We’re a group of people who enjoy all types of cycling and our aim is to help you add to your enjoyment of cycling too – be that for sport, recreation, commuting, health or even a way of helping the environment by cycling more and using the car less.

Back in 2016, local cycling enthusiasts headed by Steve Stannard, decided it would be a good idea to have an international professional cycling event in the Manawatū North Island region of New Zealand. That first event was called, the “Gravel and Tar” and quickly gained a national and international reputation for its challenging parcours amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Manawatū.

Although not unique, there are very few international road cycling events that combine smooth road surfaces with stretches of other surfaces such as gravel, or in the case of the world famous Paris-Roubaix in France, cobbles. Colloquially, the Gravel and Tar has become known as the “Paris-Roubaix of the South”.

In 2019, a race for women, “The Gravel and Tar La Femme” was introduced, which in 2020 became one of the first cycling events in the world to pay equal prize money with the men’s event.

Seeing the increasing interest in competitive cycling for amateurs, the Slicks and Stones was then introduced to feature various distances and e-bike categories to encourage more people to participate.

And in 2019, the organising committee for these two events morphed into the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust with the goal of “Encouraging all New Zealanders to become healthier through regular cycling.”

The Greasy Chain Charitable Trust

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Mah Jong is a tile-based Chinese game that has become popular around the world. In groups of four, players aim to go Mah Jong by being first to complete a special ‘hand’ with their tiles. It combines skill and luck to create a game that is fun and stimulating for the brain, in a friendly social setting.     

Palmerston North Mah Jong Club

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Palmerston North Marist Football was established in 1988. Since then, the football club has grown into a club with a strong backbone consisting of more than 50 teams over Senior and Junior age range.

We have teams placed at all levels of the game. 
Football is split between Senior (16+) and Junior (4-14).

Marist Football Club

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Palmerston North Athletic and Harrier Club is the Manawatū's largest Athletic Club. We cater for people of all ages and cover all events including jumps, throws, running, hurdling, and race walking. 

If you're interested in competing, or just want to give athletics a go, then come on down to on of our trainings sessions to see what it is all about!

Palmerston North Athletic and Harrier Club (PNAHC)

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Manawatū Young Chamber supports youth development and youth participation by creating an environment for sharing knowledge and expertise within the business community in the Manawatū region. We aim to be a one-stop-shop for young people, building connections and developing professional skills by connecting students, young professionals and businesses through collaboration and development opportunities. Our target audience is 18-40 year olds.
 
Our chamber operates based on four key pillars: governance, enterprise, employability, and partnership. With the governance pillar, we would provide opportunities for young professionals to have a deeper understanding of being a board member of an organisation. While with enterprise – our chamber would be a source of information for all funding applications to start or grow a business. With the employability, we would like to provide opportunities to develop skills that would be needed in the business environment and for career development. Lastly, partnership would involve building long-lasting relationships with organisations that support youth participation and development.

Manawatū Young Chamber 

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OnStage Manawatū’s objective is the promotion of the performing arts in Palmerston North and surrounds and to assist community and charitable causes. Club groups perform at retirement villages around the city. The club also awards a $500 scholarship annually to a young artist. Until March 2020 the club was known as the Manawatū Savage Club, established in 1908. The name change was the first step in modernising and simplifying the club’s customs and formats.

OnStage Manawatū

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We are a group of people who have a love of folk music and meet on a regular basis to share the music that we know and also what we have been learning. We have regular club nights where we have the chance to perform music in a sing-around format, this night usually has a theme and we get the chance to perform a couple of songs/tunes related/inspired by the theme (the Events Calendar is available on our website). You may perform solo, or in any sized group you prefer, or invite everyone to join in with you.

We also have concert nights where guest artists, national or international, come along and perform for us. These are top quality musicians and they always put on a great night!

On regular club nights we have a door charge of: $3 for club members; and $5 for non members; FREE for school children and ‘first-timers’. On concert nights the entry price is higher.

