Stories

The region’s hospitality community gathered on Monday evening to celebrate the best bars, cafés and restaurants at the Waikato Hospitality Awards.

Among the winners crowned are hot spots such as Reggies, Amphora and The Green.

Held at the BNZ Theatre, the awards began with attendees enjoying pre-drinks in the gallery before they moved to the foyer for the prizegiving ceremony.

In total, there were more than 250 entries, with a winner, runner-up and highly recommend named in each of the 12 categories. Winners have been determined by an independent panel of judges and mystery shoppers - a first for the awards.

Behind the awards are Table Talks director Craig Paul and hospitality veteran Steph Keen.

Paul told the Waikato Times the winners had done “exceedingly well in hospitality in Hamilton, and they’re certainly all very deserved”.

He said scoring had been very tight with some categories separated by a single point, showing that all of the venues were “doing an exceedingly good job”.

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From Hamilton’s world-famous gardens to award-winning farms, Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman used her first Waikato visit to get to know the region. Senior writer Mary Anne Gill reports.

Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman’s first visit to Waikato began not with spreadsheets or forecasts, but with a walk through Hamilton Gardens.

For someone whose job revolves around national averages and aggregated data, the gardens offered a fitting introduction to a region she was keen to understand up close.

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” she said afterwards, describing the visit as a highlight and reinforcing why getting out of Wellington matters.  

Relying only on national data risks missing what is happening on the ground, she says.

The idea regional nuance matters carried through Breman’s time in Waikato.  

Alongside speaking at a sold‑out Waikato Young Professionals event in Hamilton, she visited hospitality businesses, Gallagher Group and two Waipā farms, one dairy and the other sheep and beef.

She saw first‑hand how exporters, manufacturers and agricultural producers are navigating another period of global disruption.

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There are many who see shopping in Hamilton as a mall-only experience. I’ve heard countless times: “I don’t go into town, I only ever go to the mall.” To that I say: great news, in the central city we have a mall and so much more!  

Central cities are hubs where economic, social, cultural and political offerings converge for people to participate in the exchange of goods, services, activities, experiences, and information. Hamilton’s city centre is exactly that. Boasting over 220 hospitality businesses, 200 retail businesses, 150 health, beauty, and wellness businesses and more than 400 professional and trade services businesses. These are over 22,000 people working in town, supported by more than 1,300 business and property owners who have invested in the city centre.

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After a three year break, the Waikato Hospitality Awards are returning to spotlight the region’s top bars, cafés, and restaurants.

The awards will take place at the BNZ Theatre on May 11, beginning with pre-drinks in the gallery before guests move to the foyer for the prizegiving ceremony where 12 category winners and an overall top honour will be announced.

Local personality Te Radar will host the event and attendees will enjoy live music from Waikato band The Sauce.

In total, there had been more than 250 entries across the 12 award categories, which recognise the best eateries, bars, and personalities across the sector. Winners would be determined by an independent panel of judges and mystery shoppers - a first for the awards.

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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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Hamilton's Central Library has completed a major project to replace the building’s ageing, water‑damaged front facade.

The work addresses long‑standing water tightness issues in hard‑to‑access areas of the 50-year-old Garden Place building which did not have a simple fix.

The upgrade protects the library’s 140,000‑item collection and historical archives, and improves the building’s safety, accessibility and amenity for the thousands of Hamiltonians who visit each week. The new facade also increases natural light inside the library and features design elements developed in collaboration with mana whenua.

Hamilton City Council’s Community Committee Chair Emma Pike said the new facade is a reflection of the important role Central Library holds in the community.

“Our Central Library is much more than a building, it’s a place of learning, connection and belonging for people of all ages. This upgrade strengthens the library's resilience for the future, reflects the stories and identity of our city, and ensures it remains a welcoming, vibrant space in the heart of Hamilton for generations to come.”

Paula Murdoch, Hamilton City Libraries Director, said the library appreciated the community’s patience and support during the construction.

“We want to thank our loyal library customers and neighbours for their patience through the building work and construction noise.

“This project was always about more than just fixing leaks, it’s about protecting the collections and ensuring the Central Library remains a safe, welcoming, and fit‑for‑purpose space for everyone.”

The exterior incorporates a whakataukii that uses natural light to cast moving shadows across the building during the day The facade references both analogue and digital forms of storytelling and knowledge. A grid of highly efficient LED lights on the facade can create digital art displays and will illuminate Garden Place in the evenings. The LED panels are designed with materials and shapes that deter birds from landing.

The Central Library is one of the city’s busiest community hubs with more than 145,000 visits and hosted 430 events last year. For upcoming event, programmes and opening hours, visit hamiltonlibraries.co.nz

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