Welcome to Radio Southland's Community Notices 31/08/2026
In Bluff today, there’s the Senior Citizens Card Day at the Senior Citizens Centre at 1pm, call Catherine on 212 8138 for more info. This evening the Alpha Omega Weight Loss Group meet from 6 pm at the Palmer Street Church Hall, contact Fran on 212 8626 for more info.
South Sprouts at the Bluff Parenting and Kids Hub runs every Tuesday from 9:30 am to 11 am at the Senior Citizens Rooms on Onslow Street in Bluff. It's a free drop-in session for young families, with kai, music and movement, messy play, breastfeeding support, and educational workshops all on offer.
Wednesday evening, the Motupohue St John Youth Division meets from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm at the St John Hall on Lee Street. This is for kids aged 8-18 – with spaces still available, call Terina Simeon on 021 172 9093 for more info.
Thursday is the Senior Citizens lunch at the Anchorage starting at noon, followed by the Senior Citizens card day at the Senior Citizens Centre at 1 pm – call Catherine Culling on 212-8138 for more info.
Taurite Tū runs every Friday from 10 am to 11 am at Te Rau Aroha Marae in Bluff. It's a strength and balance exercise programme designed for Māori aged 50 and over and their whānau, with a focus on leg strength, balance, posture, and breathing, all guided by Te Ao Māori and incorporating Te Reo and Kaupapa Māori principles. Kai is provided, and everyone is welcome to come along and give it a go.
The 2026 Southland Export Gala is on at Ascot Park Hotel in Invercargill on Friday, from 6 pm to midnight. Celebrating Southland's export excellence, the evening includes a five-course dinner, local beverages, live entertainment, and the 2026 Southland Export Awards. Keynote speaker is Aimee McCammon, CEO of Pic's Peanut Butter. Tickets are $200 plus booking fee through iTicket.
Fleetwood Macs comes to the Civic Theatre on Tay Street in Invercargill on Saturday, starting at 7:30 pm. Celebrating the iconic discography of Fleetwood Mac across their entire career, it's a live two-hour concert packed with all the hits. Tickets are $50 to $71, available online or at the Civic Theatre booking office.
Noises Off, the classic farce by Michael Frayn, comes to Invercargill Repertory Theatre on Esk Street for three nights, September 10th, 11th, and 12th, with shows at 7:30 pm. A hilarious behind-the-scenes look at a theatre production in chaos, it follows a hapless cast and their long-suffering director through a series of mishaps, misunderstandings, and romantic entanglements that spiral gloriously out of control. Tickets are $45 for adults and $35 concession, available at invercargillrepertory.co.nz.
Mana Wāhine 2026 is on Friday September 11th from 10 am to 2 pm at 190 Forth Street in Invercargill. This free annual celebration is all about wāhine, connection, and hauora, with inspiring kōrero, wellbeing activities, delicious kai, and plenty of laughs. Free cervical screening and self-testing is also available on the day in a safe and supportive space. All wāhine are welcome. For more information contact 027 724 2952 or mparata@awarua.nz.
Southbound 2026 is on at ILT Stadium Southland on Surrey Park Road in Invercargill on Saturday September 12th, from 12 pm to 6 pm. Headlined by Tiki Taane and supported by local artists, it's an afternoon of live music, local food, premium drinks, and good times. Early bird tickets are $55 plus booking fee, general admission $65 plus booking fee, or grab a group deal for six people at $360 plus booking fee. This is an R18 event. Head to southboundnz.co.nz for tickets.
ILT Sing Out returns to the Civic Theatre on Tay Street in Invercargill for its 80th Anniversary Show, Party Like It's The 80s, running September 15th, 16th, and 17th at 7 pm each evening. Featuring over 650 performers from 17 local schools, Musical Director Sarah Rae, and Dr Mike and the Euphoric Kids, it's a fantastic showcase of community talent. Tickets are $13 to $20, available online or at the Civic Theatre booking office.
The Invercargill Public Art Gallery's Annual General Meeting takes place on Thursday September 17th at 7 pm at He Waka Tuia on Kelvin Street in Invercargill. This year marks 75 years of the gallery connecting the community with art, artists, and ideas, and the evening will include a guest address from IPAG Patron Michael Deaker on the anniversary exhibition Spring: What We Kept. Anyone interested in joining the IPAG Board is encouraged to become a current paid member and submit a nomination form by September 15th. Entry is free and all are welcome. Head to hewakatuia.nz for more information.
