Matariki ki Waikato Festival

The question people should ask is not “Why does Hamilton need an art and design week?” but “Why did it take Hamilton so long to get one?”

That’s the word from Chao Han, one of the curators of the inaugural Hamilton Art and Design Week - a 10-day series of events that will enliven some parts of the central city from September 25 to October 4.

These will include exhibitions, floor talks and seminars, and the opportunity to witness art in the process of being created. The event has the over-arching theme “City of Wonder” - or COW, for short.

Han is the co-founder of Alexandra St business Hanrad Gallery and a staunch advocate for Hamilton’s artistic community - and says he could see great potential for a series of events that put them and the work they do in the spotlight.

A graduate of Auckland University’s School of Art, Han had spent several years in China running a successful business specialising in interiors and commercial art.

During his time in that country he had also worked as a curator for Beijing Design Week, which is where he hit upon the idea of doing something similar in his new home city.

“It is a big part of the calendar in Beijing, and I could see there is enormous potential to do something similar here.”

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Finding the right environment to grow a business can be a balancing act. For many local freelancers, consultants, and small teams, the standard options often come with trade-offs. Working from home brings flexibility but can introduce isolation and daily distractions. On the flip side, locking into a traditional commercial lease demands heavy upfront capital, lengthy commitments, and the ongoing hassle of managing utilities and office infrastructure.
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The Crate Hamilton, located at 526 Victoria Street, bridges this gap by providing a fully equipped, walk-in-ready professional workspace right in the heart of the CBD. Positioned close to local cafes, Centre Place, and the Waikato River paths, it gives independent professionals and growing teams access to corporate-grade facilities without the corporate stiffness. It operates on a flexible, month-to-month membership structure designed to let businesses focus entirely on their core work while a dedicated team handles the logistics.
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Tools and Spaces Built for Productivity

At its core, a workspace must function seamlessly to protect your time and energy. The Crate replaces the unpredictability of home setups or café Wi-Fi with an enterprise-grade infrastructure designed for daily output.
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Members choose the exact tier of space that suits their operational needs:

Flexi Desks: Hot-desking options in shared zones for maximum agility.
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Dedicated Desks: Reserved ergonomic workstations providing a consistent, personal base.
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Private Office Suites: Fully furnished, secure lockable spaces tailored for teams of 2 to 12+ people.
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Virtual Office Services: A premium CBD address for business registration, mail handling, and client credibility without physical space overheads.
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Operationally, the space is fully plug-and-play. Members receive unlimited ultra-fast fibre internet, access to high-spec printing, and professional meeting facilities like the Massey and Ferguson rooms, which come equipped with modern AV technology for seamless client pitches or team strategy sessions. By separating home life from work life, professionals gain a structured environment that naturally drives focus and efficiency.

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When it comes to dining, I love coming into town and trying the multitude of offerings the central city provides.
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However, when it comes to where my heart truly lies, as a self-confessed sweet tooth, nothing beats the joy of finding that decadent dessert that can warm the heart on these cold winter evenings.
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And what a choice there is for finding that delicious sweet rush after dark in the central city. From warm drizzling chocolate over cold, creamy ice cream to hot fluffy pancakes piled high with sweet treats, here are my top recommendations for hitting that sweet spot after dark.
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Kori Desserts on Ward St – if you know, you know. These are not just sweet treats; they are works of art. An absolute gem for those who love beautifully crafted desserts with an Asian-inspired twist, Kori brings together soft, delicate, creamy, chewy and chilled textures all in one place. It is perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy trying something different and lingering over every spoonful.
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At the other end of Ward St, Divine Desserts does exactly what the name promises. It gives me nostalgia vibes of the old-school ice cream parlour, but with a modern twist. This is where you go when only a proper dessert fix will do: rich slices, ice-creamy favourites and a fabulous sweet cabinet of treasures.
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For that international flavour, I am confident in saying the French are the undisputed champions of the crepe, and Le Rendez-Vous on Alexandra St is ensuring this reputation stays intact. For a cosy cafe-style dessert moment, Le Rendez-Vous is the kind of place where dessert pairs beautifully with conversation, coffee and a casual French ambience.

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With different workshops running every day, there is surely something that your child will enjoy.

Our arty school holiday program is curated for ages 5 – 16. We have a range of 3 hour workshops designed for different age groups and creative interests.

Enrol your child to explore clay, paint, watercolour, paper craft, and so much more these July school holidays!

Enrol now at wsa.org.nz

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