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Out & About: Timaru’s inaugural WishCon convention

Tuesday, 2 September 2025

Cosplayers Natahlia Westgarth, Penelope Hutt, Beka Purcell and Amy Diel pose outside the Scottish Hall in Timaru on Saturday.
Cosplayers Natahlia Westgarth, Penelope Hutt, Beka Purcell and Amy Diel pose outside the Scottish Hall in Timaru on Saturday.

WishCon, a new convention for the South Canterbury region’s increasing number of hobbyists and board game enthusiasts, was held at the Scottish Hall in Timaru on Saturday. The event attracted about 700 people and raised $5000 for Make-A-Wish NZ.

Timaru Herald chief photographer John Bisset attended and captured these images.

Jackie Brasfield, behind the lens, sports a striking hat.
Jackie Brasfield, behind the lens, sports a striking hat.
Sophie Owens is looking the part.
Sophie Owens is looking the part.
Seth Turner and Taane McIntosh make their way around the convention.
Seth Turner and Taane McIntosh make their way around the convention.
About 700 people attended Timaru’s inaugural WishCon throughout the day on Saturday.
About 700 people attended Timaru’s inaugural WishCon throughout the day on Saturday.
Bless Groome watches over a stall selling stickers and badges.
Bless Groome watches over a stall selling stickers and badges.
Mark Upston and Gus Genet play a game of Magic: The Gathering.
Mark Upston and Gus Genet play a game of Magic: The Gathering.
Poppy Penfild cosplays as Circus Baby.
Poppy Penfild cosplays as Circus Baby.
WishCon organisers, from left, Charlie Rawstorn, Phil and Nikki Brown and Jo Lloyd.
WishCon organisers, from left, Charlie Rawstorn, Phil and Nikki Brown and Jo Lloyd.
Tikva van der Vlught cosplays as Frodo from The Lord of the Rings. Tikva is wearing the “One Ring” around her neck and also a brooch given by the elven character Galadriel to members of the Fellowship of the Ring.
Tikva van der Vlught cosplays as Frodo from The Lord of the Rings. Tikva is wearing the “One Ring” around her neck and also a brooch given by the elven character Galadriel to members of the Fellowship of the Ring.
James, left, and Seth Mortimer cosplay as characters from the Star Wars franchise. James is a Tusken Raider and Seth is a Jedi.
James, left, and Seth Mortimer cosplay as characters from the Star Wars franchise. James is a Tusken Raider and Seth is a Jedi.
David Marsden, Lani Keen, Jacks Kirkwood and Nora Armstrong at WishCon.
David Marsden, Lani Keen, Jacks Kirkwood and Nora Armstrong at WishCon.

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