What's on this weekend

From Unity Week events or crafting for wellbeing to a te reo Māori speaking market or a charity open day - check out what's on in Christchurch this weekend.

Unity Week events

This Saturday marks six years since the 15 March 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks. In the absence of official ongoing memorials, the families have expressed their wish to support Unity Week – a community-led initiative aimed at fostering togetherness, understanding and peace.

Unity Week will run from 15 – 21 March with a range of events. On Saturday, join at the Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre between 9am – 3pm for the Unity Hui. On Sunday, ride the Peace Train through the Botanic Gardens, Walk the Talk for Unity at the Bridge of Remembrance, join for the book launch of The Heavenly Papa Giraffe, explore HeARTS in Unity, and join for 51 Threads – Stitching Stories.

Cholmondeley Children’s Centre Open Day

Come along to the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre Open Day on Saturday from 10am – 4pm to explore the Centre. There will be guided tours, live music and market stalls all in support of Cholmondeley. At 10.30am Her Excellency, The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand will visit the Centre to meet the children and the Governor’s Bay community.

Cholmondeley Children’s Centre is a registered charity which provides short term respite care for tamariki aged 5 – 12 in the Canterbury region, and has been providing this service since 1925. The Centre is located at 6 Cholmondeley Lane, Governor’s Bay.

Estuary Fest Mini

Estuary Fest is returning for 2025 – this time in a fun mini format! Join us to celebrate the wonders of our internationally significant estuary. Discover its beauty and importance through interactive displays, crafting activities and expert-led sessions.

Come along to Mt Pleasant Community Centre at 3 McCormacks Bay Road from 9am to 2pm Saturday.

Crafting for Wellbeing – Affirmations Journal

This month, Tūranga’s Crafting for Wellbeing session will be all about making affirmation journals. In the journal you’ll write down positive statements about your attributes, values, beliefs, roles, goals and identity. It fosters a positive mindset, boosts self-esteem and helps focus on positive life goals.

Crafting for Wellbeing will be on from 2 – 3.30pm Saturday at Christchurch’s central library, Tūranga.

Mākete REO ki Ōhinehou

Come along to Mākete REO this weekend – a te reo Māori speaking market featuring Māori arts and crafts, kai stalls, mirimiri, rongoā, performers and more! Mākete REO a safe space for all levels of te reo Māori speakers. Visitors will be given bands when they arrive indicating their reo proficiency, beginner, intermediate or advanced. 

Reo-speaking students from Te Pā o Rākaihautū will also be available to support stall holders and visitors. A menu card of terms and phrases will also be provided to all stallholders and local shops. Mākete REO is organised by the Te Rōpū Wāhine Māori Toko i te Ora ki Rāpaki, the Rāpaki branch of the Māori Women’s Welfare League. Come along to Albion Square in Lyttelton between 10am – 2.30pm Sunday to check it out.