What's On events guide

Friday, March 18 - Saturday, April 2: CATS Now and Forever, the  musical  comes to Rotorua. This Rotorua Musical Theatre production will be from March 18 until April 2 between 8pm and 10.30pm at the Rotorua Civic Theatre. Tickets  $20-$45 through Ticketmaster 07 350 2244.
Friday, March 18 - Sunday, March 20: Ngongotaha Primary School Centenary. Past and present school students celebrate the school's centenary. Register with Ann Henderson on 027 237 9204 or email annhend@xtra.co.nz.
Saturday, March 19: The Tarawera Ultramarathon is a 100km, 50+ mile (85km) or 60km trail ultra-distance run from Rotorua to Kawerau. Along the way you'll pass through exotic forestry, native bush, lakes, waterfalls and follow a beautiful river. Most of the run is on single track trails or forestry roads. You can compete  solo  or as part of a relay team. There will be buffet aid stations, drop bags, pacers, spot prizes and free hotpools at the finish. The race starts from the Redwoods at 7am and entries cost $200. Contact  Paul Charteris at pcharteris@gmail.com or on (07) 346 1518 or 027 600 0397.
Saturday, March 19: Te Ru O Te Manawa, hosted by Te Arawa, the "best of the best" kapa haka finalists from Te Matatini O Te Ra 2011 present a day of entertainment and fundraising for the Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund,  9am-3pm at Rotorua Energy Events Centre; $20 for adults, $10 for students/kaumatua and free for under 5s.  Ticketmaster, ph 350 2244.
Saturday, March 19: The Friends of the Rotorua Library Book Sale. At the old Tea Kiosk in Kuirau Park from 9am-1pm. Thousands of books at bargain prices with new stock arriving all the time. All proceeds to the Rotorua District Library.
Saturday, March 19: The Rotorua North Rotary Club Charity Flea Market, open every Saturday next to the playground in Kuirau Park from 7am-1.30pm. A huge range of produce, food, goods and entertainment.
Saturday, March 19: Taupo Blues Picnic  at the Unison Amphitheatre to raise funds for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Featuring the The Blues Brothers Tribute Band, Flaming Mudcats, Mike Garner Band, Darcy Perry, Chanelle Davis and Swamp Thing;  2pm-10pm. Tickets  $27.50 presales or $35 at the gate.  www.taupobluespicnic.co.nz
Saturday Mar 19 - Sunday Mar 20: Rotorua Multicultural Council Inc. and Rotorua Newcomers Network are encouraging members of Rotorua's migrant communities to participate in the International Walks, part of the 2011 Rotorua Walking Festival. Form a team of 10 and take part in an event which promotes leisure walking in the forests, geothermal areas, and city parks of Rotorua. The 10km walks start at 10am at Netherlands Clubrooms at Neil
Hunt Park, Tarawera Rd and go through Whakarewarewa Forest on Saturday and through the geothermal area along the lakefront on Sunday. The walks costs $27.50.Contact Susana So 021 159 3601 or email rotorua@newcomers.co.nz to register.
Saturday Mar 19 - Sunday Mar 20: Natural Earth and Holistic Fair. Come for a reading, guidance, holistic massage, crystals and much more. Judge the environmentally friendly competition with entries from the students of Rotorua Intermediate School. Also a "psychic supper" on Saturday evening. For more information, visit www.spiritualgardens.co.nz or phone (07) 847 6780. From 9am-4pm at Rotorua Intermediate School, $5 adult admission, students
and children free.
Sunday Mar 20: Te Amorangi Museum, a treasure trove of farming, engineering and forestry history will be open from 10am-4pm. Adults $5, entry for children under 15 is free. On 43-45 Robinson Ave. Contact Allan Estcourt on (07) 345 6884.
Sunday Mar 20: Demon Energy New Zealand Motocross Championships, round 3. Come and see the best motocross riders in New Zealand and some local superstars do battle at the Rotorua MZ track at Horohoro. From 9.30am to 3.30pm. Contact Darren Palmer on 027 271 2890
Sunday Mar 20: Rotorua Festival of Colours. Holi - the Hindu Festival of Colours - is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and meat-free festival with free entry to the public. The festival features stalls selling Indian and other ethnic food, clothing and craft. There will also be cultural performances. From 2.30pm to 3pm, you will get an opportunity to indulge in customary revelry with coloured powder and water. Rotorua Soundshell 11am to 3pm. Contact Dr Guna Magesan
at rotorua.holi@gmail.com for more information.
Tuesday Mar 22: Christchurch Earthquake Support Group at Playtopia Playland and Cafe. A chance for mums and kids who have moved to Rotorua from Christchurch to meet each other and meet Rotorua locals - all welcome. The coffee group goes from 10.30am to 12pm at 2 Ti St. Entry is a gold coin donation to the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Relief fund.

