Welcome to Radio Southland's Community Notices 16/03/2026
Southland Pride has a range of events during Pride Month, on now, with colour runs, fashion shows, a youth ball, and tonnes more. Stay up to date with all the activities by checking out Southland Pride on Facebook.
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.
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.
The Southland Multicultural Food Festival returns on Saturday, from 10am to 4pm at ILT Stadium Southland. Entry is by gold coin donation, with a wide range of international food stalls, cultural performances, music, and family-friendly activities celebrating the diversity of Southland’s communities. A relaxed, all-ages day out featuring great food and free entertainment.
Anna van Riel and The Back Road Revolution will be performing this Saturday at the Ashby School of Music in Gore, upstairs in the old H&J’s building, launching Anna’s seventh studio album “Wooden Leg” with an evening of folk, jazz and blues. They’ll also be playing Sunday at The Riff in Invercargill. Tickets for both shows are $20 via Humanitix or available at the door.
High Tea with History: 100 Years of Anderson House is happening on Sunday at Anderson House, 91 McIvor Road in Invercargill. Enjoy a delicious high tea prepared by MASH Catering while Senga shares stories about the iconic Anderson House, the land it stands on, and the family who gifted it to the people of Invercargill. Tickets are $65, available through the MASH Catering website or by emailing info@sengawhite.nz.
The Southland Steam Engine Club is hosting an Open Afternoon on Sunday from 1pm to 4pm at the Old Brydone Dairy Factory, 748 Pioneer Highway, Brydone. Entry is by donation, and there will be plenty to enjoy, including traction engine rides, steam boiler demonstrations, food cooked on a coal range, displays, miniature steam engines for kids and even a live cow milking demonstration. For more information, visit southlandsteamengineclub.co.nz.
Trash Talk – Wear Your Truth, an upcycled fashion show celebrating creativity, identity and sustainability, is happening on Friday March 27, from 7:15pm to 8:30pm in Invercargill. The free event invites people to showcase second-hand styling, recycled fashion and original upcycled designs on the runway. This is an LGBTQIA+ inclusive event, welcoming all identities and forms of expression. For more information, contact 027 389 1353 or email mntairea5@gmail.com.
Summer Fest, a youth-led event for the whole whānau, is happening on Saturday, March 28, from 1pm to 4pm at 262 Ness Street in Invercargill. The free event will feature live performances from local young talent, a free photobooth, games, activities, youth stalls and food trucks. Families are welcome to bring a picnic or purchase food on site. Please note this is an alcohol, vape and smoke-free event.
Night Must Fall by Emlyn Williams, directed by Jason Fraser, will be at the Repertory House on the 27th and 28th of March, and the 2nd-4th of April. Purchase tickets through the Repertory House’s website: invercargillrepertory.co.nz.
The Riverton Heritage Harvest Festival returns for its 17th year on March 28 and 29 at Aparima College in Riverton. Entry is by gold coin donation, and the weekend will feature markets, demonstrations, workshops, food and displays celebrating heritage skills, sustainable living and community connections. For more information, contact 03 234 8717 or email sceseducation@gmail.com.
Southern REAP is hosting “Parenting Through Big Bursting Behaviours” in Gore on Wednesday, March 25, from 6:30pm to 8pm at Calvin Community Church. The session will explore what’s happening in a child’s brain during challenging moments and share practical tools to help parents respond calmly and confidently. Cost is $10 per person. To register, contact Southern REAP on 0800 111 117 or email info@reap.co.nz.
A Women’s Health Expo is being held on Saturday, March 28, from 9am to 4pm at Hansen Hall at the Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill. The free community event will bring together a range of organisations offering health education, advice, complimentary screenings and access to support services, all focused on supporting women’s health in a welcoming environment.
HPTO Fest is coming to Teretonga Speedway on March 28 and 29, bringing the return of the New Zealand Burnout Tour and the fan-favourite NUTOUT burnout competition. Expect a loud and high-energy weekend with competitors from around the country and plenty of tyre-smoking action for spectators. Entries are still open, and spectator tickets are available now at hptofest.co.nz.
The 25th Anniversary “Give Kids A Chance” Charity Golf Tournament, hosted by Invercargill Rotary in association with ILT, is happening on Sunday March 29 at the SBS Invercargill Golf Club in Otatara, with a 12pm shotgun start. The Ambrose tournament is open to teams of three, costing $150 per team, with over $3,000 in prizes up for grabs along with food, drinks and plenty of fun. To enter, contact Wayne on 021 897 265 or 027 433 4420, or email wandshamilton@hotmail.com or wthunt@gmail.com.
The global hit Menopause The Musical is coming to the Civic Theatre in Invercargill on Tuesday, March 31, at 7:30 pm. This hilarious and heartwarming show follows four women who bond over the ups and downs of “The Change,” all set to parodies of classic hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Tickets range from $81.50 to $111.50 and are available now through the Civic Theatre booking office.
Kiwi rock legends Blindspott are bringing their Arena Tour to ILT Stadium Southland on Thursday, April 2, 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
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.
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!