Stories

The arts and entertainment sector in Hamilton began 2026 with a hiss and a roar, with numerous major events happening - mainly at the new BNZ Theatre.

But any impression it was going off the boil following a series of big-name concerts at the theatre, as well as the Hamilton Arts Festival and this weekend’s Homegrown festival, would be false.

The schedule at the BNZ Theatre is being frequently added to by a succession of announcements. One of the latest is a May 17 concert in which the Waikato’s own Opus Orchestra will get their first opportunity to test the venue’s acoustics.

Featuring pianist Stephen De Pledge and conducted by Peter Walls, it is described as “an afternoon of orchestral and vocal drama” that pairs Gillian Karawe Whitehead’s landmark New Zealand opera The Journey of Mataatua Whare (performed in concert form) with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 (popularly known as The Emperor).

‍

Hamilton developer Matt Stark says he is in no rush to find a tenant for one of the city centre’s largest remaining development sites, as he searches for a major occupier for the former Federated Farmers block.

The Stark Property director outlined his vision for the Tristram and London Street site - touted as one of the largest commercial land sales in the central city - to attendees on a behind the fence tour of their adjoining Fonterra office development on Thursday.

The landholding, purchased by Stark Property in April 2025, includes the six-storey Farmer Trust building, existing tenanted buildings, car-parks, and vacant land.

“We don’t really have many large parcels of land left in the city, so we thought it was a great option to buy this,” Stark said.

He said the Waikato Farmers Trust building, first opened in 1968, would be getting a face lift to meet demand for refurbished space in the central city.

‍

At Buzzword, our mission is to make digital billboard advertising affordable, accessible, and flexible for local businesses. Even though our screens sit just outside the CBD, that’s actually the point: if we want more people in the heart of Hamilton, we need to catch their attention on the way in and guide them toward the centre.

Our seven locations along Hamilton’s busiest routes are designed to do exactly that, reaching people as they’re heading out to shop, eat, and explore, and ultimately supporting the businesses based in the CBD.

‍

Let's shine a light on some businesses that have recently opened their doors in the central city.

If travel is calling your name, Travel Collective at 109 Ward Street (corner of Nisbet and Ward) is ready to help. These travel professionals have built genuine connections with local guides, hotels, and communities around the world. They know the hidden spots, the unforgettable experiences, and the stories that make travel truly meaningful.

Cavelh Homeware & Décor at 441 Victoria Street is where modern design meets traditional craftsmanship. Step inside and you'll find a carefully curated collection that turns a house into a home. Whether you're after that perfect statement piece or something subtle to tie a room together, this is your new go to spot.

Over at 1000 Victoria Street, Kythara Collective has just opened its doors this month! This luxury lash and brow studio is evolving into a complete beauty and wellness destination. Think of it as your retreat right in the heart of the city.

Feeling the tension in your neck and shoulders? Dynasty Remedial Massage has opened at 384 Victoria Street, bringing professional remedial massage therapy right to your doorstep. This March, Dynasty Remedial Massage are offering a 30-minute neck, shoulder and back massage for just $49. It's the perfect midday reset or after work treat when you need to release that built up stress and tension.

Bespoke menus, dinner at the zoo, and over $200,000 fundraised for Ronald McDonald House Charities - for Waikato Supper Club guests, Wednesday evening was a night out to remember.

The 440 guests who attended the event helped raise funds to support Ronald McDonald House Charities in providing accommodation to families with a child in hospital.

Event organisers and McDonalds franchisees Rob and Linley Parry said they were “blown away” by people’s generosity on the night.

After running 15 Supper Club fundraisers in Rotorua and a seven year hiatus, this was their first time organising the event in Hamilton.

‍

“We’ve been absolutely blessed with an enormous variety and number of auction items, and that was really exciting going into the auction knowing people had really good things to select,” said Linley.

“There are some really good people wanting to do really good things.”

While final figures were still being confirmed, the couple said the total funds raised was about $231,000.

‍

‍

St Patrick's Day is falling on Tuesday 17th March. From breakfast through to late night celebrations, Hamilton's central city has everything you need for an unforgettable day.

‍

Start your morning with Live Music | Biddy Mulligans | Hamilton (17 Hood Street) with a legendary Irish Breakfast from 8:30am to 1pm. Tickets are $20 pre-sale from the bar or $25 on the day, and the entertainment keeps rolling all day long.

‍

You can head to Lucky Finns (26 Hood Street) from 8am for their special breakfast menu, premium Irish whiskeys, Guinness, Magners cider, traditional Irish food, and live music throughout the day.

‍

In the evening, The Mercury Room (15 Hood Street) have their $20 St Patrick's Special from 6pm to 11pm where you can choose a pint of Guinness and pizza or a Mojito and pizza. Either way, you're onto a winner.

‍

Why not rally your mates and book a St Patrick’s Bottomless Brunch for $59pp at House on Hood (27 Hood Street). DJs, themed and prizes up for grabs across two sessions from 6:30pm, this is one not to be missed.

‍

A full lunch and dinner menu is available at The Londoner plus some special St Patrick's Day dishes including steak, Guinness and cheese pie, corned beef, melted cheese, slaw and honey mustard bun, steak and Guinness hot pot, colcannon, Irish whiskey bread & butter pudding with salted caramel and whisky sauce! There will also be a random prize draw and main Guiness prize draw at 7pm.

‍

The white cross adorning the former Gateway Church on Victoria Street will soon be replaced by the golden arches of fast food giant McDonald’s.

And the owners are pledging to make the restaurant the number one Maccas in the country.

The church sold the site to McDonald’s Restaurants last year and moved to the corner of Clyde St and Grey St in Hamilton East.

Work is expected to begin next week, starting with the removal of the big white cross atop the church.

Owners Rob and Linley Parry want the building to be “the number one looking Maccas in the country”.

The restaurant will have an interior decor palette that’s likely to have “bit of everything”.

“The dining room is going to be the first decor palette in New Zealand, so we’re really excited about that.”

The Parrys run three other McDonald’s sites in Five Cross Roads, Chartwell and Hamilton East and found out late last year that they would run the new Hamilton central McDonald’s.