Dinner by the River is back at Gisborne's Marina Park on Saturday with local food trucks serving everything from dumplings to burritos.
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.
Weaving Remembrance Stars – open workshop: The last session today at HB Williams Memorial Library as part of Hospice Awareness Week. A relaxed, hands-on session to come together, learn to weave remembrance stars and take a quiet moment to reflect. Noon-1.30pm. Papatipu Room. All supplies provided. $5 koha.
Much Ado About Nothing: Evolution Theatre Company presents William Shakespeare’s play reimagined in a colourful 1960s setting. 7.30–9.30pm, 75 Disraeli St. Tickets available through TryBooking.
SATURDAY
Raranga Kete / EIT: Join respected raranga (weaving) artist Claudette Collis for a weekend series dedicated to the beautiful progression of kete-making. 9.30am-3.30pm, Toihoukura, T Block, 290 Palmerston Rd. Enrol by contacting bfrench@eit.ac.nz
Friends of Eastwoodhill AGM: Keen to volunteer to help raise money for Eastwoodhill or just find out about the work they’ve been doing and plan to do? All are welcome. 11am walk, noon, light lunch. 1pm, meeting. Eastwoodhill Arboretum, 2392 Wharekopae Rd. Ngatapa.
Compost Workshop – composting, worm farming and bokashi: Turn your kitchen scraps and garden waste into the perfect food for your garden soil. 2pm–3pm, Tairāwhiti Environment Centre, 386 Palmerston Rd. Limited numbers; call (06) 867 4709 to book.
Dinner by the River: Gizzy’s only monthly street food event, supporting local mobile food vendors. 4pm–7pm, Marina Park carpark, 1 Vogel St, Whataupoko.
Much Ado About Nothing: Evolution Theatre Company presents William Shakespeare’s play reimagined in a colourful 1960s setting. 7.30–9.30pm, 75 Disraeli St. Tickets available through TryBooking.
Tenor: My Name is Pati: A documentary that tells the story of Pene Pati and his brother Amitai Pati and their journey from Samoa to platinum-selling success to the world’s greatest opera stage. 7pm–8.30pm. Dome Cinema and Bar, 38 Childers Rd. Text (027) 5902117 to book.
Tiki Taane’s One-Man Band show: Tiki Taane brings his high-energy, crowd-moving, frequency-tweaking, live-looping experience to Smash Palace. Part of his national tour with his wife, DJ Axis, supporting. 7.30pm–11.50pm. 24 Banks St, Awapuni.
SUNDAY
Tairāwhiti Water Polo – Flippa Ball Years 5/6; Juniors Years 7/8: Join the Tairāwhiti Water Polo Club. Whether you’ve played before or are 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 Drive, Awapuni.
Gisborne Pump Track Race: Fast-paced racing for all ages and skill levels with prizes for best tricks and spot prizes. $20 entry. 7.30am–11.30am, Alfred Cox Park, Grey St.
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 Carnarvon St. Text (021) 0490722 to confirm the venue on the day.
Electric train rides: Gisborne Wainui Lions now have a new electric train that will be taking passengers from 11am-1pm, Gisborne Botanic Gardens. $3 (under 2 years free). 391 Aberdeen Rd.
Much Ado About Nothing: Evolution Theatre Company presents the final performance of William Shakespeare’s play reimagined in a colourful 1960s setting. 4pm–6pm. 75 Disraeli St. Tickets through TryBooking.
Coming up
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 Affordable Art Exhibition: May 22, 23, 24. An exhibition for artists to sell smaller or limited edition works, with more than 20 local artists exhibiting. Gizzy Local, 64 Lowe St. Gisborne CBD.
Out Loud: Talking about women’s health: A bespoke health and wellbeing forum created by women for women of all ages and life stages. A one-day event with five expert speakers. Saturday, May 30, 9am-3pm, Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club. Tickets at trybooking.com/nz/BDEB.
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 (021) 1812414.
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 (021) 756364 or email gisborneorchestra@gmail.com.
Badminton Social Morning Club: Monday mornings weekly from 9am-11am. $5 a session. For more information, call Leslie (027) 4156872.
Gisborne Badminton Club: Mondays 7pm-9pm. $10 a night or pay a subscription. Contact: Kevin Ph: (06) 8671416
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 (027) 4874480. Every Monday except public holidays.
Community Choir: Sing in harmony with others, beginning with 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) (027) 4835169O 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 (021) 1024890.
Badminton Gisborne Pinoy Smashers: 6pm-9pm, Badminton Centre, 134 Roebuck Rd. Contact Alfred (027) 3072318.
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 (021) 1396297.
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.
Junior Badminton groups: Fitness, games and fun. Please wear sports shoes and bring a drink bottle. All levels of abilities catered for. Rackets available. All inquiries to Geoff: (027) 6568222 or email: eastland.coordinator@gmail.com. Kiwi Shots, 3.30pm- 4.30pm, Year 3-6 players welcome. Cost $5. Mid Shots, 4.45pm-5.45pm, Year 7-8 players welcome. Cost $5. Hot Shots, 6pm–7.30pm, Year 9-13 students welcome. Cost $7
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
Casual morning badminton: From 9am to 11am. Cost $5 a session. Inquiries to Jan, (027) 3407071 or to eastland.association@gmail.com
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/.
Gisborne Farmers Market: Stock up on fresh produce and other goods, with food stalls, coffee and live entertainment. 9.30am–12.30pm. Old Army Hall Carpark, Corner of Stout and Fitzherbert St, Whataupoko.
Lions Express Train rides: Starts near Gisborne Wainui Lions Junior Cycle Park, Centennial Marine Drive, 11am-2pm, weather permitting. $3.
Pilates with Tilly: Tone, sculpt and flow. Saturdays and Sundays, 8am-9am. The Space, Yoga Coast Plus, 46 Makorori Beach Rd. Phone (027) 3311032 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 (027) 8902224 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.
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 St and Innes St, Saturday 9am-3pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am-2pm. Details phone/text (022) 4650396.
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, (027) 4946979 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 (027) 4507719 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 (021) 0557685.
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 (027) 4602430.
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 and Ormond Rds, 9.30am, $2 at the door. Contact Diane (027) 4441073.
Prostate Support Group (2nd Tuesday): Cancer Society Rooms, 718 Gladstone Rd, 4.30pm. Inquiries to (021) 0634515.
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 (027) 2402590.
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 (022) 1945671.
To include your event, email details to whatson@gisborneherald.co.nz at least a week before the event.