Ilam Homestead

02/09/2026

Ahhhhh spring. That’s more like it!!
South Island Beer Festival #27 is just around the corner!!!

Saturday 21 November. Block the diary.

Tickets are on sale now: https://sibf.flicket.co.nz

02/09/2026

Celebrate Women’s Suffrage Day with us at the Homestead 🌸

Saturday 19 September marks Women’s Suffrage Day in New Zealand, commemorating one of the most significant moments in our country’s history.

On 19 September 1893, Governor Lord Glasgow signed the Electoral Act into law, making New Zealand the first self-governing country in the world where women gained the right to vote in parliamentary elections.

At the heart of the movement was Kate Sheppard, who became one of New Zealand’s most celebrated social reformers. Based here in Christchurch, Sheppard and her fellow suffragists campaigned tirelessly for change, organising meetings, writing articles and gathering petitions. The famous 1893 petition contained almost 32,000 signatures and, when presented to Parliament, stretched more than 270 metres.

To celebrate this important piece of New Zealand history, we’re giving away four Kate Sheppard Camellias to four lucky people at the Club.

🌸 How to enter
From Friday 4 September, everyone who purchases a drink at the Club will receive one ticket to go into the draw.

We’ll draw our four winners on Friday 18 September, just ahead of Women’s Suffrage Day.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST BE THERE TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE

The Kate Sheppard Camellia is a beautiful white flowering camellia named in her honour. The white camellia itself has a special connection with the suffrage movement — supporters of women’s suffrage wore white camellias as a symbol of their cause, while opponents wore red.

So, pop into the Homestead, enjoy a drink and put your name in the draw. You might head home with a rather beautiful piece of living New Zealand history!

Every drink purchased from Friday 4 September = another ticket in the draw.

We look forward to seeing you at the Homestead — and raising a glass to Kate Sheppard and the generations of determined women who helped make New Zealand history.

02/09/2026

20/08/2026

17/08/2026

Tickets are on sale now!

07/08/2026

Mark your calendars!

13/07/2026

13/07/2026

Join us for a cosy winter evening of exceptional craft beer, delicious food, and great company at the Ilam Homestead.

We're delighted to invite you to our Winter Beer Tasting featuring Cassels Brewing Co. on Tuesday 21 July 2026, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.

The evening will be hosted by Zac Cassels, owner of Cassels Brewing Co., who will take you on a guided journey through a selection of the brewery's award-winning beers. Zac will share the rich history of the family brewery, the brewing process, and the stories behind the beers that have made Cassels one of Canterbury's most celebrated craft breweries.

On the night, you'll have the opportunity to sample an outstanding lineup of Cassels beers, including:

Light Owl – Session IPA
Cassels PIlsner
Woolston Pale Ale
Nectaron IPA
Double Nectaron IPA
Best Bitter
Milk Stout
Triple Cream Milk Stout
Whether you enjoy crisp, hop-forward ales or rich, velvety dark beers, there will be something for every palate.

Your ticket includes:

A guided tasting presented by Zac Cassels
Samples of eight outstanding Cassels beers
A light supper
Following the tasting, the bar will remain open, so you're welcome to stay, enjoy another drink by the fire, and catch up with fellow members and friends.

Ticket Prices

Members: $25
Non-Members: $30
With limited numbers available, we recommend securing your tickets early to avoid missing out.
Get tickets from our website https://www.ucc.org.nz/events/winter-beer-tasting-cassels-brewing-co-21-july-2026/

Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxed and enjoyable winter evening, this promises to be a memorable event.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Ilam Homestead for another fantastic evening of great beer, good company, and warm hospitality.

Warm regards,

David Rich
General Manager
University of Canterbury Club (UCC)