Southland has started 2026 with real momentum, and Invercargill has been at the heart of the action. ILT is proud to back the people and organisations who give their time, talent and energy to create events that bring our region together.
This year kicked off with another unforgettable Burt Munro Challenge, drawing riders and visitors from near and far. The city hummed with the sound of bikes and the buzz of activity. It’s an event that ILT and the ILT Foundation have been privileged to support since 2006, backing the dedicated Southland Motorcycle Club who make it all happen.
Then came Esk Fest on Waitangi Day, with Radio Southland turning our city centre into a place of celebration and connection. Events like these don’t happen by chance, they rely on committed organisers, volunteers and partners behind the scenes. Our funding helps their hard work reach even further.
And there’s plenty more ahead. February and March are stacked with some of our favourites, from the Ascot Park Hotel Classic Speedfest (20-22 Feb) and National Track Cycling Championships (1-7 March), to the Southland A & P Show (7 March), Surf to City (8 March) and Relay for Life (14 March). Each one celebrates a different slice of life in Southland.
We’re especially excited for the International Veteran Axemen Test Series, showcasing fierce trans-Tasman competition among athletes aged 60 and over. These competitors, still powerful with decades of skill, prove that determination doesn’t age. The series has been running for nearly 30 years and you can see them in action at the Northern Tavern on 6 March before the main event at the A & P Show the next day.
Of course, we don’t just fund events, we roll up our sleeves and take part. Our team is challenging themselves by joining the Surf to City and stepping out for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. We’re also raising funds for the cause with a garage sale at Centrepoint Liquorland on 28 February before hitting the track on 14 March.
It’s all about showing up, walking the talk and supporting causes that matter. See you out there, Southland!
