There is so much to share with you this month!

With subscriber numbers growing every week, it’s exciting to see this newsletter becoming an increasingly useful way to share community information, local opportunities, support services, upcoming events, celebrations, and all the good little moments that make the Taieri special.

We’d love your help to continue growing its reach. If you enjoy this newsletter, please consider sharing the subscription link with even one friend, neighbour, or whānau member: stats.sender.net/forms/bo2mAX/view

Every share helps strengthen our goal of creating one central place for useful community information and plenty of community feel-goods.

You may also notice a small change this edition — we’re shifting to an “April/May Newsletter” format, better reflecting what we aim to do each month: share stories and highlights from what’s been happening across the Taieri, while also helping spotlight what’s coming up next. It is so delightful to hear from community members who would like to share local stories, celebrations, events, or community moments too.

Speaking of beautiful community moments, we’ve had some fantastic highlights this month, including our Youth Hui — here's a great video capturing the energy and voices of our rangatahi. We want to extend a huge thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, challenge hosts, and events team for the time, energy, and support that made the day such a success. It truly took a community effort, and we are so grateful for everyone who played a part.

It’s exciting to see the Taieri Youth Advisory Panel taking shape as well. Applications have been extended to Wednesday 6th May and the amazing team of coordinators will soon be reviewing submissions ahead of their first meeting in May. Applications can be made here: https://forms.gle/sKHVvMx1LYbHQLZU9
Watch this space as the group gets underway.

ANZAC Day was also well supported across the Taieri, with a strong turnout at both ANZAC Park and the Outram Cenotaph, as our community came together to remember and reflect. One tradition we learned more about this year is the ANZAC Cup, held at Memorial Park, at 1pm every year on ANZAC Day — a long-standing football (soccer) match between "Mosgiel" (ex-Taieri College / The Taieri High School students) and "Taieri" (current Taieri College students and staff). It was a close and enjoyable game, with "Mosgiel" narrowly taking a 3–2 win.

We also celebrated the end of term for Marcanui’s weaving workshop, where participants created beautifully patterned kete | basket over the course of the programme — a real taonga | treasure for our community.

Another special moment was the Takitakitoa Walk with Fish & Game near Henley, held as part of Wild Dunedin 2026 — a great opportunity to connect with this special pocket of the Taieri, as well as appreciate how much love and care Fish & Game Otago have been putting into this success story.

A great addition has also been the first session of the Women’s English Conversation Group, which got off to a really positive start and offers a warm space for connection and learning. Next session is Monday 4th May at the Taieri Network office, 176 Gordon Rd, Mosgiel. All language levels welcome! If there are men out there wanting their own group, please get in touch and we can help you make it happen.

In the background, our Multicultural community engagement research is underway, led by our intern Alia Askar from Otago Polytechnic. The aim of this project is to better understand how our multicultural communities across the Taieri feel connected, what supports belonging, and where there may be opportunities to strengthen community connection. Keep an eye on Taieri Network social media for a quick survey link coming soon, or feel free to email [email protected] in advance if you’d like to take part.

With colder months settling in and fuel prices being a bit nutty, it’s a timely reminder that the Orbus On Demand in Mosgiel is there as an option for local travel if it suits, and it might be a good time to give your heat pump filter a pre-winter clean. The Eco Design Advisor service is also available locally for anyone wanting practical, free advice on keeping homes warmer and more energy efficient this winter.

Looking ahead, there’s plenty on the horizon— including the Dunedin Model Train Show, Dunedin Bird Show, Altrusa Bingo Night all right here on the Taieri this weekend, as well as Heroes at Firestation Theatre, Wingatui Twilight Carnival, Whanau Fun and Songfest! later in May.

For those who enjoy living vicariously, the Taieri College Formal is taking place on 23 May — and no doubt we’ll start seeing a few well-dressed groups around town as the big night approaches. We also have the Opening of duck shooting season this weekend, and Mother’s Day (10th May) — pop it in the calendar!

