What's On Mid Canterbury

  • Downsizing or decluttering over the break? Consider donating good quality pre-loved furniture, clothing, jewellery, homewares and books to the St John Op Shop! They also welcome manchester, mirrors and artwork. Help them help you, as all sales raise money for Ambulances & Medical Support Staff. You can drop donations to the shop during open hours 129 Tancred St (opposite Westpac Bank), or they can collect/deliver. Call to book 307 4221. 

 

  • Downsizing or Moving over the Summer holidays? Whether downsizing, moving into care or clearing out a loved one's home, the task can be daunting. Mid Canterbury Hospice can pick up and collect all unwanted items such as furniture, bedding, clothing & shoes, homeware & small appliances. All donated goods are sold with proceeds used to provide support and services to locals with a life-limiting illness. Keeping it local, the Hospice Shop on Tancred Street. Contact Janis or Nicole 3078387. 

  • Are you a knitter? Got some time to pay it forward over the break? Maternity Services at Christchurch Women’s Hospital is calling for donations of knitted hats, singlets, cardigans and blankets for full-term babies weighing between 2.5kg and 4.5 kg (5lb-10lb). Donations can be sent or dropped off to the Maternity Ward, Level 5, Christchurch Women’s Hospital. Include your name and contact details if you wish. 

  

  • Ashburton Vintage Car Club has their Museum and Parts Shed open every SAT 10am-12pm. You can find them at 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald. Approx 30 veteran vintage and classic cars and motorcycles from 1906 to 1970s. Plus much more motoring memorabilia on display. Parts available from the parts shed. Museum open at other times on request. Phone Les Bennett 308 4705 or 027 612 1160. 

 

  • 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. 

 

  • 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!!
  • In addition to the above, Ashburton Parkrun now invites Nordic pole walkers! Bring your poles for a pace each SAT, starting Jan 24th. All welcome! 
  • 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 on Wednesdays 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. 
  • Dairy Women’s Network is now calling for nominations for the next Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award. This is a great chance to recognise women who are not only making a difference on their farms, in their businesses, or in their communities, but who are also inspiring others to lead, connect, and contribute to a better future for the dairy sector. For many recipients it is about more than recognition, it enables new opportunities, connections, and growth. Mid Canterbury’s Frances Beeston was a finalist for the award this year, just pipped by Jo Sheridan. The award also opens up opportunities in the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. Applications close end of Feb. For more information on or to nominate, visit https://www.dwn.co.nz/fonterra-dairy-woman-of-the-year/ 
  • Kids home for the School Holidays? Looking after the grandchildren? If you're in need of some fun holiday ideas that are cheap (most of the time even free) and easy, check out the Ashburton District Council's Summer What's On Guide! This action-packed activity guide can be downloaded from the Council website, or pop into any Council facility (Library, Art Gallery and Museum or EA Networks Centre) and pick up a hard copy.
  • 2026 Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School is Broadway Bound! Back for it’s 26th year, this collection of summer school students is again set to entertain with fabulous singing and dancing with a Broadway theme. Tutored by Jo Castelow and Sarah Hart, it’s an opportunity not to be missed. Young people aged 9 to 22-years-old are invited to enrol at www.mcsss.co.nz. The school runs from January 12 to 17 at the Ashburton Event Centre. It is a fun-filled week where lifetime friends are made and singers will be part of an incredible musical theatre production. 
  • Mid Canterbury Rugby are looking for more match officials for their 2026 games. If you love rugby, enjoy being right and have the best seats in the house every week being a referee might just suit you. All enquiries nathan@midcanterburyrugby.co.nz 
  • Nominations are being sought for the 2024-25 Rakaia Sports Awards. Nominees can be administrators, coaches, judges or players. They’re also after names of long-standing supporters of sport in Rakaia that could join their list of legends. You can email your suggestions to rakaiasportsawards@gmail.com. 
  • Embrace the outdoors with Forest & Bird’s Kiwi Conservation Club’s summer adventure challenges. Swap screen time for green time through five fun, easy-to-do nature-based challenges. All easy activities which can be done locally, and there’s some great prizes up for grabs. To join in on the fun and get more information, visit Forest & Bird’s Summer Adventure Challenges - forestandbird.org.nz/ summer-adventure-challenges-2025-2026.
  • The Great Santa Hunt continues these school holidays across the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, Ashburton library and EA Networks Centre. Find all the Santas, figure out the mystery phrase, and complete the entry form to go in the draw to win a prize! Find more in the Ashburton District Council’s Summer What’s On Guide which you can download online, or pick up a hard copy from any Council facility. Happy hunting!  
  • A sparkly display of all things Christmas is on at 27 Wakanui Rd, open FRI and SAT from 3pm – 9pm. Then from FRI 19 DEC until WED 24 DEC, daily from 3pm to 10pm. Entry free. 
  • The Altrusa Christmas Tree of Remembrance is back up in Ashburton Arcade. Make a $2 donation to place a star on the tree to remember those not with us this Christmas. All proceeds go to support local palliative care. Catch the team 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday, and Saturday 10am - 2pm. The tree will remain up until MON 22 DEC. For more call Helen 0274 213 723. 
  • Get a photo with Santa this Christmas! Santa will be at Paper Plus Ashburton on East Street from 10am - 2pm SAT 20 until WED 24 DEC. You can also catch Santa with the team from The Photo Shop in Ashburton Arcade, available 11am - 2pm across the same dates. 

