Welcome to Radio Southland's Community Notices 08/10/2026
The Te Anau Spring Flower Show returns to the Fiordland Community Events Centre on Luxmore Drive for its 52nd year, open to the public on Friday from 1 pm to 6 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm. Featuring the biggest display of daffodils in the South Island, it's a wonderful way to welcome spring. Entry is $5 for adults and free for children.
The Southern Highland Showdown is a brand new Southland event coming to the grounds of Ascot Park Hotel on Saturday October 10th, from 10:30 am. This free celebration of Scottish culture features Highland dancing, pipe bands, solo piping and drumming, strongman demonstrations, wood chopping, medieval battle enactments, and archery displays. Get involved with caber tossing, sword fighting, the Kilted Mile, and Tug of War, or just soak up the atmosphere with whisky tastings, Scottish fare, and local kai. There's a bouncy castle for the little ones too. Head to shsoct.nz for more information.
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.
The Fiordland Health and Wellbeing Expo is on at the Fiordland Community Events Centre on Luxmore Drive in Te Anau on Friday October 16th, from 12 pm to 4 pm. This free community event brings together a wide range of health, wellbeing, and support services available to Fiordland residents locally, without the need to travel to Invercargill or Queenstown. Come along and find out what's available in your community.
Operatunity's Let's Twist Again comes to the Civic Theatre on Tay Street in Invercargill on Monday October 19th at 11 am. It's a high-energy celebration of 60s music and dance, featuring a live band and powerhouse vocals with iconic hits from The Beatles, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Chubby Checker, and Nancy Sinatra. Tickets are $37 to $42, available online or at the Civic Theatre booking office.
The Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic is back for its 19th year over Labour Weekend, running from Friday October 23rd at 2 pm through to Sunday October 25th at 2 pm. Anglers of all ages can fish across Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri and the Upper Waiau, with prizes across adult, junior, and child categories, Catch and Release options, and weigh-in prizes throughout the weekend. The major prize this year is a Stabicraft 1850 Supercab boat, trailer, and motor package valued at over $110,000. Entry fees range from $25 to $65. Head to teanauevents.co.nz for more information and to register.
The Invercargill Rotary Clubs are bringing back their Family Halloween Party at the Stumpery in Queens Park on Saturday October 31st, from 3 pm to 6 pm. It's a free afternoon of games, a BBQ, costume certificates, and of course some sweets. Access is via Gala Street or Queens Drive. For more information contact Evelyn Fraser at evelynfraser498@gmail.com or 027 229 3877.
The SBS Bank Tour of Southland returns in November for a milestone 70th edition, bringing elite road cycling to the roads of Murihiku Southland. Over an action-packed week, riders will race through Southland's towns, countryside, and iconic locations, taking on challenging stages that have tested generations of cyclists. It's a much-loved Southland tradition with communities lining the route to cheer on the peloton. Keep an eye on tourofsouthland.com for the full stage schedule and route information.
The Civic Theatre's 120th Anniversary Community Open Day is on Saturday, November 14th from 10 am to 4 pm, and entry is free. Come and explore this much-loved Category 1 heritage building, hear stories from its past, and take a look behind the curtain at one of Invercargill's most treasured venues. Bring the whānau along for a fascinating glimpse into 120 years of history.
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!