Soweto Gospel Choir the first show confirmed for Waikato Regional Theatre

Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate believes the city can host big hitters such as Taylor Swift with a new theatre on the way and Homegrown making its return early next year.

The Government announced it’s putting $40 million into securing major international events from 2026, as part of a larger $70 million tourism fund.

Southgate said the $70 million investment will put New Zealand firmly on the events map.

However, she wants to see Hamilton join in on the action.

“There are big events and hubs like Auckland, Queenstown and Wellington but Hamilton has just as much to offer as those big cities and we would like to see the love shared around.”

It comes as Homegrown makes its return to the city next year at Claudelands Oval and the new, $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre is almost ready to go.

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Close to 500 people are now earning a living from Hamilton’s new five-star hotel, with crews swarming over the Mistry Centre on Ward St as it transforms into the Pullman Hamilton.

Developers say the headcount — on site and across suppliers — underlines the project’s role as one of the CBD’s biggest employers right now, and a bellwether for the city’s confidence.

Developer Sanjil Mistry said the construction push had shifted up a gear in recent months and remained on schedule.

“The Mistry Centre project the Pullman Hamilton has made substantial progress in the last few months and we are still on track to complete the project in late 2026 as planned.

“Despite a challenging economic environment we are proud to say we look to support local trades and tradies where we can, and we estimate that the project employs close to 500 people - on and off site - in the region at any one time.”

Behind the glass and scaffolding is a $100 million overhaul of the city’s tallest building — 19 levels in total, 17 above ground — into a 191-room premium hotel with a rooftop bar and private lounge, plus conference and office space.

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Fifteen years in, Dumpling House is still packing out tables — from its 25-seat Grey St original to the 80-seat CBD spot that’s been humming since 2018.

Owner Lei Wang says loyalty keeps the steam rising even as wallets tighten.

Wang came to Hamilton as an international student more than two decades ago, finished a management degree in marketing and finance, worked in senior roles, then teamed up with her mother, a fifth-generation hospitality hand who moved here in 2006.

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If you’re looking for authentic Thai cuisine, Thai Classic is the perfect destination. They proudly serve a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Thai classics to modern fusion creations, all crafted with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.

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As the sister restaurant of Chim Thai in Rototuna, Thai Classic continues the tradition of delivering exceptional flavors and warm hospitality.

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Standout menu items:

• Curry Puffs – Minced chicken, potato, and yellow curry wrapped in flaky puff pastry.

• Duck Roti – Roast duck served on roti with cucumber, carrot, and homemade hoisin sauce.

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• Pad Thai – The famous Thai noodle dish with Asian chives, bean sprouts, eggs, and ground peanuts.

• Yummy Duck Sizzling – Marinated duck with honey and sweet chili sauce over vegetables, served sizzling hot.

• Thai Classic Sizzling – Your choice of meat with vegetables, cashew nuts, and Thai oyster sauce, sizzling to perfection.

• Sticky Pork Ribs – Tender pork ribs marinated in a sweet Thai glaze, served with vegetables.

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They also cater to vegetarian guests with delicious dishes such as crispy spring rolls and more. Pair with a refreshing Thai Classic Sunrise mocktail for the perfect balance.

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 At Thai Classic, every dish is made to delight your taste buds and give you a true taste of Thailand.

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