The Palmerston North Folk Music Club

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Amélie of Palmy is a community project for lovers and yet-to-be lovers of the French hit film Amélie (2001). A series of creative events connecting aspects of the film to Palmerston North, including acknowledging Amélie's birthday on 1 June. Bienvenue! 

Amélie of Palmy

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Our purpose is to empower people to achieve excellence, through the world of martial arts.

We aim to do this by making martial arts accessible and available, providing the best martial arts experience possible, inspiring people to achieve great things, by applying the relentless pursuit of excellence and providing a model of continuous improvement to stay up to date, relevant and provide the best service we can to you.

Kung Fu Academy NZ (KFANZ) 永恒强功夫

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We play the card game bridge! Our Club has about 75
members, and we meet twice weekly to play bridge. Our players range in age and bridge experience, from very new players to very experienced players. 

Our Club started in 1992, and we are affiliated to the national body, NZ Bridge. We are currently based at the Palmerston North Bridge  Club. Our Club is managed by a voluntary Board of Directors.

Hokowhitu Bridge Club

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Inner Wheel is: 
- One of the world’s largest voluntary service organisations.
- Active in over 100 countries with over 100,000 members.
- An NGO with United Nations representatives.
- Welcome to any woman.

Inner Wheel Manawatu Central Connection is welcoming, friendly and fun women’s club whose focus is:  Friendship, Personal Service and International Understanding. Established 2010 and currently have 26 members. Our club consists of women, ranging in age from 40 onwards, but we welcome women of any age. We have monthly meetings, on the first Wednesday of every month starting at 7.30pm. Our meetings are varied and range from having interesting guest speakers to holding our own craft/activity nights to support our local charities, always followed with a friendly catch up and supper. These meetings are interspersed with Club night out to a variety of local venues and activities such as the movies, restaurants, garden visits and a variety of other places of interest to the members.

We support various charities -  Little Stars, PN Neonates with Cuddle Hearts,  Grandparents raising grandchildren, Surf Lifesaving, Plunket, Backpack Outreach; to name a few.

If you want to meet new people and make new friends in a relaxed environment, and make a difference in the world – then we are the club for you!

Inner Wheel Manawatū Central Connection

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The Awapuni Garden Club was started in 1978 and today is well supported with 100 members. The club is a friendly group of people who like to share garden knowledge and are keen to learn more about plants, seeds, gardening etc. At the monthly meetings we have a guest speaker, a sales table, a raffle and a home grown vegetables, fruit and flower competition.

Awapuni Garden Club

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Square Edge Community Arts supports a vibrant community of artists and creative folk, arts and community organisations. 

We run a monthly exhibition programme, offer community workshops, hold markets and events, and host forums and performances. Our tenants and users include artists, a picture framer, photographers, a signage designer, sound healer, plastic free grocer, café, yoga, art, voice, drama, and language teachers, a garment centre, and much more. We offer studio spaces for artists, and bookable rooms for a diverse range of user groups. There are many opportunities to join in with a wide range of activities here.

Square Edge Community Arts 

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Pamanlahi is a non-profit cultural club that aims to share the cultural and historical knowledge of the Philippines to the various city-wide community. Established in 2013, the group has been performing for the numerous organisations in Palmerston North

Pamanlahi Cultural Ensemble 

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The Renaissance Singers, formed in 1975, is an auditioned choir of 20-30 members who frequently perform a cappella. The choir has a reputation for presenting varied and challenging programmes, comprising modern works as well as works of the Renaissance period and earlier. 2-3 concerts are presented each year. New members are welcome! 

Renaissance Singers Inc

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Alliance Française Palmerston North is a well-known French language and cultural centre located on the first floor of the Square Edge Creative Centre. It is one of the oldest cultural organisations, established in Palmerston North under the name of ‘Cercle Français’ in 1949. 

Alliance Française is a NZ registered charity which actively promotes interest in French language and culture. Our mission is to encourage the study of French language; to raise awareness of French and French-speaking cultures in all their dimensions; to foster cultural, intellectual, artistic and friendly exchanges between  French-speaking world and local communities; and to promote cultural diversity by highlighting all cultures.

