Come along and collect your Registration Bag from the Art Room foyer at Murchison Area School. This will be signposted at the school entrance.

Murchison Mobil 'Mix n’ Mingle' from 12 noon to 5:00 pm, is a chance for registered folk to reconnect with old friends and make some new ones.  Hosted at the Peacock Hospitality Suite (look for signs at the school entrance) the Murchison Rural Women’s packed smoko will provide traditional tasty treats with tea and coffee. Barista coffee also available. Check out the 150th displays, you might also like to explore the school at leisure or ask a student to direct you to areas of interest that include work samples from the current students at Murchison Area School.

Step back in time and celebrate a true Murchison gem! From 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Hodgson's Store is hosting something special. As Hodgson’s celebrates its 125th year of trading in Murchison, the well-loved building marks its 95th year. Come and experience the charm and history of this amazing local treasure. Hodgson's will be showcasing its rich past alongside a fantastic array of special goods. It's the perfect opportunity to support a beloved local institution and perhaps find a unique piece of Murchison history to take home!

Doors open at 6.30pm. Gold coin donation. Step back in time with us at the historical local theatre for a special Silent Movie Screening! Enjoy a nostalgic glimpse into Murchison's past where we'll be showcasing L Hodgson’s film clips of community events from days gone by; a unique opportunity to see Murchison's history come to life on the big screen. 

Doors open 7.20pm. Gold coin donation. Another opportunity to step back in time with us at the historical local theatre for a different Silent Movie Screening from the L Hodgson film archives! Enjoy more nostalgic glimpses into different aspects of Murchison's past.  

Come and see Murchison shine for its 150th birthday!  Local young people have worked with New Zealand digital animation artist Tim Budgen to create 'Shining Through Time' — a FREE magical art show that brings Murchison’s story to life. Starting with the school’s mural, which shows the town’s beautiful landscape and farming life, the students drew their own pictures of how Murchison has changed over the years. These drawings have been turned into colourful animations that will be projected onto the mural at night — a fun, creative celebration for the whole community to enjoy! Follow the signs to the mural by the school tennis courts.

Available for pick up from the Murch Merch stall on the verandah at the Murchison Sport Recreation & Cultural Centre.

Get ready for a spectacular display of community spirit! Join us for The Bowater Toyota Parade, one of the highlights of the Murchison 150th celebrations. Vehicles of all decades will travel as a motorcade through town from Chalgrave Street, down Waller and Fairfax Streets before heading into the MSRCC grounds along Hampden Street where they join colourful floats and parade around the grounds. Dressed in costumes and under club banners folk will come together behind the piper and walk down Hampden Street at 10.30am, arriving at the grounds in time to welcome the vehicles. Following the parade, all vehicles will park up on the grounds for you to explore at leisure, and there’s time to visit the craft and food stalls before the Official Opening of the celebrations starts at 1.00pm. Local and visiting dignitaries including Dame Annette King, plus other special guests will be present for the cutting of a special commemorative cake. Don't miss this fantastic showcase of Murchison's heart and soul! 

When you head to the Rec Centre grounds on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April you’ll find an array of stalls to wander through, and goodies to gift or eat! On Saturday check out home-made jewellery, cutlery, toys, booties and crafts at stalls including ‘Shenandoah Crafts’ and ‘Baby with Love’. ‘Tutaki Honey’ (Trees and Bees) provide their local honey and candles for sale while ‘Buller Botanicals’ will bring cute Easter soaps, balms, creams and bath salts. ‘Not Just Clocks’ offers time pieces of olde-worlde charm. H.J. Hodgson & Co have some sweet treats for the kids selling alongside their range of Hodgson’s memorabilia and nature themed merchandise. Helen from Tasman Heritage (Tasman District Libraries) will be recording stories told by folk on the day. 

Yummy treats include Beans ‘n Berries with real fruit icecream and coffee, Karen’s Snow Cones and Dyan’s Bacon Butties, Whitebait Sammies, Hot Chips and Icecream.

On Sunday, the foodies are joined by Lil Orbits (mini-donuts and soft serve) and Lar’s Fruit & Veg. And there’s a change around of some of the craft and gift stalls.

Be in to win with a spin of the Chocolate Wheel plus a special treat both days will be the Clydesdale Horse & Cart rides.

The Murch Merch Stall provides a range of services over both days … it’s the First Aid post; an information site; folks will sign up for entry to competitions; and 150th themed merchandise will be for sale. On Sunday, youngsters up to 10 years can take part in the Easter Egg hunt, details at the stall.

Want to know more about booking a stall site at the celebrations? Text Michelle Reilly on 027 606 9796.

Join us as we officially kick-off our weekend of celebrations. Visiting dignitaries including Dame Annette King, Mrs Maureen Pugh, Mr Stuart Bryant and Mr Ian Moonlight will speak about their connections to Murchison, we’ll be joined by some special guests and after the cutting of the 150th Anniversary commemorative cake is cut, the piper will play “Happy Birthday Murchison”.

Get ready for some action-packed family fun at The Great Murchison Muster sponsored by Little Wanganui Hotel (K & K Clayton). From 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, witness the ultimate showdown as valley teams and town teams go head-to-head in a series of hilarious rural-themed contests. Expect relay races, challenging obstacle courses, and skill-based surprises that will have you on the edge of your seat. Prepare for some fantastic entertainment as you cheer on the participants and reconnect with everyone at the celebration. This is one event you won't want to miss!

Floats and vehicles depart, doing a final lap of the grounds, and bringing the day's events to a close.

Pick up a map and tour notes from the Murch Merch stall at MSRCC on Saturday or Sunday and journey through the Tutaki, Matiri, Matakitaki or Lower Maruia valleys re-discovering where you grew up or learning some history from the notes that bring our valleys to life.

