Love The Centre

Two days of whaanau events

Where:

When:

Celebrate Matariki with us 20th June 2025 - 21st June 2025

Matariki signals the Maaori New Year. It is a time of renewal and celebration in Aotearoa New Zealand that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster.

This year, Matariki will be acknowledged with two days of whaanau fun here at Te Whare Taonga. We're proud to be part of the Matariki Ki Waikato Festival with events across Kirikiriroa Hamilton.

Free entry.

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Learn more Download guide

Schedule

Haa ki roto, haa ki waho
Breathe in, breathe out

Our Matariki celebrations are spread across two days.

Join us for a low-key day of family activities on the public holiday, Friday 20th June. Haa ki roto.

Then come back on Saturday 21st June for a busy and exhilarating day of interactive fun with our friends from Creative Waikato. Haa ki waho!

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Friday: Haa ki Roto

Open 10am to 5pm

All day: Waipunarangi Star Trail

All day: Hands-on family activities

11am Kapa haka performance from Te Haone Kaha

11.30am Free weaving workshop with Wikitoria Tuhakaraina

2pm Free weaving workshop with Wikitoria Tuhakaraina

Saturday: Haa ki Waho

Open 10am to 5pm

All day: Waipunarangi Star Trail

10am to 3.30pm: Community workshops, music, and performances coordinated by Creative Waikato in support of the exhibition.

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More events

June Events Guide

Find out what's on in the central city in June!

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Kai Whetu

This years Matariki weekend three Kiwi culinary stars are coming out to shine atHamilton’s award-winning restaurant, Palate.

As part of Palate’s 20-year celebrations Chef and owner, Mat McLean has extended an invitation to a few of his mates. The result – a night not to be missed with three of New Zealand’s best chefs.

Collaborations with other chefs, Mat says “are always loads of fun and great experience forthe whole team as they get to rub shoulders with some amazing chefs”. Andafter a couple of decades at the top of the game, Mat says he feels privilegedto be able to call on some of the top talent in New Zealand.

Kai Whetu will see Mat McLean, Jude Messenger and Jeremy Rameka come together tocreate a six-course meal at Palate with carefully match wines by Palates ownLarissa Muller (Cuisine Magazine’s 2024 Sommelier & Wine Experience of the Year award winner)

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80s Silent Disco

After selling out over 100 shows across the world, the team from 'Silent Discos in Incredible Places' is now coming to Aotearoa New Zealand.

As international promoters, they have thrown parties and held silent discos in, well, some pretty incredible places! Come along and be part of the global phenomenon right here in Kirikiriroa Hamilton.

Expect three epic DJs playing all your favourite 80s tunes in the stunning, illuminated surroundings of Te Whare Taonga like you've never seen it before.

100's of like-minded 80's fans singing their hearts out whilst wearing state of the art LED headphones where you can select between 3 different channels of music.

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22nd August 2025 - First session 6.30pm to 9pm, Second session 9.30pm to 12am

This is strictly a 18+ event. Valid photographic I.D. may be requested on entry. Please take it as a compliment if you're asked to prove your age!

There will be a fully stocked bar on site for the entire event.

Tickets from $55.44

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Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

Monthly Open Late sessions.

Instead of closing at 5pm, Te Whare Taonga will be open until 9pm so that you can enjoy the exhibitions after-hours.

With drinks and nibbles available to purchase from our bar, you can get in the groove with a DJ or live music. Each month we'll have a new floor talk or panel discussion to get ideas sparking as you check out the galleries.Come by and make a night of it with Open Late at the Museum!

Schedule

Wednesday 28th May: Dive into Ripples with Sasha from He Koniahi Story Circle.

Wednesday 25th June: A Matariki spectacular featuring a panel discussion on Toi Maaori.

Wednesday 30th July: Winter chill special.

Wednesday 27th August: The insider's guide to the National Contemporary Art Award.

Free entry.

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Love the Centre x O-Studio Hamilton: Your Wellbeing Reset

Join us for an exclusive sneak peek of O-Studio Hamilton, the city’s new wellness hub opening soon in the heart of town.

This one-off evening is part of Love the Centre - a chance to reconnect with your city, rediscover your energy, and prioritise your well-being as we head into colder months.

You’ll hear from Olympian and O-Studio owner Brooke Hayde as she shares a short, inspiring session on how to keep going when things get heavy - and how to build rhythms that restore you, not burn you out.

Stay for Q&A, connection, and your first look inside the studio. Be the first to explore the space, ask questions, and grab the chance to book early.

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Refreshments provided

Free event for central city business and property owners

RSVP by 30 May to admin@lovethecentre.co.nz

Freedom Institute Wellbeing Events

Interactive workshops focused on the Universal Wellbeing Model and the Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool. These workshops will provide hands-on training, insights into universal wellbeing practices, and guidance on using digital wellbeing tools effectively. Stay tuned for dates and special early bird pricing—don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and skills!

Soda Business Fundamentals

Soda has created an online Business Fundamentals platform with short courses to help aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners succeed.

These short online courses provide the necessary tools and frameworks to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners through all the steps of being a business owner.

Each course features videos of real founders and experts sharing valuable advice, downloadable check lists and templates, step-by-step instructions and practical guidance.

Topics include:

Your Business Vision & Goals

From Idea to Marketing: Problem Solving, Validation & Customer Fit

Crafting Your Unique Brand Story & Competitive Edge

Money Matters: Getting to Grips with Financials

Marketing & Sales: Building Connections that Drive Growth

Legal, Compliance & Future Planning

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Prices start at just $49 per course or $245 for all six courses.

Use discount code HCBA20 to receive 20% off the bundle.

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Unbound - Master Your Marketing

Digital marketing is constantly evolving. What worked last year—or even last month—might not be effective today. That’s why, at Unbound, we live and breathe Google Ads, Analytics, SEO, and the latest digital trends every day, so you don’t have to. But we also believe in empowering businesses to take control of their marketing with the right knowledge and skills.

In 2025, we’re making it our mission to educate local businesses on how to level up their digital marketing game. LIVE2025: The Ultimate Digital Marketing Series is an eight-part course designed to help marketers of all levels navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. From strategic planning and branding boldly to mastering Google and social media ads, setting up accurate conversion tracking, and leveraging data analytics, this series covers it all.

Marketing is a powerful driver of business growth. When done right, it doesn’t just spend money—it makes money. Investing in marketing means investing in your business’s success. That’s why our workshops in the LIVE2025 courses are registered with the Regional Business Partner Network, and funding may be available to qualifying participants.

If you’re ready to sharpen your skills and make smarter marketing decisions, check out our upcoming live webinars and events.

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Matariki Festival: Haa ki Roto, Haa ki Waho