There are also ongoing opportunities for volunteering (see below) and a funding information session with Otago Community Trust on 14th May for those with ideas they’d like to bring to life. Plus, a few other fun things tucked further down the newsletter — worth a scroll.

And thinking a little further ahead — if you’ve ever considered creating or hosting a community event, now is a great time to start shaping ideas for the Wild Dunedin Festival 2027, with opportunities for more Taieri-based events to be part of the programme. We’re always happy to help soundboard ideas.

So much happening, and plenty to look forward to — it’s a real privilege to be part of such an active, caring, and connected community.

Ngā mihi nui | Best regards,
Jean Bonner
Kaihono Hapori | Community Connector
Taieri Network

Altrusa Bingo Fundraiser

TONIGHT! Come along to the Outram Bowling Club for a great night out and a fantastic chance to support Altrusa International of Taieri, who do so much for our community in a variety of ways.

This Bingo night fundraiser will support literacy projects for schools across the Taieri — a great cause making a real difference locally.

It’s a fun, relaxed evening, so bring a friend, come along, and enjoy some community connection while supporting Altrusa. Doors open at 6.15pm, with raffles also on offer throughout the night.

Step into Mosgiel’s railway past at the Dunedin Model Train Show this weekend

Did you know a piece of our local railway history still runs right through Mosgiel today?

Part of the Taieri Bowling Club sits on the route of the old Outram Branch Railway Line. The carpark in front of the club, as well as the eastern (left-hand) end of the building, lie on what was once the railway right of way — a fascinating reminder of how closely our everyday spaces are tied to the past.

The line once ran through Mosgiel, with a siding connecting to the Mosgiel Woollen Mill, playing an important role in local industry and transport in earlier years.

Local artist Paul Johnson has beautifully captured this history in a painting showing locomotive U51 and a train in the approximate position the line would have travelled through the site. A big thank you to Paul for helping bring our railway heritage to life.

If this sparks your interest, come along to the Model Train Show:

2 & 3 May
9.30am–4.00pm
Taieri Bowling Club

Explore this history in miniature and enjoy a great local display celebrating our railway heritage. A lovely chance to reconnect with the stories that helped shape our community.

Dunedin Bird Show in Wingatui

The Dunedin Bird Club is bringing a flutter of colour and song to the Taieri with their 144th Annual Show at Wingatui Community Hall this weekend!

Bird lovers, curious whānau, and anyone looking for a unique local outing are invited along to admire a huge range of canaries, finches, budgies and more. There’ll be plenty on display and for sale for those keen to learn more about the hobby.

The show runs:
• Saturday 2 May, 1pm–5pm
• Sunday 3 May, 10am–12pm

Adults $5 | Children free

Whether you’re a lifelong bird enthusiast or just after something a little different to do over the weekend, this long-running community event promises plenty of colour, character, and chirping conversation!

Relay for Life

Many local community members will be taking part in Relay for Life this weekend — a powerful event supporting the Cancer Society, celebrating survivors, and remembering loved ones lost to cancer.

It’s wonderful to see groups across our community getting involved, including the Taieri College Prefect Team, who shared:

“Relay For Life is an inspirational event where we celebrate cancer survivors and remember loved ones lost to cancer. Our prefects are coming together to fight back against cancer. They will take turns relay-style walking/running for 24 hours at the Caledonian Ground at Logan Park. Please support our Prefect Team in their quest to raise as much money (and awareness) as possible.”

If you’re able, you can support their efforts via the link below:
https://dunedin.relayforlife.org.nz/t/taieri-college

With gratitude to all those making a difference in our community.

DCC By-election – Have Your Say

There’s a Dunedin City Council by-election underway, and this is your opportunity to have a say in who represents our community.

If you’re enrolled, keep an eye out for your voting papers and make sure you take the time to cast your vote. Every vote helps shape the future of our community.

Let’s make sure the Taieri voice is heard.

Another Fire Station Theatre Hit

Growing old disgracefully? Gustave, Philippe and Henri are giving it their best shot.

HEROES, written by Gérald Sibleyras, is a sharp, funny, and surprisingly touching play about three war veterans plotting one last adventure. Expect laughs, mischief and a reminder that friendship never goes out of style.

