What's On Mid Canterbury

- Downsizing? Decluttering? Consider donating good quality pre-loved furniture, clothing, jewellery, homewares and books to the St John Op Shop. They also welcome the likes of manchester, mirrors and artwork. Help them help you by raising money for Ambulances & Medical Support Staff. You can drop donations to the shop 129 Tancred St (opposite Westpac Bank), or they can collect/deliver. Call to book 307 4221.
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Downsizing or Moving? 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.
- 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!!
- 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.
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Mid Canterbury Citizens Advice Bureau is now offering drop-in sessions at the Ashburton Library on Wednesdays from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
- Project Uplift encourages local women to donate bras which are given to women in need across the Pacific. In some cases they are also distributed to women and girls across NZ through schools, health boards and community groups. Having a bra provides comfort, dignitary and support. The bra she receives from Project Uplift is often the only bra that woman owns. Collecting both new and second hand nursing bras, crop tops and sports bras. Drop your donations to Sparrows on East Street. Find more at www.projectuplift.org.nz.
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Would you like to knit, weave or crochet for a veteran? In acknowledgment of 2025 being 80 years since the end of World War 2, 75 years since beginning of Korean War, 65 years since end of Malay Emergency and 50 years since end of Vietnam War, you are invited to knit, weave or crochet a scarf for a veteran. To let them know they haven’t been forgotten, they are "Wrapped in Remembrance" and their service is appreciated. Scarves can be any ply, any pattern and any colours. The project runs until November 11, 2025. Please drop completed scarves off to: Ashburton RSA, 12 Cox Street, Ashburton, Rakaia Mobil - 50 Bridge Street, Rakaia, Methven I site - 160 Main Street, Methven, Cafe Mayfield - 1992 Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road, Hinds School - Reed Street, Hinds, and Mt Somers Springburn School - Ashburton Gorge Road. Any questions contact Project Manager Dellwyn - dellwyn.moylan@gmail.com
- On the back of the exciting new development at the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds, they are now up to stage 2 - a fence built around the new equestrian development. This permanent surround will match the western end of the oval. Smart, safe and long-lasting. They have 212 sections to fully fence. Each section is for sale at $140 for families, individuals or businesses to purchase. This is a wonderful way to give back for anyone who has enjoyed the A&P Showgrounds facilities in the past, and help it become a permanent part of the new Equestrian Arena for future events. Find more on the Ashburton A&P Association FB page, or make a donation direct to their bank account 06-0837-0154538-00 with the reference your name, and the code "fencing".
- 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.
- Stand with Audrey Lilly who is walking 101 laps of Methven House with her friends in support of Methven Care Trust. They aim to raise $101,000 toward completing the wonderful new Methven Care Home, due to open in November. Audrey herself has been a resident at Methven House for almost 40yrs. To show your support head to Givealittle and search "Audrey 101 Challenge".
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Advance Ashburton Community Foundation has scholarships for 2026 open now.Scholarships are available for any type of tertiary study, further education, any type of industry training and apprenticeships, and personal development. For more information and application forms visit the Advance Ashburton website – www.advanceashburton.org.nz, phone 307 5902, or pop in to talk to the team on Level 2 of Somerset House. Applications close FRI 31 OCT.
- Mid Canterbury Cancer Society has your chance to win a Mini! Enter the raffle for your chance to win a freshly refurbished 1975 Morris Minor Mini, valued $24,990! Also up for grabs a travel pack from House of Travel valued $5000, and a Methven Adventure pack valued $1250. Tickets just $20 available from the Cancer Society on Kermode Street, Argyle Welsh Finnigan, Property Brokers Ashburton or Forsyth Barr. You can also call 021 344 806.
- CanBead Ashburton Fundraiser Quiz Night is on WED 15 OCT at Armadillos Ashburton on Burnett Street, 6pm start. Supporting local people facing illness, trauma, or loss through creative beading workshops run by the CanInspire Charitable Trust. Teams of 2–8 people (small teams can pair up on the night). $15 per person. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Also raffles and silent auctions. And enjoy the delicious food and drinks available from Armadillo’s menu.100% of proceeds stay local and support CanBead workshops in Mid & South Canterbury. Register via Humanitix here.
- The Zonta Spring Fashion show is on again at Preens on East Street THURS 16 OCT at 7pm. It is $25 per ticket for a night of fashion, with a drink, nibbles and raffle ticket included. Tickets are available at Preens Ashburton or from Zonta members.
