Welcome to Radio Southland's Community Notices 22/05/2025
Bayleys Tussock Country – New Zealand’s Country Music Festival – returns to Gore from Friday this week until June 1st. bringing together the rural community and country music fans for ten days of celebration. With over 60 events on offer, the festival showcases the best in country music, food, rural life, and entertainment, all delivered with signature southern hospitality. Held across various venues, including the Gore Town & Country Club, the festival supports local community groups, features hundreds of artists, and draws thousands of attendees. Event times and ticket prices vary—full festival details and tickets are available now at tussockcountry.nz.
Classic boat lovers, mark your calendars! The Fiordland Classic Boat Festival is coming to Te Anau from Friday this week until Sunday. This family-friendly event will bring together boat enthusiasts from near and far for a weekend of heritage, fun, and celebration on the water before winter rolls in. Held at the Te Anau township, it’s the perfect opportunity to admire stunning classic vessels, connect with the community, and enjoy workshops, meet-ups, and more. Full event details – including activity times and pricing – are still to be confirmed, with different events having their own costs. Whether you're a boat owner or just love the beauty and craftsmanship of these timeless crafts, keep an eye out for updates and make sure this one’s on your radar!
Southland Girls’ and Southland Boys’ High Schools proudly present Legally Blonde: The Musical at SIT Centrestage Theatre on May 27, 28, and 29 at 7.30pm. Based on the popular novel and film, this high-energy production features music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and a book by Heather Hach. Tickets are available from www.iticket.co.nz, the Centrestage booking office, or the Southland Chamber of Commerce (25 Don Street, Invercargill). Door sales will also be available from 6.30pm each night. Prices range from $18 to $30 depending on age and concession.
Gather your mates, pack your gear, and head to Te Anau for the Fiordland Big 3, running from Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1, 2025. Held annually over King’s Birthday weekend, this action-packed event kicks off with hunting on Thursday night and wraps up with the official weigh-in on Sunday at the Te Anau Rugby Club. It’s more than just a competition – the event helps support local pest control efforts to protect New Zealand’s native wildlife. With entry prices ranging from $10 to $200, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a weekend full of entertainment, including pig-carrying and possum-throwing contests, food stalls, a licensed bar, and fun new categories like Mums & Kids. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just in for the atmosphere, it's a brilliant family day out and a key fundraiser for the local rugby club.
Waihopai Football Club is celebrating its 75th Jubilee over King’s Birthday weekend, 30 May–1 June. Festivities kick off with a Friday evening get-together at the Newfield Tavern from 7pm, followed by club games at Surrey Park on Saturday, and an evening function featuring supper, a guest speaker, photos, and DJ Phil. On Sunday, invitational games will take place, including a testimonial match for Mark Buchanan and Lyal Halder, with a debrief gathering to follow. Registration is $35 via www.sporty.co.nz/waihopaiafc, or contact Grant on 0274 36 36 55 after 4pm for more information.
Get ready for a night of glamour, giggles, and a touch of mystery – Murder Mystery ‘Gatsby’ is coming to the Civic Theatre in Invercargill on Friday, May 30! Doors open at 6:00pm for this one-of-a-kind interactive theatre experience, where every audience member becomes a detective. Set in the roaring 1920s, guests are encouraged to dress up in Gatsby-style glam and help uncover who killed the infamous stage director, Larry Lugosi. Don’t worry – no acting is required. The cast are the suspects, and you’ll have multiple chances to interact with them and piece together the clues. Expect big laughs and clever twists, with many guests calling it the most fun they’ve had in ages. Whether you're coming for the costumes, the comedy, or the challenge, this immersive experience is not to be missed. Round up your friends, sort your outfits, and secure your tickets now. And yes – Afterpay is available!
Every second Wednesday of the month, get ready for a fantastic monthly music night hosted by the Lower Mataura Valley. It all goes down at 7:30 pm sharp, right at the Mataura RSA. For just $5, you're in for a night of great tunes and even better company. And here's a little extra encouragement: feel free to bring along a plate of your favourite snacks to share with fellow music lovers!
On weekdays in Bluff, there are Te Rourou sessions from 8:30 to 5 pm where everyone’s welcome to come along and relax with a cuppa and enjoy a safe, secure environment for your little ones. For more information, please call 212 8866.
Every second Thursday of the month, the Art Attic Gallery hosts a Poetry Night that kicks off at 7 pm. And the best part? It's completely free to enter, plus they'll even throw in some tasty nibbles and drinks. You can find The Art Attic Gallery at 43 Tay Street in Invercargill.
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 is a free, weekly, timed 5km event held every Saturday from 9am at Queens Park. Meet at the cricket pavilion carpark and walk, jog, run or volunteer - everyone is welcome. Head to their Facebook page for all of the details!
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!