Welcome to Radio Southland's Community Notices 01/04/2026
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.
Night Must Fall by Emlyn Williams, directed by Jason Fraser, will be at the Repertory House from Thursday to Saturday. Purchase tickets through the Repertory House’s website: invercargillrepertory.co.nz.
Kiwi rock legends Blindspott are bringing their Arena Tour to ILT Stadium Southland on Thursday, for a massive night of high-energy rock. Doors open at 7:30pm with the show starting at 8pm, featuring fan favourites along with new tracks from their latest albums. Tickets are $94.49 plus service fees and are on sale now. This is an R18 event, and ID is required.
Operatunity’s 25th Birthday Bash is coming to the Civic Theatre in Invercargill on Friday, April 10 at 11am. This special daytime concert celebrates 25 years of Operatunity with a lineup of favourite artists performing beloved songs from classical, musical theatre, country and classic hits from the 50s and 60s. Tickets range from $37 to $42 and are available through the Civic Theatre booking office.
The Routeburn Classic returns on Saturday, April 18, taking runners on a spectacular 32-kilometre adventure along the world-famous Routeburn Track near Te Anau. Limited to 400 competitors, the event winds through Fiordland National Park’s native bush and alpine terrain, reaching elevations of more than 1,100 metres. For more information, visit the event website or contact glen.currie@coasttocoast.co.nz.
Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championships Southland Heat is on Saturday, April 18th, at the Riff (formerly known as the Southland Musicians Club). Register your band now at battleofthebands.co.nz/register.php
The Rock Tenors are bringing their Anthems Reloaded Tour to the Civic Theatre in Invercargill on Saturday, April 25th for an evening of powerful live rock performance. The show runs from 7:30pm through to 9:15pm and is open to all ages, with tickets ranging from $79.50 to $89.50. Featuring five of Aotearoa’s vocalists backed by a live rock band, the performance delivers a theatrical take on some of the world’s most iconic rock anthems, with reimagined classics from artists spanning multiple generations.
The Southland Wool and Craft Festival is taking place at the Gore Town and Country Club on Saturday, May 2nd from 10am through to 3pm. This free, family-friendly event offers a day of hands-on creativity, with a range of children’s crafting stations suitable for all ages. Attendees can also explore a variety of displays, including yarn bombing, as part of the festival’s celebration of wool and craft across the region.
Shapeshifter are bringing their Soulstice 20th Anniversary Tour to the Civic Theatre in Invercargill on Thursday, May 7th, with the show starting at 7pm. Tickets range from $71.90 to $91.90. The tour celebrates 20 years of their iconic album Soulstice, with fans able to experience tracks like “Summer Haze,” “New Day Come,” and “Electric Dream” performed live. Known for their high-energy drum and bass performances, Shapeshifter will be joined by DJ Pearly for the show, as part of their nationwide tour across Aotearoa.
Organisers are calling for stallholders and workshop facilitators for the first Thrive Wellness Expo, happening on Saturday May 9 from 11am to 4pm at Flecks Hall on Palmerston Street in Riverton. The event aims to connect the community with holistic health knowledge, products, and services, featuring stalls offering massage and bodywork therapies, healthy food and drinks, and natural wellness products. Stall spaces are $50, and interested vendors can register by emailing ThriveRiverton@gmail.com for more information.
Night of the Arts – NoTA 2026 will light up Don and Dee Streets in Invercargill on Friday, May 15 from 5pm to 9pm. This free city-centre event transforms the streets and Connections Arcade into a vibrant hub of live performances, creative activities and artistic surprises, inviting people to explore and discover art in all its forms. For more information, contact events@artsmurihiku.co.nz.
Tussock Country, New Zealand’s Country Music Festival, is returning to Gore from Friday, May 22nd, through to Sunday, May 31st, with events centred around the St James Theatre and locations across the district. The ten-day festival features more than 60 events celebrating country music, food, and rural life, bringing together artists, community groups, and audiences from around the country. Event pricing varies; full festival information and tickets are available at www.tussockcountry.nz.
The Bluff Oyster and Food Festival is taking place on Saturday, May 23rd, from 11am through to 5 pm, bringing one of New Zealand’s most iconic food events back to Bluff. Known for celebrating the famous Bluff oyster, the festival offers a full day of seafood, entertainment, and local flavour, hosted by the Bluff community. A highlight of the winter calendar, the event attracts thousands each year, with attendees encouraged to wrap up warm and enjoy the atmosphere and variety of food on offer.
The Fiordland Big 3 is taking place in Te Anau from Thursday, May 28th through to Sunday, May 31st, with events based at the Te Anau Rugby Club grounds. Held over King’s Birthday weekend, the event features a mix of hunting, competitions, food, and family-friendly activities, with prices ranging from $10 to $200 depending on participation. Hunting begins Thursday evening, with the official weigh-in held on Sunday, alongside activities such as pig-carrying and possum-throwing contests. The event also supports pest control efforts and serves as a fundraiser for the Te Anau Rugby Club, with more information and tickets available through Te Anau Events.
The Southland Alzheimer’s Charity Dinner and Cabaret Circus is taking place at Ascot Park Hotel in Invercargill on Saturday, June 6th, from 7 pm. Tickets are $175 per person or $ 1,650 for a hosted table of 10. The evening includes a welcome drink, a two-course dinner with dessert, a live charity auction, and a programme of cabaret and circus entertainment. The event is a fundraiser supporting Alzheimer’s Society Southland, with tables available now and further details through the event organisers.
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!