What's On Mid Canterbury

  • If you are clearing out your wardrobe consider donating to St John Op Shop, Tancred St Ashburton (opposite Westpac Bank). They would appreciate any clean clothing that you may not need or want anymore. Also manchester and small furniture coffee tables, chairs, dressers, mirrors and artwork. Help them help you by raising money for Ambulances & Medical Support Staff. Collection can be arranged of larger items give them a call 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. 

 

  • Mid Canterbury Anglican Advocacy wants to let you know about free legal advice. The advice can be accessed via Zoom calls with lawyers from the CHCH based Community Law Canterbury. Advice topics include consumer, traffic offences, employment or tenancy disputes and more. Each session is 55mins. The appointments are held at Community House on Cass Street. Book an appointment by contacting co-ordinator Warren James at Community House, or visit the Community Law Canterbury website.  

  

  • Need to get into Ashburton from around the district? Have no transport or don't drive anymore? The Mid Canterbury Connector, run by Mid Canterbury Community Vehicle Trust, is a service that runs on demand 5 days a week for passengers who may be going to appointments in town or just wanting to get out of home for a while. The cost for passengers is low. For example, a return trip from Methven to Ashburton is just $15. Door to door service with friendly, volunteer drivers. For more and to book call 03 928 8164. You can also find Mid Canterbury Connector on Facebook.  The connector is also looking for more volunteer drivers for hours that suit them between 9am-4:30pm Monday to Friday. Training is provided. If you can help call Lesley 027 5866 556. 

 

  • 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. 

 

  • Ashburton Library has started a weekly Lego drop-in session for adults. The sessions are on TUES from 5:30pm-7:30pm, and open to anyone 17yrs and older. The library also runs Lego Build sessions for youngesters (6-16yrs) earlier on a TUES from 3:30pm-4:30pm. The popularity of these is what has led to the adult Build Plus sessions. The number of adults using Lego to burn off their day-time stress or let their imagination fly is increasing globally. Many say it helps them unwind.  

 

  • Mayfield local Reon Blake works in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Poverty and extreme violence through clan warfare is the norm. The children have very little so he's collecting new or second-hand sports balls to gift them. Donated balls will be taken over free of cost each month. He's after new or good condition second-hand balls: rugby, league, volleyballs, basketballs etc. Drop off to the Mayfield School Office during school hours.

 

  • Ashburton Country Lions is offering youth aged 16 to 21 the opportunity to participate in a national public speaking competition. A district contest will precede the national final. For more and to express interest contact Christine Stewart on 027 782 7694 or Sue Green 027 281 2807. 

 

  • The 2024 Methven Scarecrow Trail, to be held during the school holidays until SUN 28 APRIL. This year's theme is Children's movies - animated characters. Purchase a map and entry form for $10 from Methven iHub or Methven Four Square. 

 

  • Mid Canterbury Rugby is hosting a Girls Have a Go Rugby Day THURS 18 APRIL at Ashburton Showgrounds 9am-12pm. Learn all the basics including ball skills to tackle. Just bring a mouthguard, drink bottle, snacks and appropriate footwear. Register with Kirsty at Mid Canterbury Rugby. 

 

  • Let's Talk Safety - a Staying Safe From Scams and Fraud session is on WED 17 APRIL at Ashburton Library. If you are a “boomer” (born 1946-1964) then this presentation is for you! Come along and hear about what’s happening with scams in our local community, banking scams and safety, and learn general tips to protect yourself and your data. Speakers include Sue Abel, Mid Canterbury Neighbourhood Support, Carolyn Prebble, ASB Bank and Neysa Koizumi, Digital Waitaha. 2pm-3:30pm at Te Whare Whakatere (new Ashburton Library). No booking needed. Afternoon tea provided. Proudly presented by Safe Communities Ashburton District. The first in a series that will also run across Hinds, Rakaia and Methven the next 4 months. 

 

  • The Big Little Theatre Company presents the season of "An Inspector Calls" at the Ashburton Event Centre THURS 18 - SUN 21 APRIL. Be seated by 7pm. Sunday matinee seated by 2pm. Co-directed by Jackie and Anna Heffernan. A whodunit supper theatre experience of intrigue! Find more and book your evening of suspense via the venue. 

