What's on

March is Southland Heritage Month; get ready to dive into the past and explore the amazing stories that shape our community.
For the whole of March, both Mataura and Gore Libraries are holding a 'Photo Hunt.' Check out old photos of the Gore District, and bring your own to share. Let’s make this a visual trip through time!
But that’s not all! Gore Library is also hosting two special one-off events:
A ‘Human Library’ on Wednesday 12 March, 6:30pm - 7:30pm – where people are the books!
An Arts and Heritage talk by Jim Geddes on Wednesday 26 March – a must-attend for history lovers!
And here's a fun challenge: Can you guess the year this photo was taken? It’s of Gore’s very first car! Any ideas?

Short film workshop with Dr. Jeanette Bellany
When: Thursday 10 April, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Gore Library (upstairs)
Join Dr Jeanette Bellany a retired academic, film and television professional, for an insightful workshop on digital story telling. With a PhD in Creative Industries and over 40 years experience. Her international career includes working for Sheik Maktoum in Dubai to directing news at SKY TV in London.
Jeanette has worked as a producer, director, camera operator, editor, and more. She has also taught and developed degree programs for top institutions like Queensland University of Technology.
This workshop is a unique opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert in the field!
RSVP to secure your spot [email protected]
Attendees must have a phone, iPad or tablet. Free of charge.

Chess at the library
Last Wednesday of every month. 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Gore Library.
Do you enjoy chess? Come along to Gore Library on the last Wednesday of each month to play some chess. We supply chess sets, or you can bring your own. Whether you are a chess pro or newbie, everyone is welcome. Free to attend. No bookings required.
Month | Date – Last Wednesday of month |
January | 29 January |
February | 26 February |
March | 26 March |
April | 30 April |
May | 28 May |
June | 25 June |
July | 30 July |
August | 27 August |
September | 24 September |
October | 29 October |
November | 26 November |
December | Will resume in 2026 |

Games night
For fun and conversation, join games night at Gore Library. We provide the games.
First and third Wednesday of every month, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Month | Date – 1st week of Month | Date – 3rd week of month |
January | 15 January (1st session of year) | |
February | 5 February | 19 February |
March | 5 March | 19 March |
April | 2 April | 16 April |
May | 7 May | 21 May |
June | 4 June | 18 June |
July | 2 July | 16 July |
August | 6 August | 20 August |
September | 3 September | 17 September |
October | 1 October | 15 October |
November | 5 November | 19 November |
December | 3 December | 17 December |

Crafternoon Tea
Last Tuesday of the month. 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Gore Library.
Bring your own craft project to work on, share ideas with others and have a chat. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while crafting. No bookings required. Free to attend. Crafternoon Tea takes place upstairs in the Gore Library on the last Tuesday of each month, from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
Month - 2025 | Date – Last Tuesday of month |
January | 28 January |
February | moved to Tuesday 4 March |
March | 25 March |
April | 29 April |
May | 27 May |
June | 24 June |
July | 29 July |
August | 26 August |
September | 30 September |
October | 28 October |
November | 25 November |
December | Will resume in 2026 |

The Reading Revolution
'Gather Round Reading Group'
Do you like to read? Chat? Enjoy a cuppa?
If you answered yes to any of those, you want to check out our new reading group where you come along, listen to stories and poetry read to you, followed by discussion. No bookings required.
When: Fortnightly, Thursday's between 10:00am - 11:00am
Where: Gore Library. Upstairs in the Hokanui Ruma Hui.
"Books uplifting hearts & minds"
Month | |||
January | 23 January | ||
February | 20 February | ||
March | 6 March | 20 March | |
April | 3 April | 17 April | |
May | 1 May | 15 May | 29 May |
June | 12 June | 26 June | |
July | 10 July | 24 July | |
August | 7 August | 21 August | |
September | 4 September | 18 September | |
October | 2 October | 16 October | 30 October |
November | 13 November | 27 November | |
December | 11 December | Will resume in 2026 |

Justice of the peace
Wednesday 6:30pm at Gore Library (Ardwick Street)
A Justice of the Peace can:
- witness signatures on documents
- certify copies of documents (including email attachments and phone messages)
- take oaths, declarations, affidavits or affirmations
- confirm identity
Remember: do not sign anything beforehand. Take photo identification. Remember to take the original as well as the copy to be certified. Check that a NZ Justice of the Peace can complete your documentation.

GenConnect
Having trouble with your phone? Don't know how to delete emails? Do you need FREE digital help?
Every Monday 3:30pm - 5:00pm at Gore Library.
Come in for free digital help from local students. Excludes school holidays.

Device Dilemmas
Having trouble with your phone, tablet or computer? Do you need FREE digital help?
Every Monday 2:00pm - 3:00pm at Mataura Library.
Come in for free digital help in a friendly environment. No bookings required.

Scrabble Saturdays
Scrabble Saturdays are here!
Join us every Saturday at Gore Library for a fun-filled game of Scrabble. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to learn, it's a great way to challenge yourself, meet new people, and enjoy some friendly competition.
When: every Saturday
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Gore Library, upstairs
Bring your A-game and let’s make every Saturday a wordy adventure!

The Book Nook
Connect Discover Discuss
Join us at Gore Library for a monthly book club, but of a different kind. Traditionally book clubs have every member reading the same book and then discussing it. At The Book Nook we will talk about upcoming new releases, books and authors we have enjoyed lately, and more! It is a chance to connect with fellow book lovers, discover new and interesting books, and discuss gems we've read. If you are a book lover or wanting to expand your reading - this is the group for you!
Monthly - Gore Library - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
19 March | 30 April | 21 May |
18 June | 23 July | 20 August |
24 September | 22 October | 19 November |
17 December |

Dungeons and Dragons - D&D Beyond
Join us at Gore Library on Wednesdays from 5:30pm - 8:00pm.
Are you new to Dungeons and Dragons or an experienced dungeon master?
Join us as we play D&D Beyond, working our way through campaigns.
Please bring a device (laptop or phone) that you can play D&D Beyond on. Alternatively you can play with the character and spell sheets provided. Dice also provided.
Adventure awaits!