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Waikato taniwharau. He piko he taniwha, he piko he taniwha.
There's always something new to discover in the heart of Hamilton city. Let us be your guide as you rediscover the charm, culture, and character that make our city centre unique.
Hamilton’s Centre Place is turning 40 but in the world of ever-evolving shopping habits, the only constant is change.
When the mall opened in 1985, Hamiltonians poured in for traditional retail shopping, browsing the latest fashion with the added novelty of grabbing a bite at the bustling food court.
Some locals even recall the basement once housing a nightclub, the walls all painted purple.
40 years on, Centre Place is still standing but shoppers’ priorities look very different.
No longer just a collection of retailers, the mall has evolved into an experience-driven plaza where entertainment and atmosphere is just as important as the products.
Centre Place Centre Manager Maureen Pearce says the mall has come a long way since the 1980’s.
At just 22, Lucy Nicholson has brought a slice of Scotland — and a burst of colour — to Hamilton’s Casabella Lane.
Nicholson, who co-owns new café Scran with her Kiwi husband Raukawa, grew up in her parents’ takeaway shop in Scotland and says she’s been hooked on hospitality ever since.
“I really grew up in there, worked with them a lot and I really love the work. I missed it when I moved over here,” she said.
The couple’s café is already turning heads with its retro vibes, bold colours and a menu that’s both quick and wholesome.
“It was a break from the office and something fast and easy but also having nutritious options,” Nicholson explained.
The clay is ready; the tools are set—now all we need areyour creative kids to join the fun. Book now and let the holiday magic begin!
Price: $40 per child, $55 per adult
Any questions please either phone on 021616900 or email at sam@potterystudio.co.nz
Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate believes the city can host big hitters such as Taylor Swift with a new theatre on the way and Homegrown making its return early next year.
The Government announced it’s putting $40 million into securing major international events from 2026, as part of a larger $70 million tourism fund.
Southgate said the $70 million investment will put New Zealand firmly on the events map.
However, she wants to see Hamilton join in on the action.
“There are big events and hubs like Auckland, Queenstown and Wellington but Hamilton has just as much to offer as those big cities and we would like to see the love shared around.”
It comes as Homegrown makes its return to the city next year at Claudelands Oval and the new, $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre is almost ready to go.
Anyone wanting the experience of seeing a show at Hamilton’s new $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre should mark off Saturday, March 28 in their diaries now.
That’s when the Soweto Gospel Choir will perform in the soon-to-open facility.
The choir last performed in Hamilton when they headlined the 2015 then-named Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival, to rave reviews.
The show will not be the first at the theatre - that is still to be announced, along with the opening date, however these are understood to be imminent.
Close to 500 people are now earning a living from Hamilton’s new five-star hotel, with crews swarming over the Mistry Centre on Ward St as it transforms into the Pullman Hamilton.
Developers say the headcount — on site and across suppliers — underlines the project’s role as one of the CBD’s biggest employers right now, and a bellwether for the city’s confidence.
Developer Sanjil Mistry said the construction push had shifted up a gear in recent months and remained on schedule.
“The Mistry Centre project the Pullman Hamilton has made substantial progress in the last few months and we are still on track to complete the project in late 2026 as planned.
“Despite a challenging economic environment we are proud to say we look to support local trades and tradies where we can, and we estimate that the project employs close to 500 people - on and off site - in the region at any one time.”
Behind the glass and scaffolding is a $100 million overhaul of the city’s tallest building — 19 levels in total, 17 above ground — into a 191-room premium hotel with a rooftop bar and private lounge, plus conference and office space.
Fifteen years in, Dumpling House is still packing out tables — from its 25-seat Grey St original to the 80-seat CBD spot that’s been humming since 2018.
Owner Lei Wang says loyalty keeps the steam rising even as wallets tighten.
Wang came to Hamilton as an international student more than two decades ago, finished a management degree in marketing and finance, worked in senior roles, then teamed up with her mother, a fifth-generation hospitality hand who moved here in 2006.
If you’re looking for authentic Thai cuisine, Thai Classic is the perfect destination. They proudly serve a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Thai classics to modern fusion creations, all crafted with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.
As the sister restaurant of Chim Thai in Rototuna, Thai Classic continues the tradition of delivering exceptional flavors and warm hospitality.
Standout menu items:
• Curry Puffs – Minced chicken, potato, and yellow curry wrapped in flaky puff pastry.
• Duck Roti – Roast duck served on roti with cucumber, carrot, and homemade hoisin sauce.
• Massaman Curry – Traditional beef curry slow-cooked in coconut cream with cashew nuts, potato, and onion.