Book your tickets now – before they make their great escape.

Venue: Fire Station Theatre, 3 Cargill Street, Mosgiel

Performances: 8-10 & 14-17 May

Tickets: $20 adult | $15 seniors/students

Full show and booking information on the website:

https://firestationtheatre.co.nz/heroes

Need funding for a community project?

Looking to bring an idea to life, grow a community project, run an event, upgrade equipment, or simply find out what funding might be out there for your group? The upcoming Otago Community Trust Community Funding Hui could be just the spark you need!

Whether you’re part of a long-standing club, a brand-new initiative, planning a large community event, or sitting on one of those “maybe one day…” ideas — this is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about available funding and how to apply for it. No idea is too small, too big, too old, or too fresh!

Come along for practical advice, friendly conversations, and a chance to connect with others who are passionate about making great things happen in our communities. You might leave with new inspiration, new contacts, and a clearer pathway to turning your ideas into reality.

Pink Shirt Day - Friday 15th May

Pink Shirt Day – Standing Together Against Bullying

Pink Shirt Day is Friday 15th May — a day where communities across Aotearoa come together to stand against bullying and promote kindness, inclusion, and respect.

It’s a simple but powerful way to show support for creating safe and welcoming environments for everyone.

There are lots of ways to get involved — wear pink to school or work, host a pink-themed morning tea or event, or simply start a conversation about kindness and how we treat each other.

Let’s turn the Taieri pink and stand together.

Wingatui Carnival 16-17th May

It’s exciting to see a brand-new event coming to the local calendar this May, bringing families and the wider community together for a weekend of fun at Wingatui.

The Wingatui Twilight Carnival, in collaboration with Event Hire Christchurch, will offer food, entertainment, and activities for all ages.

📍 Wingatui Racecourse
📅 Sat 16 May | 3–9pm
📅 Sun 17 May | 11am–3pm
🎟️ Free entry (rides at cost)

What’s on:
Food trucks, facepainting, market stalls, lighting displays, and fairground rides for all ages.

Bring the whānau and enjoy a great local day out, or two!

Calling all young singers — SONGfest 2026 is here!

Entries have been extended and now close on 4 May, giving young performers a little extra time to get involved.

This is a great opportunity for local young singers to showcase their talent in classical, contemporary, musical theatre, pop, and waiata categories, and build confidence through performance.

New this year for school leavers: an 18–21yrs Musical Theatre Recital class with $900 prize money, alongside the Cleveland Classical Recital, also offering $900 in prizes thanks to generous sponsors.

If you know a young singer who loves to perform, encourage them to take part.

📅 Pop May 22-24 in your calendar — it’s set to be a fantastic event to watch.

📍 More info: www.greenislandcomps.org.nz

Whānau Fun Game Night

Level Up Your Weekend: Whānau Fun Game Night!

Looking for a way to bring the family together and connect with your neighbours? Dust off your competitive spirit and join us for a Whānau Fun Game Night right here in Mosgiel!

Whether you're a board game strategist, a card shark, or just looking for some good old-fashioned community connection, there’s something for everyone. This event is completely free and open to all members of our community. Come along for an evening filled with games, laughter, and great company.

When: 24th May, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Where: 11 Church Street, Mosgiel
Cost: FREE!

We'll have food, fun, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet new friends and enjoy some quality time with your whānau.

Want to know more? For more information, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected].

We can’t wait to see you there for a night of family, friends and community!

Mosgiel Author Talk & Mosgiel Writers Group

We are very fortunate to have a thriving writing community here in Mosgiel, supported by a strong local Writers’ Group and a number of accomplished authors in our midst.

One of these is Robert W. Fisk, who will be sharing about his latest book in the Lonely Girl series. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from him about his work — made even more special as the book has been collaboratively written with his daughter in the UK (and, happily, they’re still on good terms!).
Author Talk: Friday 29th May, 2-3pm at the Mosgiel Library.

