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Hamilton Central Business Association is thrilled to announce that the prestigious Love the Centre Awards 2025, proudly sponsored by Spark Business and supported by Mediaworks, will be held at the stunning K'aute Pasifika Village Fale on 29 October 2025. This beautiful, purpose-built venue inspired by Pacific meeting house designs is situated on the Western Town Belt at 100 Seddon Road, forming part of Hamilton's significant green space surrounding the central city.

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In a celebration that honours both innovation and heritage, winners will receive unique trophies crafted from Founders Theatre blocks, paying tribute to one of Hamilton's most cherished cultural landmarks that previously stood on the Western Town Belt. These meaningful awards symbolise the connection between Hamilton's rich history and its vibrant future.

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"We're excited to bring the Love the Centre Awards to K'aute Pasifika, a landmark venue that represents community connection and cultural celebration," said Vanessa Williams, General Manager of Hamilton Central Business Association. "These awards honour the businesses and individuals who embody our vision to be a premier central city business destination in New Zealand. Their contributions create the vibrant, bustling environment that makes Hamilton central extraordinary."

Hamilton’s Centre Place is turning 40 but in the world of ever-evolving shopping habits, the only constant is change.

When the mall opened in 1985, Hamiltonians poured in for traditional retail shopping, browsing the latest fashion with the added novelty of grabbing a bite at the bustling food court.

Some locals even recall the basement once housing a nightclub, the walls all painted purple.

40 years on, Centre Place is still standing but shoppers’ priorities look very different.

No longer just a collection of retailers, the mall has evolved into an experience-driven plaza where entertainment and atmosphere is just as important as the products.

Centre Place Centre Manager Maureen Pearce says the mall has come a long way since the 1980’s.

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Anyone wanting the experience of seeing a show at Hamilton’s new $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre should mark off Saturday, March 28 in their diaries now.

That’s when the Soweto Gospel Choir will perform in the soon-to-open facility.

The choir last performed in Hamilton when they headlined the 2015 then-named Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival, to rave reviews.

The show will not be the first at the theatre - that is still to be announced, along with the opening date, however these are understood to be imminent.

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The $80 million regional theatre is almost ready to raise its curtain but before the first performance begins, Hamilton’s hospo bosses are ready to steal the spotlight.

Five distinct hospitality offerings will open inside the precinct this November, promising everything from a French-inspired bistro and neighbourhood pub to a speakeasy cocktail lounge, a deli, and the rebirth of the city’s most iconic bar, Wonder Horse.

The vision belongs to hospo heavyweights Mat Pedley, Alex Hudson and John Moughan — the trio behind some of Hamilton’s busiest venues, including Reggie’s, Mr Pickles, Everyday Eatery, and Last Place.

Alongside is Jonathan Knapp, who is stepping in as general manager and co-owner of Hamilton Hotel, the anchor venue set to greet every guest as they enter the theatre complex.

“This is the biggest project in Hamilton,” Pedley said, calling the scale simply “awesome.” Hudson agreed, describing it as “pretty exciting,” and both said it was as much about investing in Hamilton’s CBD as it was about hospitality.

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