• Pad Thai – The famous Thai noodle dish with Asian chives, bean sprouts, eggs, and ground peanuts.
• Yummy Duck Sizzling – Marinated duck with honey and sweet chili sauce over vegetables, served sizzling hot.
• Thai Classic Sizzling – Your choice of meat with vegetables, cashew nuts, and Thai oyster sauce, sizzling to perfection.
• Sticky Pork Ribs – Tender pork ribs marinated in a sweet Thai glaze, served with vegetables.
They also cater to vegetarian guests with delicious dishes such as crispy spring rolls and more. Pair with a refreshing Thai Classic Sunrise mocktail for the perfect balance.
At Thai Classic, every dish is made to delight your taste buds and give you a true taste of Thailand.
Running Grid, New Zealand's 1st interactive gamingexperience! Their mission is to combine the thrill of gaming with theexcitement of physical activity, creating an innovative and engaging adventurefor all ages.
"The floor is lava" game in Hamilton! With aspectrum of glowing tiles at your feet, you and your mates have to movestrategically around the action-packed room to beat each level. Decide whichtiles to step on or avoid to win the game.
Inspired by the Museum’s current exhibitions, these hands-onsessions will expand your child’s knowledge of art & science throughcreative crafting techniques. Suitable for ages 8 – 13 years.
2nd September 2025
24th September 2025
26th September 2025
29th September 2025
1st October 2025
3rd October 2025
9am - 3pm
$50 per child per day
Homegrown organisers are signalling an at least 18-year commitment to Hamilton as they prepare to host fans in March 2026.
The Claudelands venue is about 2.5 times the size of the previous venue, Wellington’s waterfront, and keeps stages within walking distance of bars, eateries and hotels, they say.
And the design of the event channels spending into the city centre and across the Waikato, they told business people at the Waikato Chamber of Commerce’s Inspire series on Wednesday.
The Hamilton plan is built for the long haul — “something that could host us for the next 18 years,” managing director and chief executive Andrew Tuck said.
He and chief operating officer Michael Lamusse said Hamilton beat out six or seven cities on capacity, flexibility and the chance to keep the experience fresh.
Let the kids and teens get creative these September school holidays with the WSA School Holiday Programme!
Explore watercolour, acrylic, clay, paper and MORE! With a range of workshops for children and teenagers, there is something for everyone these school holidays.
Are you looking for a fun activity to enjoy with your kids and friends during the spring school holidays? Confinement is open all school holidays, so join them at Confinement for an exciting indoor or outdoor adventure!
Explore their variety of mind-bending games suitable for various ages and skill levels.
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Mark you calendar - Hamilton Central is the place to be this October!
Tickets from $20
Step into Exscite after dark for a Halloween adventure like no other. Hear ghost stories around the campfire, follow the trick-or-treat trail, and enjoy free face painting for all ages.
Activity for the whole family!
We'll have activity stations for the whole family, including code-cracking and treat-bag making.
Follow the trick-or-treat trail and collect stamps to unlock a bag full of treats to take home.
Get into the Halloween spirit with free face painting from our friends at Enchanted Entertainment.
Gather around the campfire in Exscite to hear local ghost stories that will send a shiver down your spine.
Make your own treat bag at our creepy craft station.
Look out for a special guest roaming Exscite for photos.
Come along in costume whether you're a kid or a grown up!
Jeremy Mayall will bring the music, you bring the craft. Bring a project from home to work on or enjoy a drink and soak in the vibes of our latest exhibitions.
29 October onwards
We're very excited to extend our hours for these 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.
For our October session, we'll enjoy a performance by Dr. Jeremy Mayall, composer/performer/innovator and CEO of Creative Waikato. While he performs, you are encouraged to sketch or write or craft to relax. Bring a project to work on from home or enjoy a drink and explore our latest exhibitions.
Held on the second Friday of every month (excluding December).
Take a creative lunch break to explore art through poetry.
These free drop-in poetry sessions are the perfect way for beginners and poetry lovers alike to explore their creativity.
With a focus on ekphrasis (poetry written in response to art), this is a fun and creative experience that is about expression, not perfection.
Be inspired by our exhibitions and explore new ways to look at art and language.
What to expect
Educator and poet Cassandra Barnett will introduce easy poetry techniques and prompts, help you see and connect with works of art, and encourage you to find your own creative voice.
Wander the galleries with pencil and paper, and support on hand, and poem what you see.
Poetry prompts
If you can’t join the lunchtime session, drop in at any time on the day of Poetry in the Galleries and pick up a poetry prompt. Let the galleries guide your words and enjoy writing at your own pace.