Bluff Promotions holds its monthly meeting on Thursday September 24th at 7 pm in the Municipal Chambers at the Bluff Town Hall. For more information contact Alison Patrick on 027 350 9686.
Pipin' Hot returns to the Civic Theatre on Tay Street in Invercargill on Friday September 25th at 7:30 pm. The City of Invercargill Highland Pipe Band brings their popular show back with a mix of contemporary and traditional music, joined by top Southland vocalists and musicians. Tickets are $36 to $72, available online or at the Civic Theatre booking office.
Men's Health Day 2026 is on at Invercargill Central on Esk Street on Saturday September 26th, from 10 am to 5 pm. Hosted by West Invercargill Health, this free community event is all about supporting men's health and wellbeing in a relaxed and welcoming environment, with health checks, real kōrero, and information and support from local services. Come along, check in, and look out for your mates.
Bluff Drama Club's Theatre Restaurant production, Mayhem at the Manor, comes to the Bluff Town Hall from Thursday October 1st to Saturday October 3rd, with doors opening at 6 pm each evening. For ticket information and details, head to the Bluff Drama Club Facebook page.
A Night Out for Hospice Southland featuring Steve Williams is coming to the Civic Theatre on Tay Street in Invercargill on Saturday October 3rd, starting at 5:30 pm. Steve Williams, New Zealand's legendary golf caddie and two-time national speedway champion, will share personal stories, insights, and take questions from the audience. The evening also includes hospitality and a live auction with exclusive items and experiences. Head to cruise4care.org.nz for ticket information.
AMplify 2026 is back at Invercargill Central on Esk Street on Saturday October 3rd, from 9 am to 6 pm. Following the success of last year's event, this free day of creativity puts the arts front and centre in the heart of the city. For more information head to the Arts Murihiku Facebook page or email kiaora@artsmurihiku.co.nz.
The MVM Hokonui Culture Feast is on at the MLT Event Centre in Gore on Friday October 16th, from 5 pm to 8 pm. This free evening celebration brings together authentic international dishes from local stallholders, live performances, and activities for all ages. Dress in something festive, colourful, or traditional and come along to celebrate the richness of cultures in the Hokonui district.
Conversational English sessions run every Monday during school terms from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at Southern REAP on Fairfield Street in Gore. It's a free, informal session for practising spoken English, with grammar, conversation, tea, coffee, and kai all part of the evening. Participants must hold New Zealand residency. To find out more or to join, get in touch with Southern REAP at info@reap.co.nz or freephone 0800 111 117.
IHC is looking for a Supportive Older Peer volunteer to join a group of young adults with intellectual disabilities and neurodivergent profiles on Monday evenings, helping build connections through activities like games and outings. This role is all about being a calm, reliable presence and supporting confidence and independence in a relaxed group setting. If you’re patient, consistent, and enjoy connecting with others, you can contact Leon directly on 021 308 549.
The Heritage South Monthly Lunch takes place on the last Tuesday of each month, from 12 pm to 1 pm at Brew'd Cafe in Invercargill. It's a free, informal gathering for anyone with a passion for heritage, whether you're a familiar face or joining for the first time. Just bring your appetite, as guests are encouraged to support the cafe by purchasing food or drinks. RSVP to Fraser Pearce, Heritage South Trustee, the week before so a booking can be made. You can reach Fraser at fraser.pearce@heritagesouth.nz.
Age Concern is on the lookout for some amazing individuals like you! They need volunteer visitors to share a little joy with our older friends who might feel isolated. Imagine a cozy home visit, a stroll together, sharing a cuppa or just chatting. If you've got a spare hour each week, you could make a world of difference to someone in need of a bit of company. So, if you're up for lending an ear and some good company, Age Concern would love to hear from you! Reach out to Chris at Age Concern by dialling 2186351.
If you've got a bit of free time and a fantastic reading voice, the telephone information service for the blind is looking for folks who can help with daily or weekly readings from the newspaper, and you can do it right from the comfort of your own home! Interested? Get in touch with the Blind Foundation at 218 3927.
Anyone interested in joining the Foveaux Pearls Leisure Marching Group, please contact Dianne Blair on 216 4962.
And now a run-down of regular events and services in our province
Activities:
Invercargill Parkrun — a free, weekly, timed 5km event held every Saturday from 8am. It has returned to it’s regular venue, meeting at Feldwick Gates, Queens Park. Everyone is welcome to walk, jog, run, or volunteer. For updates, event details, and bus information, visit their Facebook page.
