Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti performing at the 2020 Tamararo regional kapa haka festival in Gisborne. Tairāwhiti kapa haka teams are converging on Showgrounds Park & Event Centre over Friday and Saturday for Tamararo 2026. Photo / Paul Rickard
FRIDAY
Community Karakia and Waiata: A space to gather, connect and give thanks through song and other activities. Held at the Treble Court fountain or Haututu Hacklab in the city centre. 8.30am-9am. All welcome.
Tamararo Kapa Haka 2026: Regional kapa haka competition, 5.30pm, Showgrounds Park & Event Centre, 34 Main Rd, Makaraka.
Mahinga Kai EIT: A free four-day course on how to start and maintain a backyard kai garden. 5pm-8pm, EIT Rural Studies, 320 Stout St. Enrol at EIT Rural Studies Unit or EIT Tairāwhiti main reception, Palmerston Rd. May 1, 2, 8 and 9.
Unity Theatre presents Stiff: A Kiwi comedy written by April Philips and directed by Unity’s James Packman about a woman who runs a brothel but disguises it as a funeral home. Tickets through Eventfinda.
Friday Night karaoke and line dancing: Free events at the Cosmopolitan Club – karaoke,7.30pm-11.30pm, Boulevard Bar; social line dancing, all levels welcome, 7.30pm to late in the Endeavour Lounge. 190 Derby St.
SATURDAY
International Female Riders Day: Explore the beautiful East Coast by motorbike. Starts at 8am from 190 Grey St. Supporting the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust.
Tamararo Kapa Haka 2026: Regional kapa haka competition, 8.30am (karakia) to 5pm, Showgrounds Park & Event Centre, 34 Main Rd, Makaraka.
Build a Johnson-Su bioreactor composting system: 9am-3pm, Tairāwhiti Environment Centre, 386 Palmerston Rd. Limited numbers. Ph (06) 867 4708 to book.
Paws in the Park: Eastwoodhill Arboretum is going to the dogs this weekend. Enjoy 25km of stunning forest paths with your best mate. Dogs must be vaccinated and on a leash. 9am-4pm, 2392 Wharekopae Rd, Ngatapa.
NZ/DC at Smash: NZ/DC are bringing their high-voltage AC/DC tribute show to Gisborne. Get ready for a bunch of the legendary Aussie band’s hits, New Zealand’s version of Angus Young, complete with schoolboy uniform, and some roof-raising riffs. 8pm-11.55pm, Smash Palace Bar, 24 Banks St, Awapuni. Tickets through humanix.com/nz.
Unity Theatre presents Stiff: The last night of this farcical Kiwi comedy written by April Philips and directed by James Packman, about a woman who runs a brothel but disguises it as a funeral home. Chance to meet the playwright at the final performance. Tickets through Eventfinda.
SUNDAY
Tairāwhiti Water Polo Junior – Years 7/8: Join the Tairāwhiti Water Polo Club. Whether you’ve played before or brand new to the game, this is the opportunity to develop real-game skills in a team environment. 9.30am-10,30am. Kiwa Pools, 45 Centennial Marine Dr, Awapuni.
Silent Flute Taijiquan: Learn Tai Chi Chuan (Mandarin) and Taijiquan (Cantonese) for free in an open level class. 1pm-2pm, Gisborne Botanical Gardens or upstairs at Anytime Fitness in Carnavon St. Text 0210490722 to confirm the venue on the day.
The Time Traveller’s Guide to Hamilton Gardens: A new documentary about how Hamilton Gardens became a unique museum of humanity, showcasing gardens from ancient Egypt to the surreal future. 6.30am-8pm, Dome Cinema and Bar, 38 Childers Rd. Text 0275902117 to book.
Coming up
Wa165 Muriwai Excursion: Mother’s Day, May 10. Departing from the Gisborne City Vintage Railway in Awapuni Rd at 1pm. Tickets from Gisborne i-Site, Grey St or ph (06) 868 6139.
Tiki Taane’s One-Man Band show: Saturday, May 16. Tiki Taane is performing at Smash Palace Bar as part of his national tour, with wife DJ Axis supporting.
The Chardonnay Affair: May 22-24. A celebration of Gisborne’s people, producers and place as one of New Zealand’s most distinctive wine regions.
The Veils (solo) Fragile World Aotearoa Tour 2026: English/Kiwi indie rock band The Veils start their 10-venue Fragile World Aotearoa Tour in June and Gisborne’s Smash Palace Bar is on the itinerary. Thursday, July 9, Dome Cinema and Bar. Tickets through Moshtix.
Regular events
MONDAYS
The 500 Card Club: Poverty Bay Bowling Club, 111 Ormond Rd, 1pm-4pm, $3. Phone Tony (06) 863 3468.
