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Two of Hamilton’s newest bridges have got “massive” international recognition, showing they measure up against projects including billion-dollar transit hubs.
Te Ara Pekapeka and the Taurapa pedestrian bridge, which connect Hillcrest and the future Peacocke development, got a special mention at the Architizer A+ Awards, placing them among the top 5% of global entries.
The international awards recognise excellence in architecture and design. Out of more than 3500 submissions, the Hamilton bridges stood out in the infrastructure category, placing them alongside mega projects like European train stations and billion-dollar transit hubs.
“It feels pretty amazing, this is massive recognition for a small studio in a small country,” said Harry Croucher, principal at Edwards White Architects and one of the lead designers.
As of May 2025, there were 705 equivalent full-time international students enrolled, up 44% from May 2024, according to figures released by Te Pūkenga.
In the 12 month period ending May 2025, international students at all Te Pūkenga polytechnics saw growth.
Wintec operations manager Warwick Pitts said international student numbers at Wintec and across Te Pūkenga are returning to pre-Covid levels.
He said New Zealand had a strong international reputation before Covid and that remains true.
Alison is still floating!
"What an incredible honour to be named Business Person of the Year at the 2025 Wedding Industry Awards NZ.
Celebrating 25 years in business feels especially meaningful surrounded by so much support. I'm grateful to my incredible team— their dedication, creativity, and heart make all the difference. To my former colleagues and cherished friends, your encouragement has meant more than words can say.
I've been privileged to have been chosen by our beautiful clients, letting us be part of their love story.
Here’s to continuing to do what I love in an industry that celebrates love".
Feeling so grateful — and so lucky
Alyson
Whether they’re ordering a “pretty insane” amount of steak or bringing in a mechanical bull, Hamilton venues are preparing for a full-on Fieldays week.
With crowds set to descend upon Mystery Creek from Wednesday until Saturday, bars, pubs and restaurants are gearing up for an influx of customers - whether its cockies or the “logistics and sales force” that comes with them.
And it’s not the only sector affected - out-of-town High Court judges won’t be brought in during a busy week which has already prompted warnings about traffic snarl-ups.
At Furnace Steakhouse in the CBD it’s all hands on deck, with a wagyu steak at Furnace being cooked by head chef Matt Gemmell.
Hamilton Boys High School Marae
Wharenui & Wharekai
NZIA Waikato BOP Architecture Award 2025 - Education
PAUA Architects were engaged by the HBHS Board of Trustees to design a school marae.
The brief was to provide a new marae complex that the school can be proud of, with integrated learning spaces within the whare. Consultation with the Kiingitanga was instigated by the kura.
The site area is restricted, in the shadow of the 11m high gymnasium building at the west side, and surrounded by the existing rugby fields to the east and south of the site. This leaves little available natural grass atea space to the north.
Working with the traditional form of a marae, and a limited material selection to conform with the school guidelines, we attempted to provide a modern interpretation that pushes the envelope slightly to allow for the accomodation of class room and storage facilities.
The koorero of Taane ascending to the heavens to search for knowledge was the starting point for the design and shape of the wharenui, which has a roofline rising to the north, representing the striving and pushing higher, representative of the school and students’ desire to succeed.
The three pop-outs at each side of the building represent the three baskets of knowledge, and feature a brick pattern articulating the concepts of the three baskets.
Whare Ako Completed 2024
Along Hamilton’s riverside, where craft cocktails meet bold, modern cuisine, there’s one dish that’s quietly taken on cult status.
At Mr Pickles, the vibe is all urban polish with a side of playfulness - but the star of the show is pure comfort: a plate of golden fried chicken, slathered in sticky chilli garlic caramel, kissed with Szechuan heat and topped with Kewpie mayo.
In a venue designed with Melbourne inspiration and a killer river view, this dish stands out not for flash or fine-dining finesse, but for its unpretentious joy.
It’s the reason people keep coming back. Some even drive down from Auckland for a hit of the ‘sticky chicken’, says bar manager Javiel Duncan.
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In 2024 design students from Aotearoa, Ecuador, Indonesia, Singapore, and the UK asked their elders: “If you could give one piece of advice to the people in your city, in 20 words or less, what would it be?" Their responses became over 120 powerful posters — with a curated selection now on show in the Hamilton CBD (Corner of Alexandra Street and Garden Place (by the Game Centre).
Check out the exhibition, vote for the poster that speaks to you the most, and you could win a framed copy!
The Vote & Win competition will run until 20thJune.
Two of Hamilton’s newest bridges have got “massive” international recognition, showing they measure up against projects including billion-dollar transit hubs.
Te Ara Pekapeka and the Taurapa pedestrian bridge, which connect Hillcrest and the future Peacocke development, got a special mention at the Architizer A+ Awards, placing them among the top 5% of global entries.
The international awards recognise excellence in architecture and design. Out of more than 3500 submissions, the Hamilton bridges stood out in the infrastructure category, placing them alongside mega projects like European train stations and billion-dollar transit hubs.
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