Stories

It’s part of a project to spruce up the central city, which the council says “needs some love”.

New street furniture is also popping up along the main street, and further work will include lighting, a clean for pavers and tables, and getting rid of dead trees, Hamilton City Council says.

The Hood St light poles need repairs to keep them going, Operate and Maintain unit director Tania Hermann said in a statement.

“We are sanding and painting the poles which we expect to extend their life by 20 years and which is a more affordable option than full replacement.”

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The big white cross will soon be replaced by Golden Arches on northern Victoria St, with fastfood giant McDonald’s to take over a prominent city site occupied by the Gateway Church.

The church has sold its property to McDonald’s Restaurants and will be moving to the corner of Clyde St and Grey St in Hamilton East - until recently the premises of Ebbett Waikato’s Audi showroom.

The sale is being hailed as potentially the trigger to a revitalisation of the northern end of Victoria St, which is fast becoming the go-to part of the city for dining out.

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New hotels can’t come soon enough if Hamilton wants to lift its share of domestic tourism spend and overtake Wellington, city leaders say.

Figures show spending by Kiwi visitors in Hamilton and nearby districts held steady in May at $61 million — the fourth-highest in the country behind Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

But acting city council chief executive Sean Murray says Hamilton’s visitor economy won’t take off without more beds.

“We know categorically that we are missing business because we don’t have enough rooms in the city,” he said.

To fix that, two major developments are in the pipeline: the Pullman Hotel, due to open next year, and Templeton’s planned hotel, which has yet to confirm its timeline.

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The big Union Square development in the CBD has kicked off its new $20 million Building B multi-storey office block project, the latest step in its expected $200 million overall spend at the site.

It’s the fourth of six Union Square buildings to begin construction - a sod turning ceremony for Building B is being held on Tuesday at the site between Anglesea and Alexandra streets.

Chief executive of Foster Develop Rhys Harvey said on Monday the total cost of Building B would be about $20 million.

The existing three completed projects at the site are the Rabobank building (finished 2021), Building A carparking (2022) and the Building E offices (2023). Buildings C and D will also eventually provide office space.

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Nearly 9000 passengers have taken flights to and from the Gold Coast and Sydney in the first month alone.

About half were inbound and half outbound, Hamilton airport said. Some were the same people travelling in both directions.

Of the nearly 9000 passenger count, 4887 were on the Sydney flights and 4014 on the Gold Coast services, according to Statistics NZ data.

The figures were revealed at Tuesday’s Hamilton City Council economic development committee meeting in a presentation from Waikato Regional Airport Limited (WRAL), of which the council is a 50% shareholder

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If you’re on the hunt for vibrant, authentic Malaysian cuisine right in the heart of Hamilton, look no further than three standout eateries: Madam Woo, Penang Street Food, and On a Roll Eatery. Each has its own unique flair, offering a culinary experience that immerses you in the rich flavours and lively atmosphere of Malaysia.

Madam Woo - 6 Sapper Moore-Jones Place

Madam Woo is the epitome of Malaysian charm with a dash of contemporary flair. As soon as you step through the doors, you’re enveloped in an energetic ambiance that instantly lifts your spirits. The menu is full of fresh food from zesty salads to succulent grilled meats marinated in traditional spices, every bite is a celebration of flavour. Known for their Hawker Rolls, Char Kway Teow, and Hainanese Chicken Rice every bite showcases a commitment to quality and freshness. With a strong emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients, Madam Woo doesn’t just serve food; it presents a genuine taste of Malaysian culture. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends and enjoy the warmth of community dining.

madamwoo.co.nz

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Penang Street Food - 941A Victoria Street

Penang Street Food encapsulates the hustle and bustle of Malaysian street food culture. This eatery stands out for its commitment to authenticity and flavour.

The variety of flavourful and traditional dishes like Char Kway Teow, Nasi Lemak, Laksa and Mee Goreng transport you straight to the streets of Malaysia. Each plate is a vibrant palette of colours and textures, offering a culinary adventure. The menu is packed with flavour and rooted in family heritage.‍

The decor reflects the vibrant streets of Malaysia, creating a lively and casual atmosphere where you can kick back and enjoy your meal. Whether you’re dining solo or with a group, the inviting space is a welcoming spot to visit

Whether you're craving creamy butter chicken, fiery chaats, or plant-based fusion, Hamilton’s Indian food scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors for every palate. From North Indian classics to South Indian specialties and vibrant street food, here’s your guide to the top Indian restaurants in town. 

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Breeze Indian Restaurant - 16 Hood Street

Breeze blends traditional Indian flavours with modern presentation. Known for its momos, tandoori platters, and gelato desserts, it’s a great spot for dine-in or takeaway. The restaurant is designed with comfort and elegance in mind, offering a culinary experience that spans both North and South Indian cuisine. From appetisers to desserts, Breeze is food that fuels your hunger and feeds your soul.
breezerestaurant.co.nz  

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Indian Chimney - 4 Alexandra Street

A warm and inviting restaurant perfect for casual dining or special occasions. Indian Chimney specialises in authentic North Indian cuisine, including tandoori chicken, chaaps, and vegetarian platters. With friendly staff and a cosy atmosphere, it’s a favorite among both meat lovers and vegetarians.
indianchimney.co.nz

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‍Naughty Naan - 250 Victoria Street
Naughty Naan offers a bold and modern take on Indian cuisine. Drawing inspiration from across the subcontinent, the menu features curries, tandoori specials, and street food favorites like pani puri and goat biryani. Whether you're celebrating or just indulging, this stylish kitchen and bar promises a memorable dining experience.
naughtynaan.co.nz 

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The Hamilton Central Business Association is thrilled to announce that the Love the Centre Awards are back and ready to celebrate excellence within Hamilton’s central city business community! Sponsored by Spark Business and supported by Mediaworks, these awards provide a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the businesses who make our city centre extraordinary. Nominations are now open until August 30th.

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