Fun Dancing Gisborne: Modern sequence and social ballroom. St Andrew’s Church hall, 176 Cobden St, 7.30pm-9.30pm, $7. Contact Kev or Isabel (06) 867 0074 or 0211812414.
Gisborne Choral Society: New choir members welcome at the society’s regular practice. St Andrew’s Church from 7pm.
Gisborne Orchestra rehearsals: Gisborne Intermediate School, 7.30pm-9pm. New players welcome. Contact Jill 021756364 or email gisborneorchestra@gmail.com.
Badminton Social Morning Club: Monday mornings weekly from 9am-11am. $5 a session. For more information, call Leslie 0274156872.
Badminton Summer Club: Adults and junior players, Year 11-plus. Mondays 7pm-9pm, new players welcome. Sub $120/$100 or $10/$8 casual fee. Contact Geoff 0276568222.
City of Gisborne Highland Pipe Band: Learn to play the pipes or drums. Learners and experienced players welcome. Learners start at 6.30pm, seniors from 7.30pm-8.30pm. The Bandroom, 200 Childers Rd. For further information, ph/txt 0274874480. Every Monday except public holidays.
Community Choir: Sing in harmony with others, beginning with some simple songs and building the repertoire over time. No experience needed. 6.30pm-8pm, EIT staff room, Derby St entrance. For further information, email Keren at keren.rickard@gmail.com or Sarah at skcleave@gmail.com.
TUESDAYS
Indoor Bowls: An inclusive, low-impact sport suitable for all ages and abilities. Senior Citizens Hall, 9am. Also 6.45pm, Cosmopolitan Club. Contact secretary Nanette (secretary) 0274835169O or email pbindoorbowls@gmail.com
Sun City Spinners: Poverty Bay Bowling Club, 111 Ormond Rd, 9am-11.30am, fees apply. Contact Dale (06) 867 5083 or email eastland@creativefibre.org.nz.
Gisborne Line Dancing: Senior Citizens Hall, 30 Grey St, 4.30pm-7.30pm. Contact Kerry 0211024890.
Badminton Gisborne Pinoy Smashers: 6pm-9pm, Badminton Centre, 134 Roebuck Rd. Contact Alfred 0273072318.
The Contemporary Vocals Choir: A fun and upbeat, “choir with a difference”, singing a variety of modern contemporary songs incorporating musical accompaniment. Led by professional vocal coach Letitia Lindeque. New members welcome, 6pm-8pm, Poverty Bay Bowling Club, Ormond Rd, or ph 0211396297.
WEDNESDAYS
Fifties Forward low-impact aerobics: YMCA, 447 Childers Rd, 9.30am. First class free, otherwise $2.
Mainly Music: A fun music group for preschoolers. St Andrew’s Church community centre, 176 Cobden St, 9.45am. $4/family. Contact Trish (06)8672789 or (06)8685513.
Free French Language Conversational Practice with Pascale: Great for students or anyone keen for a refresh or maintenance. 1.30pm-2.30pm. Zephyr Cafe, 4 Ōneroa Rd, Wainui.
Gisborne Concert Band: 6.30pm-8pm, The Bandroom, 200 Childers Rd. If you play brass, woodwind or percussion, come and join. New musicians welcome.
THURSDAYS
Gisborne Line Dancing: Senior Citizens Hall, 30 Grey St, 6pm-8pm. Contact Kerry 0211024890.
Gisborne Caledonian Society Practice: Social, modern and sequence dancing. Holy Trinity Church Hall, 70 Derby St, 7.30pm-9.30pm. $5. Contact Pat 0210497148.
Gisborne Civic Brass Band rehearsals: Gisborne Civic Brass Band welcomes new and established players to join their weekly band rehearsals. Every Thursday from 6.30pm-8pm at The Bandroom, 200 Childers Rd. Email gisbornecivicbrassband@gmail.com.
FRIDAYS
Friday Stairs Workout: Meet at the lower carpark, Titirangi/Kaiti Hill, 5.55am, workout 6am-6.40am.
Indoor Bowls: An inclusive, low-impact sport suitable for all ages and abilities. 9am, Senior Citizens Hall, 30 Grey St.
Lego Club: A weekly club for 5-17-year-olds, 3.30pm-5pm. HB Williams Memorial Library, 34 Bright St.
SATURDAYS
Gisborne Parkrun: Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club, beach end of Grey St, 7.45am-10am. Register at parkrun.co.nz/gisborne/.
Pilates with Tilly: Tone, sculpt and flow. Saturdays and Sundays, 8am-9am. The Space, Yoga Coast Plus, 46 Makorori Beach Rd. Phone 0273311032 to book.
Tairāwhiti Coffin Club: BCR Joinery, 522 Gladstone Rd, 9am-10am. Details at tairawhiticc@gmail.com.