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Join Ashburton County Lions for a dazzling night of community talent "Stars in your Eyes" on FRI 17 OCT. At the Ashburton Event Centre, kicking off at 7:30pm. 13 local contestants with the youngest just 13yrs! Prepare to hear from the likes of Adele, Shania Twain, even Alice Cooper. Adults $40, children $20, with family and group passes available too. Fees apply. A fundraiser for deserving local causes. Whether you sing, act, or dance — this is your moment to take the stage! Tickets from the venue or here.
- Chertsey School quiz night is on FRI 17 OCT. R18 quiz starting at 7pm at the Chertsey. Teams of 4-$50. To register go to the Chertsey School Facebook page.
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All welcome to the Mid Canterbury Celebration of Latin Nations on SAT 18 OCT at Tinwald War Memorial Hall. A vibrant cultural event celebrating Latin American nations, featuring traditional Latin food, games and raffles, music and dancing, dress up and cultural displays and family friendly activities. 4 PM – late (family-friendly activities from 4–7 PM, followed by a Latin party). $5 for adults and those over 15 years old (children under 12 free if that applies); cash needed for food stalls
- Mountain Bike Ashburton Open Day is on SAT 18 OCT at Dobson St West, ACL Skills Park. 10am – 2pm. Activities include bikes, bumps, and jumps. Loop rides with spot prizes — great for families and first-timers of all ages. Friendly guides and E-bikes available. Spot prize entry is $10 or free with membership.
- KPMG and The Y Central South Island are back with the Charity Golf Tournament at Tinwald Golf Club on SUN 19 OCT. Check in 11:30am for a 12-noon tee off. $200 per team of 4. Includes build-your-own gourmet burger meal, and on course sausage sizzle and refreshments. Raffles and great prizes on offer too. 100% of the proceeds support the Y's youth development programmes across Mid Canterbury. Find more and register via the Tinwald Golf or Y Facebook pages.
- The South Canterbury Aero Club is hosting "Timaru Run the Runway", giving runners and walkers of all abilities the opportunity to complete a loop of the Richard Pearse airport’s 1.28km main runway. The fundraiser will be held on SAT 18 OCT and will feature a static aircraft display, barbecue and raffle. Funds raised helping buy a new training aircraft. Thought to be a first for the airport. It's a 3.3km loop. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be bought from the South Canterbury Aero Club website. The barbecue and display will begin at 5pm while the walk/run will start at 6.30pm.
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Local filmmaker Josh Holland is hosting his final “Mr. Wright” double-feature film night on WED 22 OCT. Attendees will experience two mystery stories featuring Detective Mr. Wright:
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Hotel of Tyranny – Mr. Wright faces psychological challenges in a strange hotel tied to secret CIA experiments.
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Tombstone: The Final Special – He travels to an old western town to investigate a murder linked to the previous experiments
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm at Ashburton New Life Church, $5 per ticket. The event is fundraising for children charities such as Ronald McDonald House, and it will help start off a fund bank to support Ashburton charities. It’s a themed evening combining mystery storytelling and dinner. Kebabs, coleslaw, sliders, apple pie, and cordials available in combo purchases.
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- Local teacher turned author Mary Blain has penned a new children’s book "Explore with Me Mid Canterbury" - which celebrates the unique landscapes and attractions of our district. Told through the eyes of a playful kōtare (Kingfisher) and a resident ewe, the book takes readers on a journey across braided rivers, productive farmland, and vibrant townships — highlighting the places and experiences that make Mid Canterbury so special. $2 from each copy will go to local charity Kai for Kids. So far thanks to amazing local businesses the tally sits over $3500. Join the book launch at Ashburton Library THURS 23 OCT, 6pm. Kai for Kids is providing the food for koha.
- Ride the Rakaia cycle race will start at the Mead Community Hall on SAT 25 OCT with registrations from 6.30am. The race covers 93kms with participants riding along the north bank of the Rakaia River, across the Rakaia Gorge, and back down the south side of the Rakaia River, finishing in Rakaia outside the Rakaia Domain. Register at raceroster.com/events/ 2025/96567/ride-the-rakaia
- The 2025 Mid Canterbury Primary, Intermediate & Secondary School Trampoline Competition, hosted by Dynamic Gymnastic Sports, is on SUN 9 NOV at EA Networks Centre. $10 per person. Open to all Canterbury school students (no club affiliation required). Home-schooled students welcome. Entries via Dynamic Gymnastic Sports FB page or through schools. Get yours in by FRI 24 OCT.