Tuesday Mar 22: The Men's Shed is welcoming newcomers and anyone interested in good company and a good chat and a good cuppa too. A place where men can whittle, turn or carve in the woodwork section or forge in the blacksmith's workshop. Held at Te Amorangi Museum, Robinson Avenue from 10am-4pm. No Charge. Contact Allan (07) 345 6884 or 027 285 3205 or Bruce 345 9525.
Wednesday Mar 23: Rotorua Rock, Gem and Mineral Club will meet at 7.30pm at St John's Building on Pererika St. Open to anyone interested in sharing and learning about rocks, gems, minerals and fossils. Held every fourth Wednesday of the month. Contact Miriam Ruberl 027 248 7542.
Thursday Mar 24: Rotorua Night Market in the heart of Tutanekai St between Haupapa St and Pukuatua St. From 5pm-9pm. Contact Brigitte Nelson (07) 350 0209 or 021 0242 1142.
Thursday Mar 24: Te Amorangi Museum, a treasure trove of farming, engineering and forestry history will be open from 10am-4pm. Adults $5, entry for children under 15 is free. On 43-45 Robinson Ave. Contact Allan Estcourt on (07) 345 6884.
Friday Mar 25: The Professionals "Paint the Town Red" Child Cancer Charity Breakfast and Art Auction.From 7am - 8.30pm at the Fenton Ballroom, Distinction Rotorua Hotel. Tickets cost $30 from McDowell Real Estate Ltd, 1290 Eruera St.
Friday Mar 25: Neighbours In Our Community, this month's guest is Elena from Kyrgyzstan. Gain an understanding of the challenges of settling into NZ life as a migrant talks about their culture and experiences. It is an opportunity to meet migrants and locals living in Rotorua. From 12 to 1pm at Rotorua Arts Village Experience on Hinemaru St. Call Judy on (07) 350 2395 or Heather on (07) 350 0533 for more information. Free admission.
Friday Mar 25: Live Music at Seismic Gastrobar between 7pm and 10pm. Contact Mericia Waqanimarvu (07) 348 2082.
Saturday Mar 26: The Rotorua North Rotary Club Charity Flea Market. Open every Saturday next to the playground in Kuirau Park from 7am-1.30pm. A huge range of produce, food, goods and entertainment.
Saturday Mar 26: Student Jon Parrington is hosting a garage sale with his parents to raise money for Christchurch. It is at 11 Wharepaina Cres from 7am. If you have an item you could donate to be sold, either drop it off at the address before the sale, or call 07 347 3355 or 021 1150 152 or 027 857 3644.

Saturday Mar 26 to Sunday Mar 27: NZDBA Dragonboat Championships. Free entry to all spectators. Saturday's racing features adults and the Under 23 grade. On Sunday New Zealand's top school crews contest the Secondary Schools Nationals Championship. From 9am to 6pm at Tikitapu (Blue Lake). Contact Noel Anderton on (03) 358 1633 or 021 392 665 for more information.
Are you organising an event that you'd like the community to know about? Contact us to get a free listing in our events diary. Email news@dailypost.co.nz. All listings need to be received by the Friday prior to publication. This column is collated with Event Venues and the www.rotoruanz.com/events website