On a mission to create your dream home, renovate to sell, or ramp up the value of investment? Don’t miss the annual Waikato Home & Garden Show, where you’ll find everything you need to renovate, build, decorate and landscape your home under one roof.
As well as some great show-only deals, hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand to present exciting new products, stylish trends, innovative ideas and top quality service to help make your project a reality.
That’s not all – you’ll find something for the whole family including live cooking demos, seminars, demonstrations, food and drink, a kids zone and so much more!
10am - 5pm (4pm finish on last day of the show)
Come and celebrate the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers with By The Way, NZs latest and greatest tribute band.
Be prepared to be transported to another galaxy, as the band perform the Chili Peppers greatest hits, with all songs you know and love - By The Way, Otherside, Californication, Under The Bridge…
Playing in Hamilton for one night only at the fabulous Nivara Lounge, doors open from 7pm with the band onstage at 8.30pm.
7pm Doors Open - 8pm Start
Earlybird Tickets $20
GA Tickets $30
TWO comedians, ONE night, ONE great price.
The most Haunted Comedian in all of New Zealand (Callum Wagstaff) and indie darling George Fenn (as Sexy Ghost Boy) are here to Split your Sides this Spooky Season, using comedy to defang all of your worst fears.
The show is strictly R18. It contains sexual themes and nudity up to underwear.
Doors open from 7pm, show at 8:30pm. There will be an intermission.
Tickets $30 waged / $20 unwaged / $35 on the door.*LIMITED* Early Bird 241 Tickets $15 each.
GEORGE FENN (he/she/they) George is a genre bending comedy theatre maker based in Ōtautahi specialising in audience interaction, described by witnesses as a hot mess mash up of Mr Bean and Marina Abramović.
Winner Organised Chaos Award (Auckland Fringe 2024) Bizarre and Charming Award (Hastings Fringe 2024) Spirit of the Fringe (2017 and 2020.) Nominated Outstanding Performer (Dunedin Fringe 2025)
“a theatrical alchemist, Fenn has the rare talent to create something utterly ridiculous yet very clever..." - Rosheen Fitzgerald, Theatreview
12th October
9th November
14th December
$10 Entry
Join Hamilton Operatic Society at Nivara Lounge to get your musical theatre fix and support local performers!
The 'Downtown Musicals' nights aim to provide a platform for up-and-coming theatre performers to get experience performing in front of audiences, as well as those wishing to try something new or who maybe haven't performed in some time.
Each night performers will pick their songs based on a theme. The theme for October is Cinematic Showstoppers.
Doors open at 7 pm with performances starting at 7.30 pm.
Note: These Nivara Lounge nights are now 18+ for performers and R16 for audience members accompanied by a parent or guardian. For performers under 18, please look out for our Downtown Musical Jr afternoon sessions.
For any queries or to use membership tickets, email Pip at admin@hamiltonoperatic.co.nz
STELLAR ALT-COUNTRY ARTIST LACHIE HAYES HEADS NORTH ON HIS SUBSATELLITE TOUR
“In Lachie Hayes, we find a storyteller who merges grit and grace, a musician grounded in place yet pushing the boundaries of genre…he not only defines a new sound but helps chart a new musical frontier for the deep south.” – 13th Floor
From the heart of southland, alt-country troubadour Lachie Hayes brings his soul-stirring sound to town to celebrate the release of his debut album SUBSATELLITE.
Rivalry reignited - Summer cricket doesn’t get bigger than this.
Soak up the electric atmosphere, summer vibes, and world-class cricket, right here at home. It’s the perfect outing for whānau, mates, or anyone who loves the game.
These matches are set to be crowd favourites - secure your tickets now!
For hospitality packages and enquiries contactcharlotte@ndca.co.nz
Blindspott is back in HAMILTON
And yes, it’s a Sunday Session - with no work Monday (public holiday). LIMITED EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW - ONLY $69!!!
Get the electrifying concert experience of Tina Turner, brimming with iconic hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s. Featuring the powerful, raspy vocals, high-intensity dancing and thrilling stage presence of South African Caroline Borole (as seen on South African Idols) live on stage, complete with her international band, brass section, backing vocalists and dancers to make this SIMPLY THE BEST tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner.
Hear all the energetic rock and soulful RnB hits that made Tina one of the 20th century’s biggest names in music: (Simply) The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It, River Deep Mountain High, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits, We Don’t Need Another Hero, What You Get is What You See, Private Dancer, It Takes Two and many more. Not to be missed – BOOK NOW!
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