Stories

Some of Hamilton’s most loved locations were celebrated on Wednesday night at the 2025 Love the Centre Awards. Waikato Times visual journalist Christel Yardley was there to capture the glitzy event.

Some of Hamilton’s favourite places were celebrated on Wednesday night at the 2025 Love the Centre Awards, recognising businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of the CBD.

Winners include hospitality hot spots such as Mr Pickles, Cream and the Dumpling House, among others.

The awards were held at the K’aute Pasifika fale, which was transformed with lush greenery and tiered grandstands for the occasion. Guests enjoyed catering from Cream Eatery, including a raw seafood bar and tiramisu bar.

General manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association, Vanessa Williams, said the event recognised the contribution of businesses to the city centre’s vitality.

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Hamilton Central Business Association's 'Love the Centre' initiative has been recognised internationally, winning the Best Traditional or Digital Marketing Award at the 2025 Mainstreet Australia Awards on the 18th September in Melbourne.

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The 'Love the Centre' campaign, which showcases Hamilton's central city through innovative digital platforms and traditional marketing approaches, stood out amongst competitors from across Australia and New Zealand.

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At the heart of the winning campaign is the newly launched website, lovethecentre.co.nz, which invites visitors to "Rediscover the heart of the city." The digital platform beautifully captures what makes Hamilton's central city special, showcasing local businesses, events, and hidden treasures that bring our city centre to life.

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The website serves as a comprehensive guide to everything happening in Hamilton Central, from dining options to entertainment, shopping experiences to cultural events. Its user-friendly design and engaging content have increased connections between businesses and visitors.

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Save the date: New Zealand’s newest world-class entertainment venue, the Waikato Regional Theatre, will officially open its doors on Monday, January 19.

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And one of New Zealand’s best singer-songwriters will be taking part in a first week of events that promises to be a memorable chapter in Hamilton’s history.

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The series of opening events comprise three nights of community opening celebrations titled To The Stars/Ki ngā Whetū - which is described as being “built through the hands, voices and imaginations of the Waikato community”.

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This will be followed by theatre operators Live Nation’s official launch event on the evening of January 23 - further details on which will be revealed within the next few weeks.

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The opening week will close out the following night with one of Aotearoa’s most beloved and awarded artists, Sir Dave Dobbyn, who will bring his Selected Songs Tour to the Waikato.

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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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At just 22, Lucy Nicholson has brought a slice of Scotland — and a burst of colour — to Hamilton’s Casabella Lane.

Nicholson, who co-owns new café Scran with her Kiwi husband Raukawa, grew up in her parents’ takeaway shop in Scotland and says she’s been hooked on hospitality ever since.

“I really grew up in there, worked with them a lot and I really love the work. I missed it when I moved over here,” she said.

The couple’s café is already turning heads with its retro vibes, bold colours and a menu that’s both quick and wholesome.

“It was a break from the office and something fast and easy but also having nutritious options,” Nicholson explained.

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