Alliance Française offers and supports continued learning both in and out of the classroom by offering French courses for all ages and levels, cultural events, a French community library and official language diplomas.

Alliance Française supports refugees and migrants from different backgrounds and cultures, in particular French-speaking, by providing literacy and numeracy classes, as well as English classes. We facilitate social interaction and mutual exchanges with the local community.

Alliance Française also supports teachers in schools by offering competitions, workshops, professional development, and exams.

Alliance Française Palmerston North

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We are passionate about all aspects of woodwork, and aim to provide members with opportunities to foster and develop their woodworking and design skills. We encourage members to exhibit their work and we provide a forum for sharing skills and knowledge about woodwork. We provide facilities for woodturning, furniture making, scroll-work, pyrography, toy making and carving. Refer to our website for more details.

Manawatū Woodworkers Guild Inc

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The Palmerston North Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists was established in 1972. We promote the study of family history and genealogy. We meet monthly and all are welcome at our meetings. At our meetings we often have talks by experienced genealogists and our many research resources are available (databases and library). We have a monthly newsletter with news, events and articles. 

Palmerston North Branch NZSG

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The Comedy Hub has been producing stand-up shows, comedy workshops and introductory courses since 2017, with the goal of making the Manawatū a great place to be a comedian.

We do a variety of shows, including:
*Open Mics
*Local Showcases
*Pro Shows (National/International acts)
*Community Shows (e.g. Māori/Pasifika showcase, Stand Up for Sign Language)
*Fundraising events

The Comedy Hub

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Formed in 1996, the Manawatunes are a chorus of men who love singing. We sing acapella harmony, much in the barbershop style, but we also explore a range of other acapella music. We try to have a variety of music in our repertoire; from classic “Polecats” (cornerstones of the Barbershop genre) to arrangements of more contemporary numbers. We were the Barbershop Harmony New Zealand Champion Small Chorus in 2019, 2018, 2014, 2010 and 1999 and hopefully there will be further exciting news coming from our partnership with BHNZ in 2021. The Manawatunes meet to rehearse each Wednesday evening at the Red Cross rooms, and are delighted to have this opportunity to share our harmony with the public after a year where a number of our opportunities have dried up. We hope you will enjoy our performance, as well as the performance of one of our quartets, Sound Check!

Manawatunes Chorus

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Established in 2020, The Palmerston North Knights are an alternative sports and recreation group who use our members' love of the Star Wars Universe as a motivator for engaging in the physical activity of lightsaber combat and choreography.

We are a diverse and open group of individuals who value safety, sportsmanship, friendship and celebrating our fandom.

Palmerston North Knights Lightsaber Group

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National Council of Women Manawatu is the mid-central face of National Council of Women New Zealand. We unite to promote improvements to the quality of life of women, families and the community. We have existed for 80 years, and during that time, our actions have helped shape the social and economic fabric of what the Manawatu is today. Our focus at present is on realising the vision of a gender-equal New Zealand. 

National Council of Women Manawatū

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Hockey Manawatū provides social experiences, facilities, competitions, and programmes to people of all ages, genders, ethnicities or abilities to enjoy, participate, develop, and perform in sport and recreation, with a focus on hockey. We have a fully operational cafe and bar, and facilities suitable for corporate and social functions.

Hockey Manawatū

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For Dutch and Dutch descent people, their families, friends, and Dutch culture appreciators. We are a small but fun and friendly community of all ages. We meet irregularly (usually connected to an event). A lot of our activities are at Te Awahou Nieuwestroom in Foxton. Keep an eye out for Dutch Week, which happens in April, around Koningsdag (Kings Birthday) - now bigger and more orange than ever!

Dutch Club Manawatū

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The Inner Smile Tai Chi Club is a not-for-profit community organisation dedicated to the teaching and practice of Tai Chi.  We were formed in 1999 as an adjunct of the Palmerston North RSA and in 2012 moved to the Senior Citizens Hall in Main Street. Our intent is to provide a community focus for the health and well-being benefits derived from Tai Chi and to develop, foster, and promote the practice of Tai Chi within Palmerston North. We conduct Tai Chi sessions/training and provide a social and friendly environment for the members of the Inner Smile Tai Chi Club. We organise and provide social events which are generally subsidised by the Club.


