From Lyttelton to Halswell, community boards and resident associations are finalising event calendars for the year ahead. Organisers say volunteer numbers have largely held up, though most groups are still actively recruiting.

The Lyttelton Farmers Market, Riccarton Bush Market and Opawa Community Market each confirmed expanded summer programmes, with additional stallholders and live music slots. Several smaller suburban markets are also returning after pandemic-era pauses.

Council community grants opened earlier this month and close in late November. The grants support events with a clear public benefit, and previous recipients have included neighbourhood matariki celebrations, multicultural food days and free school-holiday programmes.

Residents wanting to volunteer or list an event can do so through their local community board. Organisers stressed that even a few hours of help on the day makes a meaningful difference to the smaller groups running these gatherings.