National orchestra brings stars to BNZ Theatre

One of the voices behind critically acclaimed New Zealand reggae band Katchafire will headline Hamilton’s Waitangi Day Festival on February 6.

Former member Jamey Ferguson will close the free festival, performing from 4.30pm to 5pm. The event runs from 1pm to 5pm and is returning for its second year.

The festival will be held along the Waikato Awa, stretching from Ferrybank Reserve (Kirikiriroa Reserve) to the Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery precinct.

The performance programme begins at 1pm with Wai Taiko Drummers, followed by Sambatron, Desi Rhythms, Toubab Crew, Dvyne Wun and Manu Mātātahi, before Ferguson takes the stage.

Alongside live music, the festival will include market stalls, food trucks, a cultural tour and a range of family-friendly activities.

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Planning the perfect Valentine's Day celebration? You'll find everything you need right here in Hamilton Central, where romance meets convenience. Whether you're searching for an intimate dinner, stunning jewellery, or gorgeous flowers, Valentine's shopping in Hamilton Central offers something special for everyone.

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Dining Experiences

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Palate Restaurant – An Exquisite Evening

Located at 346 Victoria Street, Palate Restaurant invites you to spoil that special someone with an exquisite dinner for two. This is the perfect setting for an unforgettable Valentine's evening, where exceptional cuisine meets intimate atmosphere. Bookings are essential, so don't wait to secure your table.

Reserve your table here palaterestaurant.co.nz/events

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Le Rendez-Vous – French Romance

Bring your chérie to 113 Alexandra Street and celebrate love à la française at Le Rendez-Vous. This Valentine's Day, you're invited to enjoy an intimate dinner inspired by French romance. Their specially curated menu features authentic galettes and crêpes, crafted to be shared and savoured in a warm, cosy setting. Whether it's your first Valentine's together or one of many, they'll set the scene for a memorable evening filled with flavour, love, and French charm. Bookings are essential, reserve your table today here bookings.nowbookit.com

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Furnace Steakhouse

Valentine’s Day Lunch Degustation!

Join Furnace at 150 Victoria Street on Saturday the 14th of February as they host an exclusive Valentine’s Day lunch degustation, featuring five courses curated by acclaimed Hamilton chef Andrew Clarke.

Designed for a leisurely and romantic afternoon from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, with a focus on sharing with your partner, this intimate event is limited to just 75 places. Tickets are $99 per person, or $129 with wine matches.

To book your table, email info@furnacerestaurant.co.nz

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Keystone Bar & Restaurant

Something for every couple at Keystone, 150 Victoria Street this Valentine’s Day, whether it’s burgers, pizzas, mains, or $12 plates that are perfect for sharing! Our tables are filling up so make sure to book now.

keystonebar.co.nz

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The Bank Bar & Brasserie

The Bank, 117 Victoria Street is the perfect spot for affordable dining this Valentine’s Day! They’ll have $15 lunches available from 11.30am - 4pm and $20 dinner mains from 5pm - late.

Book your spot early

thebank.co.nz

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The Helm Bar & Kitchen

Heat to the Helm at 22 Ulster Street and enjoy dinner followed by 2 for 1 Desserts!  

Chiefs live on screens with commentary and Happy Hour for the duration of the game.

Book a table today.

thehelm.co.nz

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Timeless Jewellery Gifts

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Goldsmiths Gallery – Stunning Selections

At 427 Victoria Street, showcases a wide range of stunning dress rings, pendants, earrings, bangles, bracelets, and chains. With so many beautiful options available, you're sure to find the perfect piece. Visit Goldsmiths Gallery to discover their collection.

goldsmithsgallery.co.nz

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Precious Metals – Your Unique Story

Located in Centre Place Shopping Centre at 501 Victoria Street, Precious Metals has made it their mission to help you celebrate your experiences in a way that is special and unique to your story. Discover Precious Metals and find a perfectly meaningful gift!

Their Valentine's catalogue has just dropped in to make your life easier. Click here to view catalogue.

Plus, every $100 you spend, you get an entry into our Valentine's Giveaway.

‍preciousmetals.co.nz

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Midas Diamond Jewellers – Handcrafted Excellence

Find Midas Diamond Jewellers in Casabella Lane at 307 Barton Street, where diamond specialists Paul and Suzanne bring 50 years of expertise to every piece. Paul is renowned for crafting exquisite, top quality handmade jewellery, specialising in one of a kind designs. If you're looking for something truly exceptional, visit Midas Diamond Jewellers today.

midasdiamondjewellers.co.nz

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After a busy opening week for BNZ Theatre, local restaurateurs have mixed feelings about its impact on diner numbers.

A first test for hospitality owners was over the weekend when Teeks and Sir Dave Dobbyn packed out the theatre. While some owners are feeling optimistic for the future, others believe the theatre has failed to deliver the promised crowds, albeit it is a quiet time of year.

Hamilton Hotel co-owner and general manager Jonathan Knapp had a busy start to the week, and felt the weekend had followed the trend and was “super busy”.

“Everyone was in good spirits and obviously for us it was going to be interesting with the first kind of the ticketed events for Live Nation.

“Teeks was really cool, we had 300 people upstairs in the gallery kind of event space for a pre-show event ... and then Saturday and Sunday it was just Dobbyn fans in big numbers having some drinks and food before.”

Saturday was their busiest night with the bistro fully booked, which seats 120-130 people, while their pub was “rammed” with people, creating a “lively atmosphere” as anticipation for the shows built.

“Saturday was interesting because, you know, obviously post-show the previous nights we had a lot of people from the event coming back to the pub for some drinks afterwards, but it was also just a really busy night in town.”

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It’s usually the scene of Hamilton City Council staff hanging out and having lunch, or the occasional protest, but this weekend Civic Square was echoing with the roll of wheels and yells of delight.

The “pop-up skate park” was part of series of events organised by the council to “activate” the city centre and attract more people there - but there were other goals as well.

“We really want to grow the sport, and foster young talent in Hamilton,” co-organiser Wade Freeman said.

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“We have Olympic rowers and BMX riders from here - so why not an Olympic skater? Skating has been a sport in the last two Olympic Games and our aim aim is to one day have a flag up there and someone on the podium from New Zealand.”

It certainly proved a success on Saturday, with an estimated 400 to 500 skaters from around the city and further afield hopping on boards and taking advantage of the ramps, rails and half-pipes throughout the day - with an equal number expected on Sunday.

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