- Advance Ashburton Community Foundation annual scholarships applications are open until FRI 31 OCT. There’s three new scholarships on offer for 2026. The EA Networks Scholarship is for students in their second or subsequent years of study in electrical engineering, information technology, systems management, human resources, accounting, communications, or safety management. The Longfield Scholarship is for any type of tertiary study, for students in their second or subsequent years of study. The Ashburton Vintage Car Club Scholarship is being offered to those undertaking any type of automotive apprenticeship, in their second or subsequent years of apprenticeship. The new scholarships are being offered along with ones for tertiary studies, personal development and the trades in a range of other fields. Find out how to apply, advanceashburton.org.nz, or visit the foundation at Somerset House, 161 Burnett St.
- After the smash-hit success of Popzilla in 2023, Variety Theatre Ashburton is back with an electrifying new production – Rockzilla! Directed and Choreographed by Jessie Thomson and Musically Directed by Jo Castelow, Rockzilla brings together powerhouse vocals, dynamic choreography, and the unforgettable anthems of rock legends. From the soaring harmonies of Queen and the driving beats of Toto, to the fist-pumping classics of Bon Jovi Rockzilla is packed with music that will have you singing along, stomping your feet, and cheering for more. This high-energy compilation show will set the stage alight. Two shows only FRI 31 OCT and SAT 1 NOV at Ashburton Event Centre, 7-30pm. Adult $50 | Child (Primary school) $30 (fees apply). Tickets from the venue.
- Ashburton A&P annual two-day show is set for FRI 31 OCT – SAT 1 NOV, themed “Cultivating Community”, with preparations already underway for the show’s 150th anniversary in 2027. A celebration of evolving with the times while honouring the association’s long history. The first show took place in 1877. ‘At that time, NZ’s population was around 400,000, and farmers were transitioning from bullock to horse drawn ploughs. They are calling for people to share stories, artefacts, and ideas for the 150th celebration. Contact: ashburtonshow@gmail.com
- The Ashburton A & P Association has teamed up with Christchurch’s SpicyBoys for the first ever Ashburton Chilli Eating Competition. Up to 30 brave contestants will be tested with chilli sauces of increasing intensity, progressing from mild varieties to some of the hottest available until only one person remains, earning the title of the 2025 Ashvegas Chilli Champion. The competition is as much a spectacle for the audience as it is a test of endurance for the participants. Competitor registrations are now open and only cost $40 to compete on Show SAT 1 NOV, at the Ashburton Showgrounds. Top prize thanks to RD Petroleum is $500. If you think you can handle the heat, get in fast. Visit ashburtonshow.co.nz to enter.
- Zonta Ashburton is holding a movie fundraiser of “Pike River” will screen at the Regent Cinema 4pm on SUN 2 NOV. The movie stars Ashburton’s own Robyn Malcolm as Sonya Rockhouse. Tickets $22, available from Zonta members. Funds raised will go towards the club funding local and national projects that empower women and girls.
- Rakaia Lions members are calling for food vendors for their annual family fireworks night in the Rakaia Domain on SAT 8 NOV. Details are on the club’s Facebook page.
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Southern Mid Canterbury Garden Tour is on SUN 9 NOV, from 10am – 4pm. Explore some stunning local gardens around Hinds, Coldstream, Ealing, and Winslow. Also the chance to view displays by local artists. Fundraiser for Southern Netball Club and Southern Tennis Club. Tickets just $40 for the tour, or $65 for the Garden Tour & Gourmet Picnic Lunch. Get yours from Humanitix or Lushingtons. Follow the club on Facebook for news and announcements.
- Safe Families Mid Canterbury White Ribbon 10th anniversary quiz night on FRI 21 NOV at 6.30pm at the Hotel Ashburton. Test your knowledge with a fun-filled quiz. Stand in support of White Ribbon which raising awareness and taking action to end family violence. Teams of 6, $15 per person pay at the door. Contact annaarrowsmith@hotmail. com. or ph 0277223204
- Hospice Mid Canterbury Jingle and Mingle is on SUN 23 NOV at Staveley Boutique Lodge, 12 Burgess Road, Staveley. Gates open 10:00am | First demo 10:30am | Event ends 3:00pm. Tickets: $65 (from Kowhai House or Humanitix here). Following the success of the much-loved Christmas Experience House Tours, this brand-new event brings together some of our most requested demonstrations and festive highlights. A day of festive inspiration - featuring live demonstrations such as glazing a Christmas ham, Christmas tree trimming & styling, creative gift wrapping, building festive platters, making gravlax salmon, show-stopping desserts, flower arrangements crafting Christmas lanterns and Christmas table styling. Ticket also includes a fresh roll with lamb or ham, a glass of bubbles, slice of famous Christmas cake and lucky ticket spot prizes. Also enjoy Christmas stalls with festive goods, coffee cart, sausage rolls & ice-cream truck, raffles. Option to bring your own picnic lunch & rug. Cash recommended (not all stalls have EFTPOS).
- 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.