What are our top bars, cafes and restaurants?

Jim Beam Homegrown will head back to Hamilton in 2027, with organisers confirming the festival will again take over Claudelands Oval after a successful return to the city.

Festival chief executive Andrew Tuck announced on Monday the all Kiwi music event will be held in Hamilton on April 3, 2027.

"We always believed Hamilton was the right move for Homegrown, and last year proved it," Tuck said.

"There was a real energy from the city, the fans, and the artists. Locking in 2027 is about building on that momentum and continuing to grow something pretty special in the Waikato."

The 2026 event attracted about 25,000 people and delivered a significant boost to the local economy, according to organisers.

Tuck says the move north from Wellington's waterfront allowed the festival to scale up in ways that weren't possible previously.

"Hamilton gives us the room to go bigger," he said.

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Hinemoa Apartments, one of Hamilton’s most affordable options for first home buyers, are just a couple of months away from completion.

With affordability the driving force behind the apartments, buyers can scoop up an apartment freehold or work towards ownership with rent-to-buy or equity programmes.

Originally the Brian Perry headquarters, Hinemoa Apartments are located on the corner of Tristram and Liverpool streets. The 42 apartments are a mixture of one and two bedroom places that are set to be finished in mid-July this year.

The first two bedroom show home is complete and the Waikato Times took a peek. The apartments are modern with fresh white walls, a cosy living space and a modest bathroom.

Each apartment comes equipped with a dishwasher, a heat pump and a washer and dryer, making the apartments extra affordable for first home buyers. The apartments have a balcony or courtyard, small storage lockers big enough to fit a bike in are provided, and they can choose to lease a car park.

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Reserve Bank governor Anna Breman says there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Waikato economy, despite ongoing pressure from inflation and global instability.

Around 180 people packed into SkyCity Hamilton on Wednesday to hear a panel discussion on how economic forces are shaping the region, amid global tensions linked to the war in Iran and high petrol prices.

Recent Stats NZ data showed annual inflation held steady at 3.1% in the March quarter, while the official cash rate sits at 2.25%.

Speaking after the panel, Breman said Hamilton and the wider Waikato region were performing relatively well.

“The town itself has been a little bit more hit like all towns have been - the local services sector has always has gone through a bit of a rough time.”

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As the days get shorter and the weather turns cooler, there's never been a better time to indulge in some pampering right here in our central city. With so many incredible new and established health, beauty, and wellness businesses, Hamilton Central is absolutely delivering when it comes to looking after your wellbeing.
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Some of our newly opened establishments: at 1000 Victoria Street, Kythara Collective. This luxury lash and brow studio is a complete beauty and wellness destination. Think of it as your retreat right in the heart of the city, the perfect place to escape and focus on feeling your absolute best. Does the onset of Winter have you feeling the tension build in your neck and shoulders? Dynasty Remedial Massage has opened at 384 Victoria Street, bringing professional remedial massage therapy right to your doorstep. These expert hands are ready to help you unwind. Looking for non-surgical aesthetic and wellness services? Meet Soléne Clinic at 324 Tristram Street, located inside Ktizo Hair studio. This elegant new clinic is adding a fresh dimension to Hamilton Central's wellness offerings. Soléne Clinic specialises in services that help you look and feel your best, without surgery. Their offerings include teeth whitening for a confidence-boosting smile, spray tanning for a sun-kissed glow, and body sculpting to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
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Not so new but must-visit destinations in the wellness market include O-Studio on London Street which has become an incredible fixture in our central city. This comprehensive wellness destination offers sauna, ice bath, float therapy, yoga, pilates, meditation, massage, and recovery services, all under one roof. They've created a truly supportive atmosphere where you can relax, recover, and thrive. Oriental Relaxation & Beauty Spa provides a serene escape from the daily grind, offering holistic wellness treatments inspired by ancient Eastern traditions combined with modern techniques. From Thai massage to Shiatsu, Balinese massage to rejuvenating facials, they've created a sanctuary right in the heart of our city at 109 Rostrevor Street. Over at Casabella Lane, you'll find a gorgeous collection of expertise. Nature's Spa provides massage and advanced skin treatments including facials, microdermabrasion, face and body contouring, and teeth whitening, all in a calm and tranquil space. A hidden gem down the laneway behind 14 Garden Place, Cothú specialises in holistic wellness with treatments including lymphatic massage, buccal facial massage, red light therapy, body-shaping therapies, and rejuvenating retreats. Their approach focuses on restoring balance, supporting natural healing, and helping you feel your most vibrant self.
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The health, beauty and wellness sector has been at the heart of our city for many years and some of these local businesses have been a long time leading. Lab Brow Bar on Barton Street has mastered the art of brows and lashes, becoming the go-to destination for anyone who understands that perfectly shaped brows can genuinely transform your entire look. Their expertise and attention to detail have earned them a devoted clientele who wouldn't dream of going anywhere else. Glow Space on Collingwood Street continues to deliver that radiant, healthy skin we all crave. Their combination of advanced treatments and genuine care has made them a trusted name for anyone serious about their skincare journey. Award-winning Body Café has built an impressive reputation for body treatments and wellness services that leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. They understand that true wellness goes beyond surface deep, and their holistic approach keeps clients coming back month after month. Loren Ashley on Rostrevor Street brings high-quality skin and beauty expertise right to the heart of our city. Discover a world of advanced skin and laser treatments at this esteemed award-winning skin and medical spa, offering comprehensive services including facial and skin health treatments, plus world-leading laser, LED and authentic HydraFacial devices.
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What makes our central city health and beauty sector so special is that people aren't just looking for services, they're seeking experiences, moments of connection, and spaces where they genuinely feel cared for. As the weather cools down, there's something wonderfully indulgent about making wellness part of your lifestyle. Whether you're after a quick treatment or a full day of pampering, our central city does not disappoint.
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To discover more health, beauty, and wellness services in Hamilton Central, head to lovethecentre.co.nz/health-and-beauty
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lovethecentre.co.nz — driven by Winger Motors Hamilton!

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Column originally produced in The Waikato Local 22 April 2026

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