Artist Talks | Chloe Summerhayes, Sam Walker, and Bobby Kurb

Join us for three artist talks featuring Bobby Kurb, Chloe Summerhayes and Sam Walker. Bobby will discuss his new exhibition Before Black and White there was Colour, and Chloe and Sam will be in conversation discussing their collaborative exhibition The Same Coin. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the artists about their exhibitions and…

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Caught in the Moment: Guardian photographs of 1975

What moments in time did the Ashburton Guardian photographers capture around Whakatere Ashburton throughout 1975? This selection of photographs from our large collection of Guardian negatives will take you on a journey across various aspects of life in our district 50 years ago. Although some of these images were published in the daily newspaper, most…

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Talk | Revitalisation of Te Reo Māori – A Youth Perspective

Celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori by joining us for our special panel talk! At this public event, hear from a panel of local rangatahi who will share their perspective on the revitalisation of te reo Māori. Nau mai koutou katoa – all are welcome to join us for this free kōrero. Wednesday 17th September…

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Opening | Operation Grapple: We Were There

Join us for the opening of our new exhibition, Operation Grapple: We Were There. In 1957/58 the British Government conducted a series of nuclear weapons tests at Christmas Island and Malden Island in the mid-Pacific Ocean. This series of detonations was given the codename “Operation Grapple”. Operation Grapple consisted of 9 nuclear detonations between May…

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Operation Grapple Talk | Denise Baynham

In Operation Grapple, portraits of 19 New Zealand nuclear test veterans tell the story of this little-known chapter in New Zealand history of nuclear testing in the Pacific. In this talk, photographer Denise Baynham will discuss the exhibition, her motivation in pursuing this compelling personal project, and the photographic challenges along the way.

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Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori

This year is the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, and the Gallery and Museum are putting together some te reo flashcards so that you can practice kupu related to whānau. The artworks that will be featured on the cards are currently being created by students across the district! Make sure to…

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Opening | Consider the Flowers, Margaret Trolove

Join us for the opening of Consider the Flowers, an exhibition of artworks by Margaret Trolove. This exhibition is a celebration of the art of Margaret Trolove (1925-2025), a long-standing member of Whakatere Ashburton’s artistic community. The work in this exhibition demonstrates Margaret’s skilful handling of watercolour, ink and pastel in calm, patient works that…

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School Holiday Activities | September-October 2025

We have some great activities running throughout the school holidays for kids of all ages. Check them out below, or visit the Ashburton District Council What’s On page to see all of the school holiday events across our facilities!   Shipwreck Treasure Hunt 20 September – 05 October | 10AM-4PM | Free | Drop in Search for…

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Opening | Botanical Art Worldwide 2025

Join us for the opening of Botanical Art Worldwide 2025: O Tātou Tipu o Mua – o Ināianei me te Āpōpō, Our Plants – Past, Present and Future.  Botanical Art Worldwide 2025 is the second iteration of a project in which artists around the world join together to curate simultaneous exhibitions of botanical art. The…

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SS Ventnor

In this exhibition, explore the story of the SS Ventnor, which sank off Hokianga Harbour in 1902 carrying the remains of nearly 500 Chinese goldminers being returned to their villages. When those remains washed ashore, local iwi and hapū buried them, and passed the story down through the generations.

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Island Breeze

Join us for our monthly Pasifika wāhine art and craft session in Ashburton! If singing, chatting, and art sounds like your cup of tea, come along on the third Thursday of every month from 12pm – 3.00pm. Island Breeze welcomes Māori and Pasifika. Kai is provided. Contact Fifita on 027 529 0022 for more details….

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In Colour

In Colour is a great way to unwind and relax with like-minded people. Bring along your art and craft projects to share with others over morning tea once a month. These are social sessions that encourage you to connect with others through creativity.  Be inspired to learn a new creative pastime. Sessions are free and new…

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Art Addicts

Art Addicts (AA) is the Gallery’s weekly art space for kids during the school term. Wrap up your Wednesday school day and head to the AAGM to get creative and explore different materials and themes in art. AA is all about a fun, shared learning experience for all who attend. We encourage parents and grandparents…

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Kōwhai Mums

Kōwhai Mums is a monthly art group that caters to ethnic and migrant mums/carers, as well as newcomers to Whakatere Ashburton. While this group has an emphasis on engaging with newcomers, any mums/carers with children aged 0-5 years are welcome to attend. Sessions provide a safe and fun environment for mums/carers to relax and socialise…

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