Tennis for all: Ormond Tennis Club, Hill Rd, Ormond, 2pm-4pm. For more information, phone (06) 862 5741 or (06) 862 5856.
SUNDAYS
Gisborne Walkers Club: 8am, meet at Mitre 10, 24 Derby St. Text 0278902224 for more info.
Dharma Practice and Meditation: Lama Damchoe leads dharma practice and meditation, followed by a shared lunch, 10am, Palpung Kagyu Samten Choling Tibetan Buddhist Centre, 31 James St. All are welcome.
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
Lions Express Train rides: Starts near Gisborne Wainui Lions Junior Cycle Park, Centennial Marine Drive, 11am-3pm, weather permitting. $2.
EACH WEEK
Mahjong Club (Monday and Thursday): Gisborne Town and Country Women’s Club, 42 Emily St, 12.30pm. Contact Margaret (06) 863 0144.
Tairāwhiti Menzshed (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday): Cnr Parkinson and Innes Sts, Saturday 9am-3pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am-2pm. Details phone/text 0224650396.
Tairāwhiti Aviation Museum (Tuesday and Sunday): Gisborne Airport, Aerodrome Rd, 9am–3pm. $5 adults, Under-12s free.
FORTNIGHTLY
Gisborne Country Music Club (first and third Sundays): Senior Citizens Hall, 30 Grey St, 1pm-4pm, $5 visitors, $3 members, $1 children. Contact Flo (06) 867 7637, 0274946979 or email flo.pahuru@outlook.co.nz.
Gisborne Woodworking Club (2nd and 4th Saturdays and last Thursday): Green shed opposite Enterprise Aquatic Centre carpark, Nelson Rd, 10am to about noon. Contact Bill 0274507719 or email gizzywheelers@gmail.com.
MONTHLY
Gizzy Monthly Market (1st Saturday): Locally produced crafts, food and products. Lawson Field Rose Garden, 7 Fitzherbert St, 9am-1pm, weather permitting.
Gas Guzzlers’ Breakfast (1st Sunday): Behind the courthouse on Reads Quay, 8.30am-11am.
Crop Swap (1st Sunday): Swap plants, produce, preserves, baking, books and more. Makaraka School carpark, 137 Main Rd, 2pm-3pm.
Irish Music Session (first Sunday): The Rivers restaurant, 4pm-6pm. Contact Marty 0210557685.
Gisborne Floral Art Club (first Monday): Waverley St hall, 9.30am-11.30am; (3rd Wednesday) Kahutia Bowling Club, 7pm.
Poverty Bay Blues Night (first Tuesday): Dome Cinema, Poverty Bay Club, 6pm doors open, 7pm gig. $10 door sales, Blues Club members free, R18.
Ulysses Motorcycle Club (first Tuesday): Bushmere Arms public bar, 673 Matawai Rd, Waerenga-a-Hika, 7.30pm. Contact Chris 0274602430.
Gisborne Friendship Group – formerly Gisborne Combined Club (1st Wednesday): For active retirees looking for friendship. Kahutia Bowling Club, 165 Cobden St, 9.30am, $5, includes morning tea. Register with Noelene (06) 868 4473 or Dianne (06) 867 4294.
U3A Gisborne (1st Thursday): Social interaction and learning for mature-aged folk. House of Breakthrough, cnr Lytton Rd and Ormond Rd, 9.30am, $2 at the door. Contact Diane 0274441073.
Prostate Support Group (2nd Tuesday): Cancer Society Rooms, 718 Gladstone Rd, 4.30pm. Inquiries to 0210634515.
The Country Garden Club (2nd Tuesday): Waerenga-a-Hika Hall, 728 Matawai Rd, 7.30pm, $2. Contact Katrine (06) 867 2427.
Gisborne Proactive Club (3rd Wednesday): Retired people’s interest group. Watson Room, Gisborne Cosmopolitan Club, 190 Derby St, 9.30am, $30/year sub and $5/meeting. Contact Malcolm (06) 867 2591 or 0272402590.
Gisborne Camera Club (3rd Thursday): Senior Citizens Hall, 30 Grey St, 7.30pm. Details at gisbornecameraclub@gmail.com.
Gisborne Sceptic Group (3rd Sunday): 11am. Details/venue (06) 867 3715 or (06) 867 7122.
Te Hāpara Garden and Floral Art Club (4th Tuesday): Redstone Room, Farmers Air Event Centre, Showgrounds Park, 2pm.
First City Toastmasters (1st and 3rd Tuesday): Become a confident speaker and leader. Adult Literacy Rooms, 1st floor, 100 Grey St, Gisborne, 6.15pm. Contact Helen 0221945671.
To include your event, email details to whatson@gisborneherald.co.nz at least a week before the event.