Welcome to Radio Southland's Community Notices 30/06/2026
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 Kindergartens South Matariki Art Exhibition is on at Ōtepuni Gardens, on the corner of Nith and Forth Streets in Invercargill, from this Thursday to Sunday. Showcasing Matariki artwork created by tamariki from across the Southland Kindergartens Association, the exhibition is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, or visit in the evening from 5 pm to 8 pm to see the works lit up after dark. Entry is free.
EmployEase is coming to Te Anau on Thursday. Run by the Southland Chamber of Commerce, this practical workshop covers employment law essentials, including hiring and firing, employment agreements, leave entitlements, and recent legislative updates. Tickets are $195 plus GST for Chamber members and $230 plus GST for guests. The venue is to be confirmed, so get in touch with the Southland Chamber of Commerce at joanne@southlandchamber.co.nz or head to southlandchamber.co.nz for more details.
A free public presentation on energy resilience is taking place on Tuesday, July 7th, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Invercargill Workingmen's Club. The evening will explore Invercargill's energy future - from rooftop solar to data centres - with a presentation and Q&A from energy specialist Nathan Surendran of Schema Consulting. Entry is free and everyone is welcome. To RSVP or find out more, scan the QR code on event flyers or visit the Opportunity Energy event page online.
He Waka Tuia on Kelvin Street in Invercargill is throwing a PJ Party to open this year's play exhibition, on Friday, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm. Pull on your favourite pyjamas and bring the whānau for an evening of interactive art, hands-on crafts, face painting, balloon animals, and sweet treats across nine activity zones. Entry is free, and all tamariki must be accompanied by an adult.
ILT Stadium Southland's Sports-Tastic School Holiday Programme runs Monday July 6th to Wednesday July 8th, from 9 am to 3 pm each day with drop-off available from 8:30 am. Designed for tamariki aged 5 to 11, it's three days of sports, games, and fun in a safe and inclusive environment. Pricing is $60 per day or $165 for all three days. Spaces are limited, so head to stadiumsouth.co.nz to book early.
Kāhui Whetū, meaning a constellation and the gathering of people under the night sky, lights up Gore Public Gardens on Ardwick Street across two evenings in July. On Wednesday July 8th from 5 pm, enjoy a peaceful Night of Lights as you wander through beautifully illuminated gardens at your own pace. Then on Thursday July 9th from 5 pm to 9 pm, the full Kāhui Whetū experience brings vibrant light displays, kai from local vendors, neon face painting, UV art, and interactive activities for the whole whānau. Both evenings are free and open to all, so wrap up warm and come along.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is coming to Invercargill this July, with a run of shows from July 10th through to July 25th at the Theatre venue on Duncan Street. The heartwarming musical follows three friends on a road trip full of friendship, love, and fabulous costumes, packed with iconic hits including It's Raining Men, I Will Survive, and Go West. Show times vary across the season, with evening and matinee options available. Tickets range from $40 to $98 and are available through Ticketek.
The Bluff Promotions Matariki Night Market and Fire and Light Show is taking place at the Oyster Festival Site in Bluff on Saturday, July 11th, starting at 6 pm. It's a great way to mark Matariki, so keep an eye on Bluff Promotions for more details as they come through.
The Circus of Illusion Magic Show comes to the St James Theatre on Irk Street in Gore on Wednesday, July 15th, starting at 6 pm. Tickets are $57 for adults and $27 for children 15 and under, available through iTicket.
The Power of Play is an evening talk taking place on Thursday July 16th from 6:45 pm to 8 pm at 19 Windsor Street in Invercargill. Celia Hogan from Little Kiwis Nature Play will explore the importance of childhood play, nature, risky play, and the growing impact of screens on tamariki, weaving together research, real-life stories, and practical ideas for whānau. Entry is by gold coin donation. For more information contact powerofplay@ska.co.nz.
The MLT Hokonui Fashion Design Awards return to Gore for their 38th year on Friday July 24th and Saturday July 25th, with shows starting at 7:30 pm both evenings. Celebrating creativity and exceptional design from emerging and established designers across New Zealand, the awards feature runway presentations across a range of categories judged by renowned creative director Dan Ahwa, Sara Munro of Company of Strangers, and Dayne Johnston of Kowtow. Saturday's Gala Evening is hosted by broadcaster Sharyn Casey. Tickets vary in price and are available at hokonuifashion.co.nz.
An evening with Wallabies coach and New Zealand rugby legend Joe Schmidt is coming to Ascot Park Hotel in Invercargill on Friday, August 7th, with doors opening at 12:30 pm.
Presented by ILT in support of the Grace Street Project, tickets are $95 per person and include a three-course meal, table beverages, and a charity auction. To book, call (03) 219 9303 or email accounts@ascotparkhotel.co.nz.
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!