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. 

 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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. 

  • Get your entries in for this year’s NBS Ashburton Santa Parade, back down Walnut Ave SAT 6 DEC. This year’s theme is Unwrap the joy of Christmas, as chosen by last year’s float winners, Phoenix Preschool. A top prize of $500 is up for grabs! Families, businesses and groups are welcome. Pick up an entry form from NBS on East Street or via the NBS Ashburton Santa Parade Facebook page.

  • 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/ 
  • County Lions of Ashburton’s Toot for Tucker is back MON 17 NOV. Drivers, vehicles and runners are needed to help collect donations of nonperishable food items for local food banks on the day. Those wanting to donate to Toot for Tucker are asked to put their items out at their gate by 5pm, while volunteers are asked to arrive at the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds (home industry pavilion, Seafield Rd) at 5.30pm for a briefing, before the collection gets under way. 
  • Celebration of 125 years of the Fairfield Freezing Works (C.F.M.), organised by Historic Places Mid Canterbury, is on SAT 22 NOV at Fairton Hall, 2pm. All former employees, suppliers, truck drivers, fat lamb drafters, and former shareholders connected to CFM and Silver Fern Farms more than welcome. An opportunity to reconnect with old colleagues, reminisce about the past, and enjoy afternoon tea together. Historic Places Mid Canterbury will unveil photographic panels in the hall and hold several short talks about CFM’s history. Tea, coffee, and scones will be served (gold coin donation for afternoon tea). Attendees are asked to RSVP by THURS 20 NOV via phone or text to 021 065 2252.  

 

  • 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. 
  • Altrusa International of Ashburton health studies bursary. Applications for the $2000 scholarship close on November 21. For information and a application form email secretary.ashburton@altrusa.org.nz.
  • Richard and Chrissie Wright at Tamar Farm are hosting another music festival on farm. Party in the Paddock is on SAT 22 NOV from 12pm to midnight. Money raised will go towards the Opuke Innovation Hut at Methven, an initiative to teach trades and skills to youth in the community. Musicians include Molly Harrison, Steffany Beck, and band Brad Staley Trio. BYO food and drinks (no glass), food vendors also be on site. Entertainment area for the kids. Camping available for a fee. Tickets on sale via Tamar Farm Facebook page. 
  • He Waka Tapu Hakatere Whanau Fun Day returns to the area around the Paddling Pool at Ashburton Domain on SAT 22 NOV. 11am-3pm, it's a free day packed with whanau activities and entertainment, and over $1500 in prizes to be won! Local groups that will be there include: RRT supplying free patties and bread and sausage sizzle, Mid Canterbury Rugby, Sport Canterbury (with the Play Trailer), Soft play area and bouncy castles, Police car ‘Bob’, Fire and emergency demonstration, Hato Hone St John, Heart Foundation and more!  He Waka Tapu is a kaupapa Māori organisation using tikanga Māori to help people identify what they really want out of life, working closely with our community, other service providers and government agencies to meet the needs of whānau. Through collaborations with funders and stakeholders, He Waka Tapu provides personalized health consultations, community health initiatives, mental health crisis intervention, addiction support services, reintegration programs, family violence prevention, and educational offerings to promote holistic well-being in our communities. Find more at hewakatapu.org.nz. 
  • 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).
  • Lap the Map for Diabetes – Community Walk is on SUN 23 NOV from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Join the local Lions Clubs for an easy, self-paced walk around Argyle Park to support diabetes awareness. Participants will log their steps to contribute to the NZ Lions’ national goal of walking 15,000 km – the equivalent of New Zealand’s perimeter. Flat, easy walk suitable for all ages and fitness levels; mobility-friendly. It's to raise awareness about diabetes and mental health; 1 in 4 New Zealanders are affected by diabetes or pre-diabetes. Also featuring on the day... Free blood sugar checks, health information on diabetes and mental wellbeing, raffle with fresh fruit and veggie trays ($2 per ticket). Fun attractions: face painting, coffee cart, bouncy castle, Lions food truck. Gold coin entry; all proceeds go to Lions Trust for diabetes awareness, prevention, and research. Getting Active and Moving Together – Lions Caring for Our Community, One Event at a Time!
  • Methven Rugby Club is back with it's annual fundraising golf tournament on SAT 29 NOV. Promising to be a great day out, with raffles and challenges happening throughout the day. Including the opportunity to win your height in beer! Lunch will be available on course, the drinks cart will be loaded for all your hydration needs and dinner will be provided at the end of the day. 18 holes, ambrose format. 4 person teams, $200 per team. Meet at 11.30am for a 12.30pm tee off. Email Riley Wilson at treasurer@methvenrugby.co.nz to secure your spot or to discuss sponsorship options. Lock your spot in early to confirm your place, as this is bound to sell out again.
  • The Rakaia Garden Fete is back FRI 5 DEC at Sue and Ted Rollinson's 282 Awaroa School Road, Dorie (10 min from Rakaia). 10am to 3pm. A Christmas themed fete held in a beautiful country setting with more than 120 stalls selling artisan, NZ made products, along with 6 acres of stunning gardens to explore, Christmas wreath making demonstrations, live music and lots of yummy food. All proceeds will this year go to support Rakaia Land Search and Rescue. The Fete arose from a desire to raise funds for Ashburton St John Ambulance in 2020, and from there have gone on to support the Canterbury Westpac Rescue helicopter, and now Rakaia Land Search and Rescue. This will be the fourth Fete on the site, and it had doubled in size over those years. Tickets are now available online via Humantix and at the following locations: Rakaia Mobil, Paper Plus Ashburton and Lushingtons Garden Centre. Also the Garden Centre Timaru, Tievoli Trading Geraldine, PGG Wrightson Mayfield, Hammer Hardware Methven, Oderings Garden Centre Christchurch. 
  • Merv Grewar’s World Record Row for Dementia NZ. At 90 years old, Merv Grewar is proving that age is no barrier to strength, determination, or purpose. On SAT 6 DEC at Fit 4 Life Gym in Ashburton (69 Harrison Street, Allenton Mall), Merv will attempt to break the world record for the 100m indoor row in the 90+ age category. Merv already holds the New Zealand record for the 85–89 age group, and now he’s setting his sights even higher. Rowing not just for himself, but for a cause that’s deeply personal. Merv’s late wife lived with dementia, and through this challenge he hopes to raise awareness and funds for Dementia New Zealand, supporting the many families affected by this heartbreaking condition. Every dollar donated goes to Dementia NZ, helping those living with dementia and their caregivers to receive the care, resources, and community support they deserve. Merv is also planning to play with his band on the day. Find more here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1N2Pmkb7v6/
  • 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. 

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