Methven Lions Machinery Auction Draws Crowds and Community Spirit

Record crowds gathered at the 2026 Methven machinery auction, much to the delight of organiser Alastair Clemens.

There’s no gavel in sight. Just an auctioneer with a keen eye, and a clipboard to bang.

But auction day was a huge success for the Methven Lions Club, who hit record numbers at the Methven Machinery Auction on Friday, May 15.

With 224 lots on offer, the annual machinery auction has continued to grow in popularity, after beginning in 2024 with just 90 lots up for sale, said organiser Alastair Clemens.

From tractors and ploughs, to motors, nuts and bolts, machinery covered the showgrounds.

Braving the cold, buyers and sellers gathered for what is quickly becoming a fixture on the local calendar.

“The whole project was borne about from the old clearing sales. Over the years, the number of clearing sales has dropped quite dramatically, so it was an opportunity to sell a bit of gear and have a chin-wag to your neighbour,” Clemens told the Guardian.

The Lions Club takes a small commission from each sale, with all proceeds returned to local causes and organisations.

John Barwell from the Lions Club, and Patrick Murray from the Menzshed, having a "sit-down and a natter."

“All that money ends up going back to the local community: to the kids at school, or any number of organisations around Methven who benefit from it.”

The auction attracted more than 300 people to the Methven Showgrounds, for a busy day of bidding and “neighbours nattering,” said Clemens.

“There was a very good crowd on the day.”

“This is our third year, so we’re just starting to know what we’re doing,” he laughed.

Meeting of the minds: the auctioneering team convene on matters of names and numbers.

The auction was run by Methven stock agent John Farrell, alongside Richard Ashworth and Greg Cook, who kept the crowds interested and the bids going up.

With hot food on offer, and a coffee cart to keep hands warm, visitors were well looked after while they browsed the auction lots.

“Doing a great job keeping everybody fed,” the Lions Club grill was very popular, providing a spot for lunch, and a place to sit and chat.

“It’s an occasion to get all the people together really,” Clemens said.

“Even though it was cold out, people were in good spirits, enjoying themselves.”

With growing numbers and strong community support, Clemens said the machinery auction “seems to be becoming a bit of an event.”

“It’s good having something on the local calendar, and while there’s still a demand, we’ll keep doing it.”