Santa’s sack a mixed bag for Hamilton hospo but big 2026 ahead

If you’re moving into a new home, starting a renovation, or simply ready to refresh your space, finding the right furniture store in Hamilton makes all the difference. Step into McKenzie & Willis on Alexandra Street—where quality, comfort, and Kiwi-made style come together under one welcoming roof.

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A Proud Legacy

Founded in Christchurch in 1906, McKenzie & Willis is a family-owned interior design destination with seven showrooms nationwide. The Hamilton location continues that tradition of excellence, offering a curated collection of New Zealand made and imported furniture, window furnishings, soft home linens, and beds.

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There’s plenty for every taste—think beautiful beds for a perfect night’s sleep, lounge suites for relaxing in style, dining tables perfect for gatherings, and those finishing touches that make a house truly feel like home. Each piece is chosen to suit New Zealand living and crafted with care.

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All in One Place

Customers will find renowned names including David Shaw, Kovacs, Montreux, Profile Furniture, and the in-house Belle Interiors collection. It’s a one stop shop for anyone who wants to see a full palette of home furnishing options in a single, vibrant setting.

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McKenzie & Willis goes beyond simply selling beautiful pieces. Their complimentary interior design service is a real standout—helping shoppers piece together their perfect space, whether they need help with colours, textures, or layout. And for those looking to frame their view, the Hamilton team are window furnishings experts, ready to guide you on curtains, blinds, shutters, and motorisation.

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Service, Selection and Local Inspiration

McKenzie & Willis stands for more than furniture. Visitors notice genuine care and attention to each customer’s needs. The business continues to buil

d on its legacy of service and quality, always looking to improve the showroom experience, expand its range, and help every customer make the most of their space.

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Call in Today

McKenzie & Willis makes it easy for new homeowners, renovators, interior design enthusiasts, and local businesses to create inviting interiors, right in the centre of Hamilton. Visit the showroom at 52 Alexandra Street and discover that your new favourite look, crafted for life in New Zealand, is waiting.

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Hamilton’s newest culinary offerings are preparing to step into the spotlight — and some of them have already taken centre stage.

Five distinct eateries and bars are set to open in the Waikato Regional Theatre precinct, with two already open to the public. Visitors can already get a bite to eat before washing it down with a drink at the newly opened Hamilton Hotel and revamped Wonder Horse bar.

Hamilton Hotel owner Mat Pedley, who is also behind popular local eatery Mr Pickles, said it was a “phenomenal” feeling to be opening in the new theatre.

He described the venue as “French meets New York bistro” inspired. The interior was designed by local firm Designwell, and features plush banquettes, large windows looking onto the street front and oak detailing.

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Ballet fans in the Waikato will not want to be caught napping for this production.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s first official show at the new Waikato Regional Theatre will be Sleeping Beauty, which will tuck itself in for a three-day residency in November next year.

Featuring the music of Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, the ballet’s story is one that will be familiar to almost everyone: A princess falls into an enchanted sleep after pricking her finger, but is eventually wakened by a kiss from her true love.

It was first staged in 1890 in St Petersburg, quickly becoming the second-most popular ballet in the repertoire of the Royal Imperial Ballet.

At full length it runs to a whopping four hours. Waikato audiences will be relieved - or possibly disappointed - they will be getting the more popular shortened version.

However it is still a big deal. There are 200 costumes - not including headdresses or shoes - and 32 dancers. About 60 people are involved in staging the show.

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The Waikato Regional Theatre will become disco central on Tuesday, February 3, when British pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor comes to play.

The Hamilton venue is one of only two on her just-announced tour of New Zealand - the other being the James Hay Theatre in Christchurch.

One of the biggest British artists to emerge from the early 2000s, Ellis-Bextor established her pop diva credentials with hits like Murder On The Dancefloor, Get Over You and Take Me Home.

Now with seven studio albums to her name. Ellis-Bextor’s discography encompases numerous genres, from dance-pop and folk to prog-rock and orchestral pop.

The London-born Ellis-Bextor grew up in a creative household, and took an interest in performing at an early age.

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