Oct
1
to 28 Feb

Paper Dress Competition: Waimate Museum

  • Waimate Museum & Archives (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Create a masterpiece out of discarded book pages, magazines and newspapers. Dress up a mannequin and display them at the Museum.

Entry forms available at the Museum Office. Entry fee $20.

The museum has a limited number of mannequins available , or use your own. Books and magazines to be recycled available from the museum after Bookarama, from 31 October.

Take your creation to the museum for dressing on 2 December.
Judging is on Saturday 6 December.

Entries will be on displayed all summer.
On Friday 6 February there will be an event for the People’s Choice Award.
For information, contact charmaine_douglas@xtra.co.nz or admin@waimatemuseumandarchives.co.nz

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Oct
17
6:00 pm18:00

Trail of Trends at The Quirky Magpie

The Quirky Magpie and Rewind invite you to an evening of fashion, festive gifting, and community spirit. Join hosts Lorraine and Steph for a night filled with style, bubbles, nibbles, fabulous spot prizes, and more!

Tickets are $25, with proceeds to The Waimate Trail - Te Ara Waimatemate.
Tickets can be purchased from The Quirky Magpie or Rewind. Available now, limited numbers.

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Oct
25
to 30 Oct

Bookarama

  • Machinery Hall, Waimate Museum (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Head to the museum for this week-long fundraiser.
Books, puzzles, DVDs, magazines and more. Saturday includes a White Elephant & Bake Sale.
October 25-30 10am to 4pm. Machinery Hall, 9 Innes Street, Waimate.
Call 03 689 7832 for more information.

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Nov
1
to 7 Nov

Student Art Exhibition

Waimate High School and Waimate Art Gallery presents Student Art Exhibition.

1 November to 7 November at the Waimate Art Gallery.

Refreshments served on opening night.

Art produced by students of Waimate High School.
3, 4, 5 November: Hours to be advised.
6, 7 November: 11am to 3pm.
Free entry. Art for sale (Eftpos or cash)

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Nov
7
7:30 pm19:30

Comedy Hypnosis Show - Waimate Main School Fundraiser

The Waimate Main School PTA are excited to present Ian Blaine. Known for his hilarious and jaw-dropping performances, Ian will have you in stitches as volunteers from the audience become the stars of the show.

Specially timed R18 event for after calving, so it’s the perfect chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy a fantastic evening out with friends.

Tickets $35 from Humanitix

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Nov
8
8:00 am08:00

South Canterbury A&P Show

  • South Canterbury A&P Showground (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Town meets country at this vibrant show. Expect to see animals of all kinds for showing and action in the form of showjumping. Displays, stands and stalls for information and shopping. Plus, the NZ army team from Burnham will be showing off the equipment they used during the August training exercises in Waimate.

Tickets $15, ex-army veterans and children under 16 go free.

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Dec
13
9:30 am09:30

Waimate Strawberry Fare

The Waimate Strawberry Fare is one of the biggest events on our calendar so make sure you make a note of this date for a day you will not want to miss. There will be 200-plus stalls and all-day entertainment. You have never seen Seddon Square buzzing quite like this!

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Oct
11
to 12 Oct

Spring Equestrian Show

  • South Canterbury A&P Showground (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Head to the showgrounds for the Spring Equestrian Show. Free admission.

Saturday
Main Oval (rings 1.2&3): 8:30am Showjumping. 9am Working Hunter.
Ring 4: 9am In-hand classes.
Ring 5: 9am Miniature horses. 1:45pm Ridden Coloured Horse

Sunday
Main Oval. 8:30am District Pony, NZ Riding Pony. Showjumping in Rings 1&2. 9am Group A, B & C Ponies. Saddle Hunter Ponies. 10am Ridden Thoroughbred the CFC Centennial Cup. 11am Hacks, Park Hacks, Riding Horses and Saddle Hunters. 1:30pm Senior Rider. 1.45pm Junior Rider.
Ring 4: 10:30am Lead Rein then First Ridden.
Ring 5: 9:30am Leisure Section

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Oct
10
to 11 Oct

Waimate Shears

The 58th Annual Shearing and Wool Handling Contest, Waimate Shears, is on!

Friday 10 October, from 7am: Senior Winter Comb; Woolhandling (Merino); Speed Shear.

Saturday 11 October, from 7am: Shearing Events Heats; Teams Event; South Island Woolhandling; Circuit Finals; Blade Shearing; Trans-Tasman Blade Shearing; Shearing Finals.

Free entry. Raffles. Hot Food. Bar. Courtesy Van. Facebook Live Streaming.

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Sept
23
to 3 Oct

School Holiday Programme at The Event Centre

There are plenty of activities at the Waimate Event Centre for your energetic children and those that like a challenge or to learn something new.

Indoor Climbing: Tuesday 23 September and Friday 3 October, 2pm to 3:30pm. $8 each session, adult supervision required.

Skating: Wednesday 24 September and Monday 29 September, 10:30am to 12pm. And Thursday 2 October, 2pm to 3:30pm. $8 each session.

Hoops: Thursday 25 September and Tuesday 30 September, 10:30am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm. $5 each session.

