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.

  • 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. 
  • 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 
  • 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. 
  • Mid Canterbury Choir again presents its annual Christmas Concerts on FRI 12 DEC. Two shows, at 12-noon and 6pm. Baring Square Church. The guest soloists will include Mid Canterbury Choir School Scholarship winners Ricky Davies, Jorja Abernethy and Sobriety Disciple. The choir is excited to be singing some beautiful Christmas music again this year, including Joy to the World, Rise Up Shepherd as well new numbers, from jazzy to very thought-provoking. Entry just $5 with a Christmas Treat Gift of non-perishable food for the Ashburton Salvation Army Foodbank. 
  • Dance Worx Ashburton Showcase is on SAT 13 DEC. Two shows at the Ashburton Event Centre, 2pm and 6pm. Dance Worx students will show off their year of training in jazz and ballet. Tickets just $25 + booking fees via the venue. 
  • The Ashburton Farmers Market returns to the West Street Carpark on SAT 13 DEC from 9am to 12:30pm. Browse artisan stalls, enjoy yummy food and coffee in a relaxed environment. Entry is free. 
  • Mid Canterbury take on Southland in a Hawke Cup men's minor association rep game. At Ashburton Oval SAT 13 and SUN 14 DEC. Entry is free. 
  • ND Youth, supported by Arofa Cafe, is holding a vibrant night market with 16 stalls, music and refreshments providing shoppers with an opportunity to Christmas shop. The market is on SAT 13 DEC from 6pm to 9pm at 173 Burnett St, at Flashbacks Ashburton. 
  • The first one was such a good time, they've decided to do it again!!! Join Inner Wheel Braided Rivers for Early Edition 2.0 on SAT 13 DEC. A 6pm start at The Print Room, means you can party and still be in bed by 10pm! Good times, good music and good vibes for the over 25s. A community fundraiser brought to you by The Inner Wheel Club of Braided Rivers with the continued support of the team at The Print Room. Tickets $35 (plus booking fees). Find more and book here: https://www.facebook.com/events/789558463665552/
  • Hakatere Marae is hosting a Tamariki Christmas Store on SUN 14 DEC, 1–4 PM. This is a special Christmas shopping experience just for tamariki! Children can choose affordable gifts (under $10) for their parents, grandparents, and siblings in a festive, welcoming space. To make the store a success, Hakaterae Marae is seeking donations of: New items (colouring books, tea/coffee sachets, candles, toiletries, cosmetics), Gently used items (jewellery, toys, books, games, decorations, mugs, clothing, linen) and more. Also wrapping supplies (paper, tape, bows, ribbons, tags, cellophane, tissue paper) and cash donations to help buy chocolates and ingredients for homemade treats would be much appreciated. This initiative helps tamariki experience the joy of giving while supporting whānau and community connection.
  • BNZ, Digital Waitaha,Welcoming Communities and Wellbeing Opuke are offering a free seminar on pathway to buying your own house. It’s on MON 15 DEC at 5.30pm at All Saints Anglican Church, 1 Chapman St, Methven. To register go to /events.humanitix.com/your-path-to-buying.../tickets 
  • 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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