Our thanks to Go Bus and the Ron Cole Family for their sponsorship of the very popular and SOLD OUT Valley Bus Tours.  

It’s time for the kids to hit the dance floor! The Junior Disco at the Murchison Area School Gym is a special event just for children aged 5–10 years. There’ll be music, lights, and loads of fun as everyone dances, laughs, and celebrates together. Popcorn and drinks will be on sale, so bring some coins and enjoy a great night out with friends. A perfect way for Murchison’s youngest locals to join in the 150th celebrations!

Doors open at 6pm. Delicious food, fantastic company, and great entertainment await registered folks at our Celebration Dinner, proudly sponsored by H. J. Hodgson!  Another highlight of the Murchison 150th celebrations – it’s an opportunity to relax, socialise, and enjoy a memorable meal together with some live piano dinner music. Don't miss this special social occasion!

It’s time to turn up the music and celebrate Murchison’s 150th in style! The Teens Disco at MAS Gym is the place to be for teens aged 11 and up. There’ll be awesome tunes, flashing lights, and plenty of space to dance, chill, and catch up with friends. Drinks and popcorn will be available to buy — so grab your mates, dress to impress, and get ready for a fun night just for the teens of Murchison!

When you head to the Rec Centre grounds on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April you’ll find an array of stalls to wander through, and goodies to gift or eat! On Saturday check out home-made jewellery, cutlery, toys, booties and crafts at stalls including ‘Shenandoah Crafts’ and ‘Baby with Love’. ‘Tutaki Honey’ (Trees and Bees) provide their local honey and candles for sale while ‘Buller Botanicals’ will bring cute Easter soaps, balms, creams and bath salts. ‘Not Just Clocks’ offers time pieces of olde-worlde charm. H.J. Hodgson & Co have some sweet treats for the kids selling alongside their range of Hodgson’s memorabilia and nature themed merchandise. Helen from Tasman Heritage (Tasman District Libraries) will be recording stories told by folk on the day. 

Yummy treats include Beans ‘n Berries with real fruit icecream and coffee, Karen’s Snow Cones and Dyan’s Bacon Butties, Whitebait Sammies, Hot Chips and Icecream.

On Sunday, the foodies are joined by Lil Orbits (mini-donuts and soft serve) and Lar’s Fruit & Veg. And there’s a change around of some of the craft and gift stalls.

Be in to win with a spin of the Chocolate Wheel plus a special treat both days will be the Clydesdale Horse & Cart rides.

The Murch Merch Stall provides a range of services over both days … it’s the First Aid post; an information site; folks will sign up for entry to competitions; and 150th themed merchandise will be for sale. On Sunday, youngsters up to 10 years can take part in the Easter Egg hunt, details at the stall.

Want to know more about booking a stall site at the celebrations? Text Michelle Reilly on 027 606 9796.

Join us for a time of reflection and remembrance at our local Cemetery from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. This special occasion offers a meaningful opportunity to honour the memories of family members and friends who are no longer with us and includes special reference to the first burial, the unmarked graves of adults and children, and the service people. A piped lament will be played.  Afterwards, you are welcome to wander through the cemetery, taking a moment to remember the many individuals who have contributed to the rich history of Murchison. It's a chance to connect with the past and pay our respects to those who have shaped our community.

Join our local congregation for the traditional Murchison Easter Service at St Paul's Church from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. All are welcome to attend this time of reflection and worship. 

Get ready for a fantastic afternoon of fun for the whole family at our OsGro Carnival Day & Family Picnic sponsored by OsGro Seed Services! Join us at the Recreation Centre grounds from 12 noon to 4:30 pm for a classic family carnival experience. There will be competition judging, a variety of market stalls and merchandise to browse, carnival games, races (including push carts) and activities for all to try, captivating photographic displays, more chocolate wheel spins and Horse & Cart rides to enjoy (generously sponsored by Trees & Bees Tutaki Honey). Kids, don't miss the excitement of the Murchison Four Square Junior Easter Egg Hunt! Bring your picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds or check out the food stalls. It's the perfect way to spend a laidback afternoon reconnecting with your childhood games and perhaps ending the day taking part in the novelty Tug-of-War! 

The moment you've been waiting for! Join us as we celebrate the creative talents and fun-loving spirit of our community with the judging and announcement of results for all our weekend competitions. From the most impressive beards and moustaches to the heights of beehives and the flair of mullets, witness the winners of the Beard & Moustache competition and the Beehive & Mullet competition. We'll also be revealing the stylish standouts from the Through the Ages: Fashion in the Field competition (prizes sponsored by The Cowshed), the talented wordsmiths of the Writing competition (prizes sponsored by R Wright & J and D Bradley Family), the most imaginative Decorated letterboxes and fences (prizes sponsored by Mike Harper Livestock), the sharpest eyes in the Match the Celebrity competition, and the cleverest young detectives from the Kids’ Scavenger Hunt (prizes sponsored by William Harris, Harcourts Rural Blenheim). Come along and cheer on the participants and discover who will take home the top honours! 

A few words and Auld Lang Sine round out the weekend before the Tug-of-War concludes the day.  

Doors open 6.30pm. Sponsored by Pioneer Energy the Pioneer Jukebox Jam features popular songs of the 50’s and 60’s and is the perfect way to wind down after a busy weekend of celebrations. We'll be featuring fantastic live music performed by talented locals. Get ready to tap your feet and enjoy the nostalgic tunes in the historic theatre. 

Weather permitting, the annual Easter Market will take place on the Village Green beside the Museum.  Grab a snack from one of the permanent food carts in town while you peruse the crafts and items for sale.