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Hamilton has been recognised on the international stage for the Love the Centre campaign -- taking out the award over finalists from Sydney and Melbourne.

The Hamilton Central Business Association (HCBA) won the Best Traditional or Digital Marketing Award at the Mainstreet Australia 2025 Awards for the campaign.

The awards featured finalists from all over Australia and New Zealand, and honoured groups who were revitalising main streets.

HCBA General Manager Vanessa Williams said the group decided to enter the competition while organising their own Love the Centre Awards last year.

The HBCA were “so incredibly proud of the work that we had done with Daymark around the creation of the Love centre website”.

“So we thought, actually, yeah, let's put our money where our mouth is and, and see if there is an award programme that we could enter that celebrates our achievement as well.”

Asked how it felt to take out the award over other finalists, Williams said, “there was a lot of pride of Hamilton representing on the international stage against business associations in Sydney and Melbourne”.

“There was a little bit of chest puffing, I'll be honest.”

She said that the award recognised how the Love the Centre campaign showcased the city centre and local businesses.

“With our international flights we have with Jetstar now, you know, encouraging people over from Sydney and the Gold Coast, it's great to be able to profile the best of Hamilton City centre, and I think we do that.”

And what’s next for Love the Centre?

Williams said the HCBA were still growing the content of the site, and were listing more businesses. She added they were also looking into how they could use AI in the campaign.

“We're looking at different things that will make this a really functional site that people ... can use to really find the best of Hamilton Central.”

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From cakes to sweets, savouries and donuts, Gailers Cake Kitchen has it all.

The bakery’s roots date back to post-World War II, when a German man, Mr Gailer, moved to Hamilton.

Gailer opened the bakery in 1948, alongside two other staff members.

The bakery moved around Hamilton over the years, before settling on its current location in the northern part of Hamilton’s CBD.

Sharon Smith and her husband Brent have been running the Victoria St bakery for 30 years, though Smith said they originally planned to own it for only ten years.

Brent starts at 9pm and works through the night, making sure the sweets and pies are ready to go when the doors open at 6am.

Sharon and staffer Rachel, come in around 2am and stay on until closing at 2pm.

Smith said she wanted to sell the bakery two years before Covid, but her husband talked her out of it.

Explore the Japanese art of mokuhanga/water-based woodblock carving in this  Sunday workshop.

You will learn:

·       How to transfer a design onto a woodblock

·       Step-by-step carving of printing plates specifically for mokuhanga

One of the unique features of mokuhanga is its accessibility—no printing press or large studio is required.

This makes mokuhanga an ideal printmaking method for those who wish to set up a creative space at home.

All tools and materials necessary for the workshop, carefully selected to suit this technique, are provided by the tutor.

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K Chicken is the authentic Korean food experience, where you'll elevate your expectations of what fried chicken can — and should — be.

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Forget everything you thought you knew about crispy chicken; K Chicken is here to set the benchmark for decadence, texture, and seasoning. It's a must-visit for visitors and locals alike who want to rediscover the heart of the city.

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Beyond the Chicken: The Full K-Food Experience

While the Korean Fried Chicken is the main event, K Chicken's menu is a unique blend of traditional and modern Korean dishes, embodying the spirit of K-Food, food shared and generously.

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This is the perfect place to gather your friends and family after a day of exploring the Hamilton Centre. The menu is designed to give you maximum enjoyment and value, because in Korean culture, great food is meant to be shared.

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Varieties of Selections

Dive into Tteokbokki: soft, chewy rice cakes smothered in a rich, sweet, and spicy sauce —a popular Korean street food that's texturally diverse and so satisfying.

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Or if you're after a different kind of handheld meal, K Chicken's take on the classic fast food item—the K Burgers—feature juicy patties and Korean seasonings, offering a fusion of international comfort food.

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And the rice bowl options — Soy Honey Chicken on Rice or Spicy Chicken on Rice — are perfectly portioned, hearty meals with fluffy rice, tender chicken, and fresh coleslaw, making them great for a quick lunch during a busy shopping trip.