Robert is also a strong advocate for local writers and encourages anyone with an interest in writing or publishing to connect with the Mosgiel Writers Group, which meets on the 4th Thursday of each month, 1.30-3pm, in the Downes Room at the Mosgiel Library. The group is a welcoming space for sharing ideas, feedback, and inspiration.

One regular attendee describes the group as filling them with so much inspiration — “I come home and can write for hours.” Another says they moved house several times before they "found their writing sanctuary here in Mosgiel".

If you would like to join or find out more, please contact Elaine Gousmett on 027 248 0590 or [email protected].

Study Hub Option for Year 9-13s

Local Year9-13 students are invited along to a fun and supportive after-school space at Mosgiel Presbyterian Church during school term time, every Tuesday from 3pm–4.30pm. With free food and free tutoring available, it’s a great place to get a hand with homework, build confidence, make friends, and enjoy a warm welcoming environment after school.

Whether your child needs a little extra support with learning, a safe place to land after school, or just enjoys hanging out with good people and good kai — everyone is welcome!

Mosgiel Library Crafts
for Young and Young at Heart

Volunteer Opportunity - Millenium Track

Been thinking about volunteering? Like birds and the outdoors?

Catherine from Project Bruce is seeking volunteers to help with trapping along the Henley end of the Millennium Track.

This is a great opportunity to be a kaitiaki | guardian of our local environment and help protect and enhance our native flora and fauna.

If you’re interested in getting involved and supporting this important mahi | work, Catherine would love to hear from you.

A Walk in the Wilderness at
Sinclair Wetlands

It’s pretty incredible to think that one of Aotearoa’s largest and most significant wetlands is right here on our doorstep.

From the visitor centre at Te Nohoaka o Tukiaau (Sinclair Wetlands), a pathway leads you out into a landscape that feels a world away — yet so close to home. Gravel tracks and boardwalks take you through to the islands of Whakaraupuka and Lonely Island, where elevated viewing spots open out onto wide, peaceful wetlands full of birdlife.

About 1.7km along the track on Whakaraupuka sits a small hut, tucked right into the heart of the wetlands — a remarkable place where you can stay overnight and wake surrounded by the sounds of nature. Let's acknowledge the care, effort, and vision that has gone into creating and maintaining this experience in such a unique, precious, and culturally significant environment.

How lucky are we, to have this right here on our doorstep.

For bookings, visit: www.tenohoaka.org.nz

Our Stories Take Flight
at Dunedin Airport

There’s something really special about seeing our local people and stories reflected in big public spaces — and the newly reopened first floor at Dunedin Airport does exactly that.

A real highlight is the stunning Mauka Atua mural (Maungatua), created by Kāi Tahu artist Xoë Hall. It brings the maunga | mountain of the Taieri Plains to life inside the terminal, standing watch over travellers as they come and go. It’s a beautiful reminder of the whenua | land we all call home, and the stories that sit quietly but strongly within it.

Just as special was seeing our own Taieri College kapa haka take part in the opening celebrations, sharing waiata and adding a strong sense of community, pride, and connection to the occasion. Moments like this really ground big developments back in people and place.

Alongside this, Kāi Tahu master carver Steve Solomon has created a striking kūwaha (gateway) for the space — symbolising transition, welcome, and the journey between places.

At the heart of it all is something simple: a space that now feels much more connected to the South, its people, and its stories.

If you’d like to read more about the full redevelopment and cultural design work, you can find the full article here.

Taieri Harriers - A running group for all

Community Profile by Sandy Mackay

If you’re looking to join a group that provides social connection, a bit of fun and

keeps you fit in the process then Taieri Harriers might be just the place for you.

‘Taieri Harriers’ is a running, jogging, walking group that meets every Saturday

afternoon through the winter season from April through to September.

The group caters for anyone who likes to run or walk with a group. With focus on

fun and social connection people from all ages and stages are welcome -

competitive runners through to joggers, woggers and walkers.

For some it provides a chance to walk and chat, while others find it helpful to

connect with other runners to help keep them motivated through the winter months.

The group meets every Saturday (1:00 pm) from April through to September.

