What's On Southland & South Otago

Resilient Whānau Against Meth: Gore
A free, confidential support group for whānau affected by methamphetamine use.
Where: Connected Eastern Southland Building, 5 Fairfield Street, Gore
When: First Wednesday of every month, 5:30–7pm
Details: Run by Able Minds, the group focuses on empowering, educating and connecting families, with specialist support from Able Minds field workers and partner agencies. Open to anyone supporting a loved one affected by meth.
Contact: marloes@able.org.nz or 027 1930 837.
You’re not alone.

International Connect Group: Easter Egg Hunt & Picnic Lunch
The International Connect Group is hosting a fun Easter celebration for families and the wider community, combining an outdoor walk, Easter egg hunt, and picnic lunch.
Where: Dolamore Park, Gore
When: Saturday, April 18
Programme: 10:00am: Walk around Whisky Creek, 11:30am:  Easter egg hunt & Picnic lunch to follow
Family‑friendly and welcoming
Bring along picnic food to enjoy together
RSVP: heatherjanet32@gmail.com or 0272336403

Riversdale Maize Maze
Get lost in the fun at the Riversdale Maize Maze – a fundraiser for Waikaia Forest Trails Grade 3 Blue Trail and Riversdale Home & School’s new playground.
Where: 741 Mandeville–Kingston Crossing Road, Riversdale
When:  April 18 – opens 10am
Details: Adults (13+) $10 | Kids $5 | Under 5 free | Family pass $30 (2 adults, 3 kids)
Cash preferred, EFTPOS available. BBQ and refreshments for sale.
Made possible thanks to the generous support of McClintock Farming.

Wyndham Rugby Football Club – 125th Jubilee
Wyndham Rugby Football Club is celebrating 125 years of rugby, community, and history over ANZAC Weekend. Past and present players, supporters, families, and friends are invited to come together for three days of rugby, memories, and reunion.
When: Friday 24 April – Sunday 26 April
Where: Wyndham Rugby Football Club & Memorial Hall
Weekend Programme
Friday 24 April: Registration, Juniors & The Good Old Days. Registration, junior rugby, decade chats, and supper.
Saturday 25 April: April Rugby, Decades & Celebrations. Decade photos, Presidents Senior Cs and Division 1 matches, food trucks, live band, and supper. Sunday 26 April:  Golden Oldies, Women’s Rugby & Formal Dinner
Golden Oldies and women’s matches, followed by the formal 125th Jubilee Dinner at the Memorial Hall. (Dinner numbers are limited.) Ticket Options: Weekend Combo: $170 per person, Friday Night: $20, Saturday Afternoon & Night: $100, Sunday Dinner: $70
Important Information:  Decade photos will be based on the year you debuted for Wyndham RFC. The full schedule will be confirmed and published closer to the event. Early booking is recommended due to limited dinner capacity.
How to Register: Tickets available now at humanitix.com

St Peter’s College Rugby Quiz Night Fundraiser
Put your thinking caps on and support St Peter’s College Rugby at their upcoming Quiz Night fundraiser. Funds raised will go toward new training jackets, renewing equipment, and helping keep player subscriptions affordable.
Where: Gore Town & Country Club
When: Friday 15 May
Time: Doors open 6:30pm | Please be seated by 7pm
Details:
Teams of 4–6 people | $30 per team
Register your team on the night
Supper provided
Refreshments available to purchase
Enjoy a fun night out with awesome prizes up for auction and plenty of raffles, all while supporting local rugby.

Gatsby Charity Dinner for Dementia
A glamorous Gatsby‑themed charity dinner raising funds and awareness for families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia in Southland.
Where: Ascot Park Hotel
When: Saturday, June 6
Details: An elegant night featuring world‑class entertainment, a premium dining experience and a charity auction, all in support of Alzheimer’s Society Southland. Coordinated by Southland creative producer and award‑winning burlesque artist Jersey Rhein, the evening blends high‑end cabaret with contemporary circus inspired by the opulence of the Gatsby era. The event also highlights Dementia Donation Day, led by fundraising champions Noel, Fiona, Lorraine and Rob. Guests are encouraged to dress up and enjoy a night of generosity and connection.
Tickets: Tables via events@alzheimerssocietysouthland.org.nz or individual tickets through Eventfinda.

Cruise 4 Care: A Night Out with Hospice South
Cruise 4 Care returns this October with an unforgettable evening featuring golf legend Steve Williams. Known as Tiger Woods’ long‑time caddie during 13 major championship wins, Steve will share stories from the fairway and beyond, including his involvement in motorsport and speedway.
Where: Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill
When: October 3rd 2026
Details: An evening of storytelling, laughs, hospitality and a live charity auction
Raising vital funds for Hospice South
Tickets can be purchased through the Cruise 4 Care Facebook page via Humanatix.
A night of inspiration, connection, and community backing community.

Justice of the Peace – Available Weekly
Need a document signed or witnessed?
A Justice of the Peace is available every Wednesday from 6:30PM–7:30PM at the Gore District Library.
JPs provide free services to the public and can:
• Witness signatures
• Certify copies of documents
• Administer affidavits and statutory declarations
Can’t make it Wednesday? Find a JP anytime at: justiceofthepeace.org.nz

Gore Community Patrol – Volunteers Wanted
Looking for a meaningful way to contribute to your community?
Gore Community Patrol is seeking volunteers to help keep our town safe. Work alongside trained patrollers and community partners to help prevent crime and reduce harm.
To learn more or sign up:
Visit: www.cpnz.org.nz  or email: gore@cpnz.org.nz

Become a Big Buddy – Change a Life
Family Works Southland is looking for volunteers in Gore and Invercargill to become Big Buddies — giving just 2–3 hours a week to mentor a young person in need.
Encourage confidence, social skills, and connection through a lasting friendship.
Interested? Learn more at: pss.org.nz/family-works/services/buddy-programme