The Rongotea & Districts Lions Club is once again holding the Waitangi Day Gala on the 6th February.
The Waitangi Day Gala is a great day out with indoor and outdoor auction, make an offer, clothes, books and nic nacs, the Te Kawau Top School Competition and great stalls by external providers.
The proceeds from the Gala day are donated to various local projects and community groups throughout the Manawatu.
The Gala has been running for 40 + years and always attracts good numbers through our reputation and the advertising we do, as it is one of the largest Gala’s held in our district.
Convenient Amenities:
Don’t miss out on a fantastic day filled with entertainment, shopping, and friendly competitions.
Bring your family and friends for a memorable experience!
No dogs, smoking and alcohol are allowed at this event.
No power sites are available, if you require power please provide your own generator.
No refunds are available after 31st January 2026. The day will go ahead wet or fine
In line with previous years, Rongotea Lions reserves the rights to the following: food stalls
No liquid crazy string to be sold.
No dogs are permitted at this event or on the domain grounds.
Smoking and alcohol are prohibited at this event and on the domain grounds.
Click here for registration, contact and payment details.
We are pleased to offer the Rongotea and District Lions Hamilton Henson Award to any student of the Central Districts region who wishes to further their education after leaving secondary school.
This award targets those students who intend furthering their education at a tertiary level and who are to enrol in a full-time or part-time NZQA-approved course of study in any subject area with any institution in New Zealand-preference will be given to those studying on a “full-time” basis.
Note: applicants may include apprentices in the trades, Industry Training Organisations, polytechnic students, university students etc. Applicants must be in their first year of tertiary study.
This award is for up to $2,500 payable by the Rongotea and District Lions Club and is to encourage young people to further their education on leaving secondary school.
Applications close on Friday February 13th 2026.
Application forms are available from the Convener of Awards Committee , Rongotea and District Lions Club E mail: Daniel.Jones@rongotealions.org.nz
For someone from the Manawatū region. You will want to study an undergraduate or postgraduate degree with a focus on agriculture, horticulture, agribusiness or veterinary science.
$2,500
December 2025 – 1 March 2026
We’re looking for someone from the Manawatū region, preferably Rongotea or nearby.
This is an undergraduate or postgraduate scholarship. You will study one of these subjects: – agriculture – horticulture – agribusiness – veterinary science.
You must be from the Manawatū region.
Search on the Massey University Scholarships and Awards website for application details.
The Rongotea Lions Charity Car Show Day roared to life once again on Sunday, April 13th, 2025, at the Te Kawau Memorial Recreation Centre.
Now a well-loved annual tradition, this year’s event proved to be one of the biggest and best yet.
With the weather turning on a perfect autumn day—blue skies and sunshine—the event drew a fantastic crowd from across the region.
More than 280 vehicles of all makes and models lined the grounds, from lovingly restored classics to unique custom builds and modern performance vehicles. There was something to catch the eye of every car enthusiast, young and old.
The show wasn’t just about horsepower and chrome—it was about community. Attendees enjoyed great food, local stalls, family-friendly entertainment, and a warm country atmosphere that makes Rongotea events so special.
Most importantly, the day was held in support of a truly worthy cause. All proceeds from the gate takings were donated to Arohanui Hospice, an organisation that provides compassionate palliative care services across the region.
The Rongotea Lions are proud to support such vital work, and extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part—vehicle owners, volunteers, vendors, and visitors alike.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s event, and we hope to see you there!
This annual event was well supported by our wonderful community, with a fantastic turnout of attendees who enjoyed a day filled with great company, delicious food, and exciting entertainment. The weather couldn’t have been better, making it the perfect setting for families, friends, and visitors to come together and celebrate.
A huge thank you to all the vendors who set up their stalls and showcased a variety of amazing goods—from handcrafted items and locally made products to mouthwatering food and refreshing drinks. Your contributions helped make the day a vibrant and memorable experience for all.
We truly appreciate everyone who attended, participated, and supported the event. See you all next year for another fantastic Waitangi Day Gala!
Thanks to everyone that supported our 2024 car show.
Every year, Arohanui Hospice extends compassionate care to over 1,100 patients facing life-limiting conditions across our region.
The money raised at the car show goes directly to Arohanui Hospice to help them provide invaluable support to patients’ families and loved ones during these challenging times.
See more photos in our gallery.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, the Rongotea and Districts Lions Club has been honored with the Lions’ national “Kindness Matters Service Award” and has secured the top Club Service Award for the 2023/24 term. Read more here.
You can also see additional information about our activitvies on our Facebook page.