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Their generous portions and value for money have been a hit with our customers. A Combo Special, for instance, is often enough to satisfy three people, making it a bargain and a delicious choice for groups. This emphasis on value ensures that everyone leaves K Chicken feeling not just full, but also satisfied and smart for choosing us.

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This focus on generosity means everyone leaves feeling full and loved

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The atmosphere at K Chicken is part of the experience. It's clean, welcoming, and often has K-pop music playing, so you're immersed in the fun and vibrant K-culture that's taking over the world.

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It's where the food, music, and staff come together to make a meal to remember.

Air Playground gives curious kids of all ages the chance to play with air. Experience hands-on the science of aerodynamics and the amazing elemental force of air.

31st October 2025 - 19th April 2026

Open daily 10am to 5pm

Tickets from $17.50

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Whoosh, gust, swirl, float and more!

At Air Playground, curious kids and families have fun with air - an invisible elemental force.

Explore the science of aerodynamics through experimental play: float objects in mid-air, release material in a fast-flowing airstream and launch your own paper plane design.

Learn about the complex physics of air by challenging your friends to an ‘aircade’ game, tinkering with the speed and direction of airflow or collaborating to create a spinning, flapping air show!

Developed by a team of Scienceworks experts from Museums Victoria, this exhibition is jam-packed with hands-on interactive experiences.

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Hamilton’s central city came alive at the Love the Centre Awards, sponsored by Spark Business and supported by Mediaworks on Wednesday 29 October. Taking over the stunning K’aute Pasifika fale, business people gathered for an evening that fizzed with energy, creativity, and pride, recognising the establishments that make Hamilton’s CBD a true destination.

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The venue was transformed into a place of beauty with lush greenery and dramatic tiered grandstands, immersing guests in comfort and connection. As conversations flowed, guests were treated to Cream Eatery’s creative catering, including a wildly popular raw seafood bar and a decadent tiramisu bar, setting the tone for indulgence and celebration.

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The awards ceremony, delivered in two halves, recognised and celebrated the businesses that stood out to a panel of judges. Throughout the night, the talented MC Kelvyn Eglinton ensured no moment went uncelebrated, while Royal Lab’s innovative design, SBI Production’s top-tier production and Moving Media along with Ruth Gilmour Photography captured every embrace, cheer, and triumphant smile. At half time Select FM DJs electrified the audience with a Homegrown artist showcase, reminding everyone of the major talent coming soon to Hamilton.

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“This evening is a celebration of what makes central Hamilton thrive, our businesses, our people, our experiences,” said Vanessa Williams, General Manager of Hamilton Central Business Association. “It is an honour to recognise the talent, hard work, and resilience of our businesses. It is through dedication, passion and determination that the business community has turned Hamilton central into a place where people want to be!”

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Spark Business, longtime sponsor, returned for the eighth year as the main sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to helping local businesses flourish. “Spark is proud to champion innovation and connection across Hamilton’s city centre,” said Fabian Pathirana, Business Lead, Spark Business. “The businesses recognised tonight are creating opportunities, building community, and showcasing exactly why people love being in the heart of our city.”

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MediaWorks, supporting sponsor, echoed this dedication. “MediaWorks is here to help tell the stories of Hamilton’s most dynamic, driven businesses,” said Stewart Melrose, General Manager, Mediaworks Waikato. “Tonight’s event reflects the diversity and ambition that make the CBD such a remarkable place.”

The awards ceremony, produced by Hamilton Central Business Association, is a highlight on the business calendar, a night devoted to championing those making a lasting impact in the central city.

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View awards evening photos here

Some of Hamilton’s most loved locations were celebrated on Wednesday night at the 2025 Love the Centre Awards. Waikato Times visual journalist Christel Yardley was there to capture the glitzy event.

Some of Hamilton’s favourite places were celebrated on Wednesday night at the 2025 Love the Centre Awards, recognising businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of the CBD.