Inner Smile Tai Chi Club Inc

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Suitable for players of all skill levels. Come and play with others to practice and improve your word knowledge and strategies. A small friendly group.  And a great way to spend two hours on a Sunday afternoon.  

PROVIDED:  Scrabble sets and turntables.  
We use the official 'Collins Scrabble Dictionary' (6th edition 2022).   If you want to come regularly, we can provide you lists of the 2-3-4 letter word lists to gain more strategies when playing.

YOU BRING: Pen and paper for scoring and open to learn new words and have fun .

Palmerston North Scrabble Club

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Menzshed Manawatu was formed in 2011. It exists primarily for retired men to share their experiences and skills while working on a variety of projects – at this stage mainly woodworking. While men are welcome to work on projects for themselves, a lot of the satisfaction comes from being part of community projects – often  providing something  to assist another community group to carry out their work.

At the heart of the Menzshed philosophy is men’s health and welfare, and the Shed gives them a “happy place”. Although access to tools may be a drawcard, companionship is what keeps members attending. The Shed reminds men that they are not alone, and that although their days of paid employment may be over, there can still be reasons to get out of bed in the morning, and have fun and fellowship at the same time.


Menzshed Manawatū

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The Manawatu Scale Model Club (MSMC) is a group of scale modelling enthusiasts who like to meet, share and discuss their hobby -  scale modelling.
The club has been meeting for over 45 years and caters for all interests, ages and skill levels. 
The club meetings are informal and include discussions on all aspects of our hobby, 'show 'n tell', club competitions, practical demonstrations and community displays.
Past, current and new members are always welcome.


Manawatū Scale Model Club

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The Manawatū Art Collection is one of the most valuable and representative collections of contemporary New Zealand art in any region in the country. 

Our members are art lovers. We arrange events and activities for the enjoyment of our members and we share information about art in our community. We continue to acquire suitable works of regional significance to enlarge our collection. 

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Our collection been built up since the 1959 by the Palmerston North Art Gallery Society, renamed as the Manawatū Art Gallery Society and more recently known as Te Manawa Art Society. The collection is housed in the art gallery storerooms at Te Manawa Museum, alongside an art collection owned by the Te Manawa Museum Trust. As custodians of our collection, Te Manawa Museum provides a variety of opportunities for the community to view and appreciate the works in our collection. 

Manawatū Art Collection

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We use various fibre types in a variety of handcrafts, spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, and felting. We hold classes, workshops and retreats. We have a library of books and equipment for hire. Hands on help when need.  Come and be creative with like minded people of all ages and all stages.
Complete beginners welcome.

Manawatū Spinners & Weavers Guild

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We are a passionate group of individuals who dedicate their spare time to preserving and celebrating the sport of armoured medieval combat. Unlike reenactment groups, we specialise in full-contact, fighting, with the goals of competing with other groups, both regionally and internationally.

Manawatū Armoured Combat

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Aziza Bellydance is a Palmerston North based dance group focused on performing and exploring fusion/modern oriental and traditional Middle-Eastern dance styles.

Established in 2007, it is committed to creating a fun-filled and empowering dance environment that will connect you with people from all walks of life.

Aziza Bellydance Palmerston North

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Our Mission is to provide a welcoming environment to enhance lives with social activities for all ages .




Palmerston North Senior Citizens

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We have four tennis courts available for play, all constructed of  all-weather Astroturf, plus a practice wall. The club shares the community centre building with numerous other users, but it retains its own equipment cupboard for storing tennis balls and other belongings.  It is set out in the pleasant surroundings of Awapuni Park. We offer membership to all over 17 years, with the emphasis on social tennis, rather than competitive or interclub tournaments. The club was formed in 1973 arising from housing developments which took place in that area in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Awapuni Tennis Club

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We teach Highland Dancing from 3 years old, Royal Scottish Official Board technique taught, giving freedom to dance world-wide.