  • Ashburton Raceway is set to make history with the first-ever Harness 5000 Race Day on SUN 21 DEC. This landmark event promises an exciting day of top-class harness racing alongside a wide range of entertainment for all ages. With free admission, families and friends are invited to enjoy a full day at the races, with the first race starting at 11:55am. Racegoers can look forward to live music, food carts, the Punters Club, a chance to win a $500 bonus bet, and relaxed picnic options including a family picnic area and car boot picnic spaces. Children will be well catered for with dedicated entertainment such as Santa Claus, dynamic gymnastic sports, a bouncy castle, balloon animals, and face painting. Combining thrilling racing action with a festive, family-friendly atmosphere, the Harness 5000 Race Day is shaping up to be a standout summer event at Ashburton Raceway and a celebration not to be missed.

  • Expanding on the above, Dynamic Gymnastics is hosting an open day Sports at the Races SUN 21 DEC from 1pm-4pm. Drop your youngsters off while you go watch the races or get on top of some last minute Christmas shopping. Go to Gate 5 at the Racecourse. $10 entry, or $5 for the under 5s. 
  • Final Rakaia Sunday Market of the year is on SUN 21 DEC. Head to the corner of Railway Terrace West and Rolleston St, between 10am-3pm, for last minute Christmas gifts. 
  • Revved up for the Methven Hot Rod and Classic Car Show back SAT 27 DEC. Up to 300 vehicles are expected for show day with car enthusiasts coming from far and wide in support of the Methven Fire Brigade. All makes and models, street machines, classic cars and even motorbikes. Catch the action near the Blue Pub, from 10am to 3pm. Just $5 entry for adults, children under 12 free. 
  • There's plenty of holiday fun for the whole family at Plains Railway & Historical Museum. They’re open SUN 28 DEC, 4 and 11 JAN, from 11am – 4pm with train rides running every half hour.  Stroll through the Museum Village and view working displays of vintage machinery. Admire the Blacksmith at work. There’s free outdoor games and activities for the kids. Find the Plains at 20 Maronan Road, Tinwald. 
  • Help save lives this Summer. NZ Blood is hosting a blood donation event at Hotel Ashburton TUES 30 & WED 31 DEC. By taking a small amount of time to donate, you could help save up to three lives. Make a real difference for patients in need across Aotearoa. Bookings are essential. Visit nzblood.co.nz or call 0800 448 325 to book your appointment. Every donation counts—thank you for your support.  
  • Methven Summer School returns JAN 6-11 2026. Six days of arty, craftie, foodie and lifestyle courses to ‘involve, inform and inspire’ held at Mt Hutt College in Methven.Come and learn a new skill, hobby or craft! Book your course online at https://www.methvensummerschool.co.nz/courses. Early bird prices end FRI 28 NOV. For more contact 027 858 0912. 
  • Get ready to cut loose! Variety Theatre Ashburton is bringing Footloose The Musical to the Event Centre stage in May. Packed with iconic hits, electrifying choreography, and a story that celebrates freedom, rebellion, and the power of dance. Directed by Alice Sollis, with musical direction by Jo Castelow and choreography by Jessie Thomson, this dynamic team is ready to bring the rhythm and heart of Footloose to life. Auditions are being held the weekend SAT 24 and SUN 25 JAN. To register, email: vtaauditions@gmail.com.  
  • Mid Canterbury Rugby is hosting a Masters Golf Tournament on SAT 25 JAN at Ashburton Golf Club. A chance for our rugby community to reconnect in the new year and enjoy time together before the season gets underway. The format is 3-player Ambrose. Team entries are now open. To register, email Jack@midcanterburyrugby.co.nz.  
  • Get your swing on in support of Te Whānau O Hakaterē Kapa Haka! They’re hosting a fun-filled Golf Fundraiser on SAT 1 FEB at Tinwald Golf Club. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just keen for a great day out, all are welcome to support our kapa haka roopu. Check-in from 11:30am | Tee-off at 12pm. $60 per person | 4-person Ambrose format. Hāngī included. Great raffles & prizes up for grabs.  Proudly supported by Stone Arts Carving and Tinwald Golf Club. Register your team by email: menscaptain@tinwaldgolf.co.nz.  
  • The Summer Challenge is a new and exciting adventure event for women, and it’s being held right here in Ashburton! Think of it as the best friend of the very popular Spring Challenge. Teams of 3-women will navigate their way through scenic natural environments either kayaking, mountain biking or hiking, with a map and compass in hand. There’s 3, 6 and 9-hour events to choose from. It’s on Waitangi Weekend FRI 6 – SUN 8 FEB. Find all the details at https://www.summerchallenge.co.nz/  
  • The Dairy Women’s Network is now calling for nominations for the next Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award. It offers the chance to recognise women who are not only making a difference on their farms, in their businesses, or in their communities, but those who are also inspiring others to lead, connect and contribute to a better future for the sector. Applications close end of February. For more information, visit dwn.co.nz/fonterra-dairy-woman-ofthe-year. 
  • The Relay for Life is back!  Book in SAT 21 MAR at the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds to get the step count up in support of the Cancer Society. This community event is our chance to celebrate, remember, and fight back against cancer. Teams are encouraged to dress up for the chance to win a prize. Now's the time to rally friends, family, classmates, and colleagues. Early bird registration is just $10 per person. Sign up online at midcanterbury.relayforlife.org.nz. 

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