On 27 November 2025, the Gore River Valley Lions ran their annual Toot for Tucker food drive, with strong promotion beforehand through letterbox flyers across Gore, local radio, newspapers, supermarkets, social media, and posters around…

On Wednesday 12 November 2025, Ready for Living, alongside SP Law and Age Concern, hosted a free Enduring Power of Attorney (EPoA) workshop at the Gore RSA. Presented by SP Law and Age Concern, the session…

The Taurite Tū Wānanga, held on 5 November 2025 at the Gore Multisports Complex, brought together around 120 kaumātua, 35 kaimahi, and three rangatahi from across the rohe, including Alexandra, Awarua, Hāwea, Hokonui, Invercargill, Ōtākou, Ōtepoti, Puketeraki…

The Southland Rhododendron Group (SRG) held its 31st annual festival on Sunday 19 October 2025 in the Gore Gardens. Despite a windy and rainy forecast, the event went ahead and drew an estimated 1,500 members of the public, along with 30 musicians…

Super Saturday at the Gore Town and Country Club welcomed an estimated 200–250 people for a day of fun, connection, and access to health services. Tamariki enjoyed activities including face painting, a magician, fire truck visits…

Parent to Parent Southland hosted a Sibling Fun Day at the Gore Multisports Complex, bringing together 19 young people aged 8 to 18. The event gave siblings of disabled, neurodivergent, or health-impaired brothers and sisters the chance…

The Nga Taniwha o Murihiku mau rākau wānanga was a three-day kaupapa held at O te Ika Rama Marae in Hokonui, attended by 40 participants including rangatahi, pakeke, whānau tautoko, and experienced kaiako from Te Whare…

The annual Hug a Rig Day, held on Saturday 9th August at Waimumu Field Days, was the biggest yet, with 215 participants enjoying rides in 37 trucks and 17 classic cars, up from 170 the previous year. Smiles were abundant…

Jukebox Heroes, held at the St James Theatre on 12 April 2025, was the fourth show produced by The Sunbeam Swingers in three years and featured 18 performers of diverse ages, genders, and cultures. With 377 attendees, the theatre was filled with energy and…

The De-Escalation & OVA Training Hui was held at Hokonui Rūnanga, bringing together 21 participants from across the community sector. Facilitated by Diane Watt of Resolution Education, the hui provided frontline workers...

Children’s Day 2025 was held on Sunday 2 March at Hamilton Park, drawing over 1,000 people for a day of fun, connection, and community. Attendees enjoyed pony cart rides, live entertainment, obstacle courses, face painting, and miniature train rides...

The MLT Moonshine Trail Race 2025, held on Saturday 15th February, brought 442 participants from Southland, Otago, Canterbury, America, and England together for a day of active recreation at Dolamore Park and Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve. The event...

Rollerskating made its debut in Gore in December 2024 at the Mataura Licensing Trust (MLT) Multisports Centre, thanks to Southern Most Skaters and funding from Hokonui Hauora. The Holiday Roller Disco welcomed both beginners and experienced skaters, providing all…

The Gore Kids Hub team had a fantastic time at the Gore Christmas Carnival 2024, welcoming around 55 families despite a rainy start to the day. Once the sun came out in the afternoon, families enjoyed the new…

The Living Well Mataura Family Fun Day 2024 brought the community together for a day of games, friendly competition, and relaxation, with around 450 people estimated to have attended. Activities were offered at little to no cost, with…

The Wyndham Street Market was a lively community event, drawing an estimated 800 people, with the rain holding off for most of the evening. Families enjoyed face painting and milk drinks from Fonterra, while adults connected with…

The Māruawai Matariki Celebration 2024, held on Friday 28th June at the Southern Field Days site in Waimamu, brought thousands of people from across the district together to celebrate Matariki. With no entry fees, families enjoyed a day full of…

The Hokonui Rūnanga Health & Social Services team ran a successful 4-day Rangatahi Holiday Programme during the April school holidays for rangatahi aged 8 and up from Gore and surrounding areas. The free programme offered a mix of educational, physical, and…

The annual Children’s Day celebration, held on Sunday 3rd March 2024 at the Gore Multisports Complex, brought the community together with a range of fun activities. Around 400–500 people attended, enjoying ice skating, a sausage sizzle, face painting, and the Police Speed Racer challenge. The Kids Hub was busy…

The Friday Night Family Fun Grand Re-Opening in February 2024 at The Bunker brought over 170 community members together for an evening of free food, entertainment, and connection. Families enjoyed a roast lamb dinner followed by dessert, while children…