On Sundays from 9.30-1.30 the Southern Farmers Market is open at the old Railway Station - look for the market sign. Enjoy food, arts, crafts and produce in this popular market setting – it’s great to sit down and have lunch with the family!
Agencies:
The Loss & Grief Centre’s Invercargill drop-in centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm. You can also call or text 027 443 87 88, email lossandgriefcentre@gmail.com, or send them a message. The Centre also provides services in Winton, Gore, Mataura & Te Anau. Visit their website – www.lossandgriefcentre.com for more information.
Do you binge eat? Purge, starve, or compulsively exercise? Wherever you are, whatever your problem with food, Addictive Eaters Anonymous can help. Visit www.aeainfo.org to find out more about Addictive Eaters Anonymous.
Learning Differences Aotearoa are available to help if you or your child has a learning difference and needs some support – call or text Chris on 027 201 69 51, or email support@learningdifferences.org.nz.
Hearing Southland & their associated clinics in Leet St are open and taking bookings by phone - 214 91 54.
If you are elderly and need social support, access to help with meals or care services, support is available from Age Concern. Meals are available to pick up, and exercise classes are on. You are welcome to make an appointment to talk to someone, please wear a mask when you come in. They can also come to visit you. You can call them on 218 63 51, or visit ageconcern.org.nz.
If you have concerns about a senior’s safety, call the Elder Abuse Helpline for advice on 0800 326 68 65.
Jubilee Budgeting Services are available online or by phone – call 0800 Jubilee, or text 027 Jubilee. Go to their Facebook page for more information on what help they can provide. Appointments are able to be made to get advice over the phone, or to come to the office and meet in person.
The Southland Community Law Centre in the Cue on Don building in Don St are available to help - phone ahead to make an appointment – 0800 55 0800. Their hours are 9:00am – 4:00pm Tuesday to Thursday, Monday & Friday by appointment. They also offer outreach services to Gore and Fiordland.
Council services, museums & galleries:
The Invercargill Public Library is open from 9-6 weekdays, and 10-4 on weekends. The Bluff Library is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, and Saturdays from 10-1. The Archives in Invercargill are open – but please call ahead to book in on 03 211 15 73. Please return all books through the slots. MyBookBag is still available for free contactless book delivery – go to www.ilibrary.co.nz/mybookbag
Southland District Council area offices and libraries are open. Travelling library options are also available with the mobile bookbus, and have you checked their digital library options? To find out more go to southlanddc.govt.nz and click on ‘Libraries’ – or call them on 0800 732 542!
Te Hikoi Museum in Riverton is open every day from 10-4 – call them for more information on 03-234 8260 or visit their Facebook page!
The Thornbury Vintage Tractor Muesum focuses on Southland’s rural heritage and local history. With an extensive collection of vintage farm machinery, this is a great Sunday drive visit. It’s at 61 Foster Rd Thornbury, and its open Sundays from 1.30-4.30pm. Entry is $5. You can also call Fraser on 021 03 85 196 to arrange a time to visit!
The Otautau Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10-5. They’re at 110 Main St, Otautau, have a stunning collection of arts and crafts and they’re part of the Western Southland Arts Trail. Check out their Facebook page or phone 225-86-38 for more information. Entry is free!
The Southland Fire Museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Sundays from 11-4, and can also open for group bookings – call Les on 027 254 6464. It’s on the corner of Jed and Spey Streets, and entry is a gold coin donation!
He Waka Tuia on the corner of Don & Kelvin Streets is open from 10-5 Monday-Friday and 11-2.30 on weekends. This combined art and museum space is proud to celebrate everything Murihiku. Have a visit and explore their immersive exhibitions with the kids – entry is free!
The Awarua Communications Museum is open on Sundays from 1-4pm. Take a step into a unique part of our history, view their collection of local & national communications memorabilia and enjoy their interactive exhibitions. Entry is cash only – it’s $6 for adults and $3 for children.
The Bluff Maritime Museum is open from Monday-Friday from 10-4. They have lots of fascinating history to view, including fishing & sealing memorabilia, tours of an oyster boat, and info about this earliest European settled community, including shipwrecks in the challenging southern waters. Admission for adults is $5, and its $1 for children.
The Eastern Southland Gallery is open from 10-4.30 on weekdays, and 1-4pm on weekends! For more information on the gallery and current exhibitions, visit www.esgallery.co.nz.
If you’re a community organisation or are hosting an event – do get in touch - give us a call on 03 2189891, email admin@radiosouthland.org.nz, or go to the contact us form on our website!