Indoor Soccer: Friday 26 September and Wednesday 1 October, 10.30am to 12pm. $5 each session. Clean sneakers please.

No bookings required for any of the activities. For more information call the Event Centre on 03 689 7771.

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Sept
22
to 3 Oct

School Holiday Activities at the Library

The Waimate Library has four engaging activities for tamariki this school holidays:

  • Origami Workshop – 30 September 11am to 12.30pm. Open to all ages.

  • Pre Halloween-Scavenger Hunt – figure out the scary clues to get a lucky dip prize/chocolate.  Every day of the holidays.

  • Reading with Wolfie – 29th September, 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

  • Super Gran – both Fridays of the holidays, 10.30am to 11.30am.

    No bookings are required for any of the activities.

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Sept
20
to 5 Oct

Waimate Scarecrow Hunt

Save the date for days of fun.
Grab a map and head around town to see the marvellous creations made by creative locals for the Waimate Scarecrow Hunt. Guess the character and write it on the reverse of your map. Once you’ve found every scarecrow and completed your form, return it and be in to win a prize. Maps will be available from Value Village nearer the date. People’s Choice voting for the ‘best’ scarecrow.
Email jess.cp95@gmail.com to register or for further information.

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Sept
14
9:00 am09:00

SCNO Showjumping Training Day

  • South Canterbury A&P Showgrounds (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Using the Main Ring (Day 1*)
Starts with set up by course designer Tony Hutton, with rounds commencing around 9.30-10am.
Starting height 60cm to be raised as needed with all levels catered for.
Ground fee $15 per horse. $10 per round. $17.50 for open yard if used.
Covered yards and overnight stays available through the A&P Association.
Entries close 8pm Saturday 13 September. No entry without payment.
*The event will be repeated on 21 September.
Click here for event page and how to pay.

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Sept
6
9:00 am09:00

Car Boot Sale

Save the date! The Community Market is hosting a car boot sale with all proceeds being donated back to the community. This event is held alongside the weekly market. Proceeds to the Waimate Volunteer Fire Brigade, special guests on the day..
$10 per site. Bookings Essential.
Text - 027 460 2849. DM Facebook - Waimate Community Market. Email - wcmisecretary@gmail.com

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Sept
5
to 21 Sept

South Canterbury Outstanding Food Festival

  • Across Timaru, Mackenzie & Waimate districts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The South Canterbury Outstanding Food Festival (SCOFF) is back for 2025 running over 17 days this year. With specials offered at eateries across South Canterbury, you are sure to delight your tastebuds. Participating eateries in the Waimate District are: The Barn, The Waimate Bakery, The Waimate Kitchen & Bar, Nosh Roadside Gourmet, Makikihi Country Hotel and Waihao Forks Hotel. Make sure you try out their SCOFF specials!

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Aug
26
6:30 pm18:30

Nitrate in the Lower Waihao

Community information eventing by Environment Canterbury to share an update about the nitrate situation in the region and what is being done to address the issue. Science, consents and land management staff will be there to present the plan and answer questions.
Tea and Kōrero at Glenavy Hall. Tuesday 26 August, 6.30pm.

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Aug
23
9:00 am09:00

Daffodil Rally for Cancer: Car Display

It’s the Vintage Car Club’s National Day and across New Zealand, hundreds of vehicles will be on the road or on display to raise money for the Cancer Society.

9am till 12pm: public display at Seddon Square, Queen Street. Everyone welcome, no matter what kind of car you drive. Sausage sizzle/BBQ at the community market. Gold coin donation please.
Proceeds to the Cancer Society.

(There is a quiz night at 7pm at the clubs rooms on Harris Street. See separate event listing.)

For information, contact Don and Maureen Chamberlain on 027 249 6525

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Aug
17
9:30 am09:30

Daffodil Rally Scooter Run

Waimate Vintage Car Club is holding a Scooter Run with proceeds to the Cancer Society.
Meet at the Waimate Club Rooms on Harris Street, Waimate at 9.30am for a 10am departure.
BBQ lunch included after the run.
$20 entry fee.
Entry forms available from Barry 027 485 2032 or Owen 021 294 2158

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Aug
6
10:30 am10:30

Neighbourhood Support: Have Your Say Waimate!

  • Waimate Library Reading Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Neighbourhood Support South Canterbury would like to create a sub-committee of likeminded people who want to see their community become safer and more resilient by sharing ideas and feedback. This is the first meeting and a chance to share issues and concerns.

Everyone welcome: Wednesday 6 August, 10:30am to 11:30am, Waimate Library Reading Room.
A light morning tea will be provided.
For more information, please contact coordinator Zoe Kirk on scns@xtra.co.nz or text/call 027 6688 114.

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Aug
1
6:00 pm18:00

Skate Lesson and Roller Disco

Skatescool is bringing its skate lessons and roller disco to Waimate for the first time.
6pm: Two 50-minute group lessons, for beginners and confident skaters.
7pm: 90-minute roller disco for all ages, all levels. (Arrive early if hiring skates).
Roller skates and blades available.
Lesson + Disco Combo $20; Lesson or Disco only $15; Skate hire $5
For information visit skatescool.co.nz or call 09 434 4414.

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