 

  • Lest We Forget - a Poppy Day Memorial Run/Walk is being held in Ashburton Domain on SUN 21 APRIL, 10am start. 1km laps up to 5km. Enter on the day, entry $10 by way of donation for a poppy. Kids/students $3. Sausage sizzle. Proceeds to Ashburton RSA Poppy Fund. Proudly supported by Ashburton RSA and Rotary Club of Ashburton. For more contact Gary Whiting 027 207 1478. 

 

  • NZ Blood Service is collecting in Ashburton TUES 23 and WED 24 APRIL at the Sinclair Centre on Park Street. There are more than 500 active donors in Ashburton. The service will visit 11 times this year. More donors are always gratefully welcomed. For more and to book hit up the service's app, website or call 0800 448 325. 

 

  • An Anzac Day Concert performed by the MSA choir is on THURS 25 APRIL 2pm at the MSA. A free concert with sing-along war-style music and a performance by Don's Boyz. 

 

  • Weed wranging is on again at Staveley Campsite SAT 27 APRIL to remove invasive weeds. 9am-1pm. Register via Humantix or the Keep Learning Mid Canterbury Website. 

 

  • GDC Wheels Week Plus is back, starting with the Ashburton Car Club Street Sprints on SAT 27 and SUN 28 APRIL at Riverside Industrial Estate. From 8am both days. $10 per adult, children U15 free. Entry via Robinson Street. Proudly fuelled by KFC. Find the full list of events here: https://www.hokonui.co.nz/whats-on/gdc-wheels-week-plus-2024/ 

 

  • Ashburton Bird Club Annual Show is on SAT 27 and SUN 28 APRIL at Tinwald Memorial Hall. Open Sat 1pm-4pm, and Sun 9am-12pm. Adults $5, children under 16 free. Raffles, bird and seed sales. You don't have to be a member to sell a bird. For more call 308 8524. 

 

  • JGT Barber on East Street proudly presents “HAIR 4 CARE DAY” on SUN 28 APRIL by the Clock Tower Baring Square East, opposite the new Ashburton Council Building. A day of free haircuts raising money for Mental Health Awareness, with all proceed going to GUMBOOT FRIDAY/I AM HOPE. Also marking 1yr in business for Jadah and JGT. Between 11am - 3pm there will be 8 barbers cutting hair for free! Also free food, entertainment and face painting. Special thanks to the support from Anzco, Smoke Butcher, Netherby Meats, Simon Lowe, Franz, Joseph Campbell and Musician Tom Taukamo. Barbers include Craig (Owner 1855 Barbershop CHCH), Peni (1855), Gary (1855), Carlos (1855), Brooklyn (1855), Leish (Stylez Hair Studio Ashburton), Fatboy (JGT Barber). DONATIONS/KOHA are encouraged to help make this day a success. 

 

  • Keep Learning Mid Canterbury and Hospice Mid Canterbury have been running a series to help people be informed about the legal stuff around death. There was so much demand for Wills & Executors in March that they had to run an extra session to cater for the 100+ people who registered. Catherine from Community Law Canterbury and AWF staff will again feature at the final event in the Death & Paperwork series with Hospice Mid Canterbury. At the new Ashburton Library TUES 30 APRIL, 12.30pm. The topic is on what is required when someone dies, what must you use a lawyer for and what can you do yourself, and it also covers the topic of Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPoAs). Please register as the event is likely to book out again. Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/death-and-paperwork-3?fbclid=IwAR0cnX6OaGV5_svBZbkTHOunJ-nFjwRY094mKpWTX1Y_lkb3MPJTbIO1kUQ. 

 

  • Mid Canterbury Rural Women women's chainsaw information day is on at Winchmore Hall WED 1 MAY from 10am-2pm. Open to all women. Just $20. Register with Marg on 027 267 7600. 

 

  • Lions Club of Ashburton County is hosting its annual Mahjong Tournament on FRI 3 MAY in the Ashburton Senior Centre (Cameron Street), 9.30am - 3.30pm. Fun day of competition along with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea included in the registration of $30. Prizes for the tournament winners as well as some fantastic raffles. Competitors from right across Canterbury. Registrations close FRI 26 APRIL. Proceeds to Hospice Mid Canterbury and other local charities. For more and to register contact Ann Smith on 027 444 4893 or Sue Green 027 281 2807. 

