members have put together their second anthology of interesting tales. It’s called Group Therapy: The Sequel. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Mid Canterbury Riding for the Disabled. The anthology showcased the ‘‘wonderful and wide-ranging pieces’’ of members, as well as short stories from the top three writers in each category of the annual Ashburton short story competition. Writers’ group members were encouraged to submit their best story or two from topics given at meetings during the year for inclusion in the book. Nine members took up the challenge and submitted 31 stories, each up to 500 words. Youngest member Meghan Nish, 14, also illustrated the front cover. The group did their first anthology about five years ago, and following its success decided to repeat the process. Group Therapy: The Sequel costs $20 per book and can be purchased via the Ashburton Writer’s Group Facebook page or via Nigel Dean on 027 232 8174. 
  • Hotel Ashburton has a new card group. You're welcome to come along every TUES for 500 and Euchre, starting 1:30pm. Entry $3. Cards and Board Games on FRI starting 1:30pm, gold coin donation. You're welcome to join a lunch held beforehand. Then FRI evenings join in fun Housie. Doors open 6:30pm, first call 7:15pm. Cards from $2. 
  • Litter Free Ashburton holds its group litter collection on the second THURS of each month, meeting 1:30pm on the corner of SH1 and Havelock Street near the former library. It is looking for more members. If you can help, please inquire via the Litter Free Ashburton FB page or simply turn up at the meeting. Resources supplied. 
  • Kai's Up offers a free meal for anyone - no judgement, no criteria. Every THURS (yes, even in the rain), 6pm in The Catholic Church carpark, corner of Havelock and Park Street. Feel free to bring your own containers. Meal, hot/cold drink, sweet treat provided. Stick around and eat on site, or bring your own container and take home to eat. Families welcome. Thank you to all the volunteers behind the scenes that make this happen. Follow Kai’s Up on FB.

 

  • Join the global movement that is Parkrun! Every SAT starting 8am, take a jog from Walnut Ave through our stunning Domain. If running or walking isn't your thing, you could consider volunteering. They need people in a variety of roles including: photographers, first timer welcome, time keepers, pre event course check, course marshals, tail walkers, report writers, barcode scanners, finisher tokens, warm up leaders, course setup and close down. If you are interested or would like to find out more, search for "Ashburton Domain" on Park Run website or email ashburtondomain@parkrun.com. Run, walk, volunteer!!
  • Need something signed by a Justice of the Peace? JPs are available every TUES and FRI at their new spot in the Ashburton Library. Pop in between 12pm-2pm, no appointment needed. 

  • Mid Canterbury Citizens Advice Bureau is now offering drop-in sessions at the Ashburton Library every WED from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

  • Need help with your phone,tablet, laptop or other digital devices? Ashburton District Council has friendly digi coaches back at the Ashburton Library. Whether it's setting up an app,troubleshooting a tech issue, or learning something new, come in and sit down with a digi coach. They are available Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 1-3pm. No booking needed, just drop in.

 

  • Need a van? Does your sports club, dance club, social club or school go on trips or outings as a group, and you would like to travel together? Community House has a 12 seater van available for hire. For more details or to book please visit the website https://www.communityhousemc.co.nz. You can also give them a call 03 308 1237, or email reception@communityhousemc.co.nz. 
  • Hampstead Sports Club is back hosting Housie! Come along for a night of fun, laughs, and the chance to win some great prizes. On every TUES, doors open at 6:30pm, with Housie starting 7pm. At Hampstead Sports Club off Bridge Street. New faces are always welcome — it’s a great way to catch up with friends and start the year with a bit of excitement. Don’t miss out — fun, prizes, and laughter guaranteed! Find more on the Hampstead Sports Club NZ Facebook page.
  • Rakaia Sunday Market and "Art & All" museum and antiques is on every first and third SUN of the month (weather permitting). On the corner of Railway Tce West & Rolleston Street - Near the dog park. 10am-3pm. Plenty of parking. Please bring  cash, although there is some EFTPOS available. Food, entertainment, arts &crafts, farm fresh meat, baking, plants & compost and fishing gear all on offer. If you wish to sell - single stall $20, double $40. Food vendors also welcome. To find out more and book your spot call 0224192781.

  • Citizens Advice Bureau Mid Canterbury are celebrating having 500 entries in their community directory.It’sa free resource for people who are looking for information and groups within the district from starting a new sport or hobby, hire a hall for an event or need support from a social service. Access via ashburton.cab.org.nz

  • A flood warning text-alert service is available in Ashburton, giving residents early notice when rivers start to rise and there is a risk of flooding. Canterbury Regional Councilsaysthe system – available on 12 river floodplains across the region – provided a crucial extra layer of early warning and can make a life-changing difference for people living or working near rivers.These text alerts give people precious time to prepare – time to move stock, shift equipment, protect property, and keep their families safe.The free opt-in service sends automated text messages when river flows reach thresholds that may result in flooding. Residents can sign up by texting the relevant river name to 3730. When the selected river reaches a critical flow threshold, subscribers receive an early-warning text. To opt out, text cancel to 3730.

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