What's On Mid Canterbury

  • 200 local students years 4 to 8 from 13 different primary and intermediate schools will take to the Ashburton Event Centre stage for Heartland Bank Schools’ Music Festival TUES 16 – THURS 18 JUN. Musical director Kerrin Corcoran said the festival is a great opportunity for schools to showcase their character and individual talents. There’s a different set of four or five of schools involved each night, performing individually and as a massed choir. Each night starts at 7.30pm.Tickets cost $20 and are available from the venue.

        • June 16: Ashburton Christian School, Ashburton Intermediate, Mount Somers Springburn, Methven, Our Lady of the Snows and Representative Choir.

        • June 17: Allenton, Ashburton Borough, Hampstead, Hinds and Representative Choir.

        • June 18: AshburtonNetherby, Mayfield, St Joseph’s,Wakanuiand Representative Choir.

  • Gather your team and get ready for a fun-filled night of trivia, laughs, and great prizes at the Citizens Advice Bureau Quiz Night & Fundraiser on THURS 18 JUN. At Joe’s Garage, starting 7pm. $50 per table (teams of 4–6 people). There’ll be raffles on the night, and every dollar raised goes towards supporting the Citizen Advice Bureau Mid-Canterbury. To book your table, email vicki@thenetworkers.co.nz. Don’t miss a great night out for a fantastic cause! 
  • Methven Lions and Methven Medical Centre are hosting a Men’s Health Night FRI 19 JUN at the Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, starting at 7pm. There will be walks and self-checks. The evening will cover blood pressure, glucose, skin cancer, heart and men's health and alcohol and health. A light supper will be served. 
  • The Fire & Ice Hot Air Balloon Glow and Laser Festival is on SAT 20 JUN from 3pm to 8pm. Back at the Methven A&P Showgrounds. 14 balloonists from across NZ will be lifting off, along with entertainment from Brad Staley, and a special Kids Zone with Event Hire. Tickets $25 adults, $10 children. Get yours from adventureballoonsnzltd.rezdy.com OR listen to Hokonui Breakfast this week for your chance to win!  
  • 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.  
  • Ashburton Model Aero Club annual mid winter invitational fly-in weekend SAT 27 and SUN 28 JUN at Harris Scientific Reserve, Lovetts Rd, Tinwald. Open to spectators from 9am to 4.30pm, each day. If wet, it will be postponed to the weekend July 4 and 5. 
  • Rakaia Ploughing Match Association Centennial Match is on SAT 27 JUN. A full day ploughing followed by an evening dinner and celebration at the Rakaia Rugby Clubrooms. 
  • Ladies! Ever thought about giving competitive paintball a go? Here’s your chance. A special Women in Paintball Coaching Weekend is coming up the weekend FRI 3 – SUN 5 JUL. At Lake Hood Paintball Park, designed to introduce and support women in the sport—whether you’ve never picked up a marker or you’re keen to take things to the next level. They’re excited to welcome a highly experienced female paintball player from Australia, who’ll be sharing her knowledge, talking about the challenges women face in the sport, and helping grow the game locally. Friday Afternoon/Evening will include field layout walkthroughs and tactical planning sessions. Then full-day coaching clinics Sat and Sun, including dedicated “Never Ever Played” beginner session for first-timers. The best part? Coaching is completely FREE — you’ll just need to cover paintballs, which are heavily discounted for the weekend, $80 for 2000 paintballs (normally $10 per 100!). This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and be part of growing women’s participation in paintball right here in Mid Canterbury. 
  • Matariki star gazing with Ashburton Astronomy Group is back SAT 4 JULY at Argyle Park from 5.45am until 7am. Free public viewing of the star cluster, weather permitting. All welcome. 
  • 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 ready to test your fitness and have some fun at the Ashburton Rowing Club's Erg (Indoor) Rowing Challenge! Set down for the Shed at Lake Hood on SAT 18 JULY at 10am, this event is perfect for both newcomers and experienced rowers. Whether you’re keen to compete, try something new, or challenge your mates and whānau, there’s something for everyone. Participants can enter as individuals or teams, with 1km and 2km race options available. Teams of four (male, female, or mixed) can decide how they split the 2km distance, adding a strategic twist to the competition. Categories include Male Under 18 & Senior and Female Under 19 & Senior. New to rowing? No worries — introductory training and a guided programme are available for early bird entrants, helping you learn correct technique and get the most out of the rowing machine. Rowing is a low-impact, full-body workout that builds strength and endurance — and this event is designed to be fun, social, and welcoming for all abilities. Plus, there are prizes up for grabs! Individual entry just $45, and teams of 4: $180. Registrations close FRI 17 JULY (discounts on offer for early birds who get in before FRI 3 JULY). Find more and register at https://www.sporty.co.nz/ashburtonrowing/events/erg-challenge, email ARCergchallenge@gmail.com, or check out Ashburton Rowing Club on Facebook.
  • A first for Ashburton! The Mid Canterbury Tri and Multi-Sport Club E‑Sport Arena Championship hits the EA Networks Centre SUN 26 JUL. Combining swimming, cycling, running, and cutting-edge technology in a high-energy, spectator-friendly arena environment. Athletes will take on a unique three-stage challenge: a 250 metre pool swim, a 10 kilometre Zwift ride, and a 2.5 kilometre treadmill run, all backed by live results and an electric atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a social participant, or just keen to give something new a go, there are individual and team options, with youth (12+) and adult divisions. Best of all – all abilities are welcome. First race gets underway at 9:00am. For entries and full event info: 
    www.mctriandmultisport.co.nz. For enquiries, contact the Mid Canterbury Triathlon & Multisport Club via their website or social media pages. Swim. Ride. Run. Compete. Anyone. Everyone. Epic. 
  • Wakanui School and Fairton schools are planning for milestone events later this year. Wakanui will celebrate its 150th anniversary from September 17 to 19. Organisers are planning a range of events from a drama, telling the history of the school, to a game of hockey. Register for more information email penny@wakanui.school.nz. Meanwhile Fairton School is planning its 125th anniversary with events also set for September 18. Registrations via office@fairtonschool.nz 

  

ONGOING

  • 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 is free entry. 
  • 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 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’s a 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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