Bestsellers: Thai flavours and classic café charm

Two of Hamilton’s newest bridges have got “massive” international recognition, showing they measure up against projects including billion-dollar transit hubs.

Te Ara Pekapeka and the Taurapa pedestrian bridge, which connect Hillcrest and the future Peacocke development, got a special mention at the Architizer A+ Awards, placing them among the top 5% of global entries.

The international awards recognise excellence in architecture and design. Out of more than 3500 submissions, the Hamilton bridges stood out in the infrastructure category, placing them alongside mega projects like European train stations and billion-dollar transit hubs.

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Waikato-based Mark McGoldrick from Harcourts Monarch Real EstateHamilton was this week crowned Australasia’s top auctioneer, fighting off toughcompetition from Australia's heavyweights in the Australasian AuctioneeringChampionships hosted in Adelaide, South Australia.

One of three Kiwi’s in the Senior Division final, McGoldrick delivered acommanding masterclass in auctioneering, having earned a hard-fought spot inthe final after first having to make the cut on New Zealand soil at the REINZnationals.

“It’s been 10 long years, trying to knock these ­buggers off,” saysMcGoldrick, referencing Sir Edmund Hilary during his acceptance speech at theawards.

McGoldrick, already a multi-award-winning auctioneer and reigning LVDAuction Champion, delivered a masterclass in control, clarity, and charismathroughout the competition. Facing intense challenges designed to test even themost seasoned professionals, including complex bidding scenarios and curveballdistractions, his performance stood out among the five finalists at the iconicAdelaide Oval.

Hosted by the Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA), theAUSTROs are the most prestigious event on the Australasian auctioneeringcalendar, showcasing exceptional skill, speed, legal acumen, and performanceunder pressure. Harcourts Hamiltondirector Campbell Scott says his team has long believed that auctions are themost transparent, competitive, and effective way to sell property, and theirresults back that up.

Harcourts has outpaced thecompetition, calling more auctions in the past two years than all other majorbrands combined — proof they don’t just talk auctions, they lead them.

“This win highlights the world-class auction culture we've grown in ourlocal team. We’re delivering shorter days on market, unconditional sales, andstrong buyer competition for sellers,” says Scott.

“This isn’t just a win forMark, it’s a win for our clients, our auctioneering team, and every seller whochooses to list with Harcourts. We’re beyond proud of him,” he adds.

Trent Finlay, also a director of Harcourt's Hamilton said witnessingMark’s Adelaide performance under immense pressure was nothing short ofextraordinary.

“His meticulous preparation led to a moment that truly showcased thetalent we witness every week in our Auction room. To have his skills recognisedas the best in Australasia is a proud moment for the entire Harcourts family.

To add to the win, Harcourts NZ is celebrating a double triumph afterTama Emery, from Harcourts New Age – Papakura, took out the Novice Division.This clean sweep shows Harcourts has firmly cemented its place at the top ofthe auction world.

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It’s been under wraps for a while, but the full “face” of the $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre can now be seen on Victoria St.

The last of the scaffolding shielding the old Hamilton Hotel façade facing Hamilton’s main street was taken down on Friday.

Passers-by now have an almost unfettered view of the newly-restored 102-year-old architecture.

Momentum Waikato communications and marketing manager Mark Servian said the scaffolding removal was a small but significant step in the saga of the theatre’s manifestation.

“I have lived in Hamilton since the mid-1980s, and Victoria St now looks better than at any time I have seen it in the last 40 years.”

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Hamilton’s Central Business District (CBD) is undergoing a significant transformation, with several key buildings being refurbished and repurposed.

From the rooftop of 500 Victoria Street on a grey day, the view is still spectacular, revealing a city undergoing a remarkable metamorphosis.

Looking west, there is significant activity at the city’s tallest building in Ward Street, formerly known as the Government Life building.

It is set to become a $100 million Pullman hotel.

To the north, work is about to start on Norris Ward McKinnon House, while the former Housing Corporation Building on the corner of Victoria St and Claudelands Rd is bustling with activity.

Wellington-based Primeproperty Group, a private investment company, is behind the refurbishments of 500 Victoria and Norris Ward McKinnon House.

Property manager Richard Tait describes 500 Victoria as a tired building, once frequented by government, Telecom, and ACC workers.

“This is a building where we want to get tenants,” he says on a recent media tour, emphasising the goal of attracting new occupants.

Referring to these buildings as ‘old’ would be a disservice, as they were mostly built in the 1970s and 1980s and Hamilton has other more historic buildings of note.

Tait uses the word iconic for 500 Victoria, which is a stretch for the 38-year-old building, and landmark for the 1985 building at 711 Victoria St, which given its two top floor exterior balconies regularly attract attention from down below – onlookers always on the lookout for anyone standing on them – is apt.

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