Run/walks all start from Athletics Taieri clubrooms at Memorial Park, Mosgiel where people can join a pack to suit their pace. Most runs last around an hour and half and finish back at the clubrooms for afternoon tea and a chat.

The season is always pre-planned and the programme includes a mix of run/walks leaving from the clubrooms as well as opportunities to explore tracks/trails in the wider Dunedin area (eg. Ross Creek, Port Chalmers, Sunnyvale, Outram and St Clair Beach).

With focus on the social aspect ‘away’ runs often end with beer and chips (or coffee and cheese rolls) at a local pub. For those with higher running aspirations this group is also a great place to meet like-minded runners and to find out about events around the country.

At different times the group has organised trips together to places near and far.

(From Wanaka and Te Anau through to Hawkes Bay, Hanmer Springs and even

Sydney)

So, if you’ve always wanted to run with a pack, get fit and have a laugh in the

process contact convenor Lyn MacKay (027 272 0803) or just turn up to the

clubrooms at Memorial Park, Mosgiel at 1:00pm on Saturday.

See you there.

Old Post Office - Revamped up for YOU!

It’s wonderful to see the Old Post Office brought back to life after all these years. A warm welcome to the team at YOU Travel Mosgiel, who officially opened their doors on 13 April.

“After putting a lot of effort into getting the former Post Office building spruced up, we were proud to open YOU Travel & Cruise Mosgiel on April 13th. Our friendly team — Rachel, Hayley and Ghayle — can’t wait to meet you, so please pop in or give us a call on 489 4900 to chat about your travel wishes.

We’re open 9am–4.30pm Monday to Friday, and from the weekend of 2 May, we’ll also be open Saturdays from 10am–12pm.

We look forward to helping make your travel dreams a reality.”

NPD Mosgiel - Now Open

A new fuel option has recently opened in Mosgiel, adding to the range of services available within our local community.

It provides another choice for residents and those travelling through the area, alongside the other existing fuel providers who continue to support and serve the Taieri.

And of course, the roadworks will ease…

The Mosgiel Foodbank is currently seeking donations to help meet some of the most urgent needs in our community this month — especially as the colder mornings settle in.

Warm drink items are always hugely appreciated, including milk, hot chocolate, Milo, coffee, long-life milk, and tea. These small comforts can make a big difference for whānau doing it tough over winter.

Personal hygiene items are also in high demand, including:
• Pads and sanitary products
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Deodorant
• Laundry powder
• Dishwashing liquid

Bulk pantry and household staples are especially useful too, as many are broken down into smaller portions for families. Items like flour, sugar, and bulk washing powder go a long way.

And if your garden is overflowing, fresh produce donations are warmly welcomed as well!

Every donation — big or small — helps support local people with dignity, care, and practical support.

Donations can be dropped to the Mosgiel Foodbank at 2 Wickliffe St, between 9.30am-1pm. Monday-Friday.

And please, if you need support from the Mosgiel Foodbank, please bring proof of address and ID between 10-11.45am Mon-Fri. You can turn up, or email or call ahead: [email protected], 022 546 2610.

Reminder that Flu Vaccines are now available at local pharmacies, general practices and Hauora or Pacific healthcare provider clinics.

Protect yourself. Protect your whānau. Protect your community.

You, your whānau, or a friend living with a cancer diagnosis?

Pop in for a chat with the Southern Cancer Society’s friendly Cancer Navigator to see how they can support you.

Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 10am–12noon at the Mosgiel Public Library.

For more information, please contact Kathy Clarke on 021 569 897.

Calling people 65 years or older—your perspective matters.

Help shape a digital tool designed to improve equity in healthcare.

We’re inviting people 65 years or older to take part in a one-hour online focus group to share your experiences and evaluate a new digital training (CBM-S) aimed at reducing unhelpful stereotypes in healthcare.

Your insights will help ensure this tool reflects real-world experiences and supports more equitable, respectful care.

1-hour online (or in-person) discussion
Gift card thank you

Interested? Please get in touch soon:
Alex Robbins – [email protected]