 

  • Vintage Car Club of Ashburton Swap Meet is on SAT 4 MAY at the Club Grounds on Maronan Road, Tinwald. Gates open 7:15am. No dogs. Catering by Ashburton Lions Club. Site bookings to Cathy Sweetman ashburtonswapmeet@gmail.com or 021 372 087. Part of Wheels Week. 

 

  • Mitre 10 Mega Ashburton Mega Pumpkin Growing Competition Weigh-In Day is SUN 5 MAY. At the end of 2023 they gave away 50 giant pumpkin plants for customers to grow for a competition. Now it's time to weigh in. We have four categories, Biggest, Weirdest, Heaviest and Best Dressed. Weigh in from 8am-11am, Prizegiving 2pm. Find more on the Mitre 10 Mega Ashburton FB page. 

 

  • Ravensdown Ashburton A&P Association Winter Feed Competition judging is set down for MON 6 and TUES 7 MAY. Entries close WED 1 MAY. Prizegiving on WED 8 MAY. Entry fee $50 per crop ($40 for A&P members). To enter, send your details to Fleur Crofskey ashburtonshow@gmail.com. 

 

  • Winchmore Rural Women NZ is hosting it's annual Quiz Night on FRI 10 MAY, 7:30pm start in the Winchmore Hall. Entry just $30 for a team of up to 6. BYO refreshments. Great prizes and raffles to be won. Bring some cash for those on the night. Please register by MON 6 MAY to Maryann Blair 027 276 5998 or m.blair@xtra.co.nz. 

 

  • Methven Golf Club are celebrating their Centennial the weekend FRI 7 and SAT 8 JUN. Please note the change of dates. They invite all our current and past members to join the celebration. Registrations are open and are available via their Facebook page, or at methvengolf@xtra.co.nz.

 

  • Hot Air Balloon Fire and Ice Glow and Laser Festival is on at Methven A&P showgrounds SAT 22 JUN from 2:30pm. Welcoming Hot Air balloonists from all over Aotearoa. They will perform a tethered Hot Air Balloon Glow Show, with lasers light, coordinated by music. Before and after the show there will be a local live band playing while you enjoy watching the Balloonist inflate and deflate their balloons. There is also an incredible food court with a medley of culinary delights to tickle your taste buds and to wash it all down we have our local Irish bar providing refreshment. Lots of fun for all the family. Find more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/383394850891830/?ref=newsfeed

 

  • NZ Highwaymen are back as part of their Winter Tour at the Ashburton Event Centre THURS 27 JUN, 7pm. The best of Eddie Low, Dennis Marsh, Gray Bartlett and Brendan Dugan. Tickets from the venue. 

 

  • Ashburton Model Train Show is on at Tinwald War Memorial Hall on Graham Street the weekend SAT 6 and SUN 7 JULY. 10am-4pm each day. Model Train show featuring model trains, retailers, second hand tables and other displays. Adults $10 children $3 family (2 adults 2 children) $20. Please bring cash. Find more on Facebook. 

 

  • The South Island Half Marathon (and 1/6 marathon) is being held SUN 4 AUG at Lake Hood. The run will see runners run around the lake and experience amazing water views throughout the run. Then some of the most amazing home and garden settings and reserves in the South Island. South Island Half Marathon will cater for all runners; whether you’re a beginner or an elite runner, this fast-flat course will give you the opportunity to do one of the fastest half’s you’ve ever done. There will be a walking section in both the ½ and 1/6 marathon, plus the Hybrid in the 1/2 marathon - "This allows you to run a bit and walk a bit". With the Kidz Dash being a 1.5km run, this giving them a flavour of the experience of running at the lake and subdivision. The Minimum age for the Half Marathon is 13-years of age on Race Day and the 7km is 10-years of age on Race Day. The Course is certified by a Certficated Road Race Course Measurer for World Athletics. Grade and certified in corporation with AIMS. Find more and sign up here: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/78795/south-island-half-marathon?mibextid=Zxz2cZ 

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