Events

Each Friday artisan food producers sell their locally grown produce to locals and tourists alike. Based on national guidelines, it's an authentic market selling a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, pate, specialty bread, wine, hummus, pesto and much more. It's a favourite with tourists who like to gather up ingredients for a gourmet picnic to have in one of the many nearby parks, public gardens and reserves.

Check out the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North, Manawatū, home to New Zealand's most comprehensive collection of memorabilia devoted to the oval ball, along with some of the world's rarest rugby artefacts.

Revel in rugby and its heritage and take a trip back in time and explore the rich history and folklore of our nation's mighty game and learn about our rugby heroes and legends.

Get a feel for the real New Zealand by discovering how our rugby heritage has shaped, and has been shaped, by our country. View the "Rare XV" artefacts — including the first fern, the oldest All Black jersey, the world famous whistle and coin (dating back to 1905 and 1925 respectively).

And if you're feeling physical, test your rugby skills against rugby legends with the kicking, tackling, jumping, pushing and leaping challenges in the interactive area. If the kids are with you, they'll love to imitate their heroes!

In August, after a $2 million upgrade, the musum will be relocated to the Te Manawa in the heart of Palmerston North and will comprise of four different zones.

• Rugby Relics: A decade by decade history of Rugby and New Zealand.  Step back in time and see how rugby and New Zealand have shaped each other, forging a national rugby story that’s still being written today. 

• Discovery Library: Access by arrangement. It’s a quiet, contemplative space that allows researchers, historians, or relatives of past identities time to pore over individual collections, or delve into the treasure trove of archival material. 

• Rugby Tribes: Take a closer look at the colour and diversity that makes up our wider ‘Rugby Tribe’ - its rituals and roots, witticism and whimsy. An area that evolves and changes. 

• Have a Go!: A 'seriously interactive' zone where visitors can represent their country and try out some Rugby-themed, physically challenging exhibits that include a series of simple game-based ball and skills challenges.

Palmerston North, in the province of Manawatū, is located between Wellington and Taupō and is hosting Rugby World Cup games on 28 September and 2 October, so plan your trip to combine a taste of history with the experience of live action.

The nation's best Superkart racers come together once again to compete. Watch superkarts circulate the Manfeild course at speeds exceeding 250km/h, as they dice wheel-to-wheel for national supremecy and associated bragging rights! Last run in 2011, the previous meeting pulled together drivers from as far away as Whangarei, West Coast and even Australia. Kartsport Wellington are pleased to announce Racetech, Go Pro, MG Tyres and Wynns as sponsors of the 2012 Superkart Nationals and Grand Prix. Open practice will be run on January 6, with qualifying and racing to be held on Saturday, 7 January 2012. For more information, please see the websites.

School holidays are here again, and this time our papercraft sessions are on the theme “Myths & Legends”. Sessions are designed for primary aged children, but are open to all at no cost. Parental supervision is required please. If you wish to attend a craft session, please register at your local library (not necessary for Dannevirke) so that sufficient materials are available.

Run by Pacific Motorcycles Club, Saturday is a track day catering for all riding skill levels, $60 for the day for competitors. Sunday has 4 classes of road racing with tuition available. Event starts at 08.00am both days. Spectators are welcome, no gate charge and entry via South Street.

A one-week holiday programme for primary school age children (ages 5-11). Indoor and outdoor games, dancing, singing, crafts, movies, laughter & great food all make for a fantastic week of holiday fun! WINZ subsidies may apply. Register interest at (06)3579411 or email thebuzz@stalbans.org.nz. 9am-3pm session $22 9am-4pm session $25.50

The Kiwiana Festival will bring together popular existing summer activities; along with a range of new activities. The festival packages together old and new events to provide a fresh and exciting entire weekend of fun, celebrating summer and the beach. The programme includes the big dig and sand sculpturing competition, family concert, Miss Himatangi competition, family fun and stalls, beach bar-b-que, open days IRB surf club and Himatangi Fire Brigade. The Kiwiana festival aims to attract both local residents, holiday makers and day visitors; young and old and especially family groups. We are targeting a total of 5000 participants during the festival. Himatangi Beach is a fantastic beach village community located on the west coast close to Palmerston North. The festival is being held on Anniversary Weekend, January 2012.

Despite being 40+ for men and 35+ for women, this is one competitive battle for the New Zealand Hockey Masters title! The National Masters Hockey Tournament will be held in Palmerston North in March 2012. For more details contact Warren Banks on 06 356 4562 or

Steam Fair held at the Steam Traction Society Club rooms, opposite Feilding Cemetery. Includes: Steam traction engines Stationary steam engines Live steam models Steam driven sawmill Engine steering Engine rides Trailer rides Shed visit Refreshments available.

Dry casting, shore, boat & kayak fishing, AGM & prizegiving. Fishing boundries: Patea Rivermouth south, and up the East Coast to Porangahau Beach. Ph 328 8877 for more information.