Manawatū Highland Dancers

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Traditional English Dance - Morris Dancing

Every solstice, outside the pubs of Palmerston North, strangely clad people can be seen leaping into the air, waving handkerchiefs and sticks, with bells jingling from their shins. This traditional ritual to welcome the return of the sun and spring is called Morris dancing, and it goes back at least to the 15th century in England. 

The origins of Morris dancing have been lost in history, but prevalent opinion is that Morris is based pre-Christian fertility or luck-bringing ceremonies. Over time, these 'pagan' dances were assimilated by the church (first the Catholic, then the Protestant) and by the 1500s, Morris was being performed for Easter, May Day and other local festivals.

Morris is still danced all year round to ensure a good crop, to provide entertainment, or to commemorate important events. Today, Morris is still performed in England and New Zealand on days such as Plough Monday, Easter, and the start of spring. Some of the dances have not changed in over a hundred years and because of this long history, Morris dancing is considered a living tradition.

We would love you to try Morris dancing. We practise at Palmerston North Fire Station on Thursday evenings.

Alternatively, if you would like us to dance at an event that you are organising please contact our Squire, Rob Freeman, or Lis Todd.


Rosewood Morris Dancers

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We are a women's choir who sing a wide range of music from Renaissance to Pop. We were established in 1997 by Alison Stewart. We sing at the Palmerston North and Feilding libraries and have sung Christmas carols occasionally in the Downtown complex. One of our purposes is to raise money for charity.

Camerata Choir

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Welcome to the Manawatū Amateur Radio Society! As Branch 20 of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART), we proudly operate under the callsign ZL2KO for all our club activities. 

Our clubrooms are a hub of activity where we meet regularly, and we’d love for you to join us! Check our club calendar for details on in-person meetings. We also host weekly radio nets on both VHF and HF frequencies, plus a relaxed coffee meetup every Monday morning, offering various ways to connect with fellow members. 

If you’re looking to learn a new skill and have some fun, come along as a visitor—everyone is welcome, whether you’re a gent, lady, or young enthusiast! We offer training courses to help you gain your amateur radio license (with no minimum age), and we hold at least one sales day each year for buying and selling second-hand equipment.

Amateur Radio, or “ham radio,” is all about experimenting and communicating through a diverse range of technologies, including satellites, the Internet, and even beams of light! In New Zealand, you can become a licensed ham through Radio Spectrum Management (RSM). Once licensed, you can operate two-way radio equipment from home, your vehicle, or practically anywhere in the country—and often even while overseas! The possibilities are endless: from sending TV pictures and connecting through amateur radio satellites to having friendly chats with people around the world.

Join our vibrant community of radio enthusiasts who share a passion for communication, technology, and camaraderie. Whether you’re an experienced operator or just starting out, our society is a welcoming environment for everyone. A key part of our mission is supporting Search and Rescue through AREC (learn more at https://arec.nz/). 

Become part of our supportive network, contribute to community initiatives, and enjoy the thrill of making connections across the globe. Discover the joy of amateur radio with us—your adventure starts here! Join the Manawatū Amateur Radio Society today!

Manawatū Amateur Radio Society (MARS)

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Our group was founded in 1947 and is affiliated with the New Zealand Rose Society (Inc). Our motto is to implant the roses in the hearts and gardens of the people of New Zealand. We do this by sharing information and knowledge on how to grow good roses in the Manawatū region. This is done through our newsletter and other publications, meetings with guest speakers and demonstrations and visits to gardens and other places of interest. Members also have a wide range of other garden interests besides roses so they are also incorporated into our events.  

Roses Manawatū

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 Our members are involved in almost every type of embroidery, from Bayeux stitching through to contemporary fibre arts.
·      No prior experience of stitching is necessary; we welcome everyone from absolute beginners to experienced stitchers. Our members are very happy to help less experienced stitchers explore our craft and formal workshops are regularly available.
·      Visitors are invited to attend a meeting or two, to stitch and chat and find out if they would like become part of our group.  

Manawatū Embroiderers' Guild Inc