Winners include hospitality hot spots such as Mr Pickles, Cream and the Dumpling House, among others.

The awards were held at the K’aute Pasifika fale, which was transformed with lush greenery and tiered grandstands for the occasion. Guests enjoyed catering from Cream Eatery, including a raw seafood bar and tiramisu bar.

General manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association, Vanessa Williams, said the event recognised the contribution of businesses to the city centre’s vitality.

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Hamilton Central Business Association's 'Love the Centre' initiative has been recognised internationally, winning the Best Traditional or Digital Marketing Award at the 2025 Mainstreet Australia Awards on the 18th September in Melbourne.

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The 'Love the Centre' campaign, which showcases Hamilton's central city through innovative digital platforms and traditional marketing approaches, stood out amongst competitors from across Australia and New Zealand.

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At the heart of the winning campaign is the newly launched website, lovethecentre.co.nz, which invites visitors to "Rediscover the heart of the city." The digital platform beautifully captures what makes Hamilton's central city special, showcasing local businesses, events, and hidden treasures that bring our city centre to life.

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The website serves as a comprehensive guide to everything happening in Hamilton Central, from dining options to entertainment, shopping experiences to cultural events. Its user-friendly design and engaging content have increased connections between businesses and visitors.

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Save the date: New Zealand’s newest world-class entertainment venue, the Waikato Regional Theatre, will officially open its doors on Monday, January 19.

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And one of New Zealand’s best singer-songwriters will be taking part in a first week of events that promises to be a memorable chapter in Hamilton’s history.

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The series of opening events comprise three nights of community opening celebrations titled To The Stars/Ki ngā Whetū - which is described as being “built through the hands, voices and imaginations of the Waikato community”.

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This will be followed by theatre operators Live Nation’s official launch event on the evening of January 23 - further details on which will be revealed within the next few weeks.

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The opening week will close out the following night with one of Aotearoa’s most beloved and awarded artists, Sir Dave Dobbyn, who will bring his Selected Songs Tour to the Waikato.

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Hamilton Central Business Association is thrilled to announce that the prestigious Love the Centre Awards 2025, proudly sponsored by Spark Business and supported by Mediaworks, will be held at the stunning K'aute Pasifika Village Fale on 29 October 2025. This beautiful, purpose-built venue inspired by Pacific meeting house designs is situated on the Western Town Belt at 100 Seddon Road, forming part of Hamilton's significant green space surrounding the central city.

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In a celebration that honours both innovation and heritage, winners will receive unique trophies crafted from Founders Theatre blocks, paying tribute to one of Hamilton's most cherished cultural landmarks that previously stood on the Western Town Belt. These meaningful awards symbolise the connection between Hamilton's rich history and its vibrant future.

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"We're excited to bring the Love the Centre Awards to K'aute Pasifika, a landmark venue that represents community connection and cultural celebration," said Vanessa Williams, General Manager of Hamilton Central Business Association. "These awards honour the businesses and individuals who embody our vision to be a premier central city business destination in New Zealand. Their contributions create the vibrant, bustling environment that makes Hamilton central extraordinary."

HANRAD Gallery is delighted to present From Thought to Form – Materiality Speaking, a solo exhibition by acclaimed Swedish–New Zealand artist Sylvia Sinel. The exhibition opens on 6 November 2025 and runs until 18 January 2026, inviting viewers into a deeply sensory and contemplative experience of material, intuition, and transformation.

From Thought to Form is an interdisciplinary body of work that encourages audiences to connect with the mystical space where thought, surface, and soul intertwine. Sinel’s deeply rooted curiosity for materials and her continuous exploration of form have evolved into a distinctive artistic vocabulary and voice.

Through sculptural works, experimental surfaces, and poetic abstraction, the exhibition explores themes of transformation and transcendence. Each work acts as a vessel—holding memories, intuition, and knowing—extending an invitation to consider how matter might carry intention, and how viewers might engage not only with what is seen, but also with what is sensed.

Sylvia Sinel’s interdisciplinary practice spans over 35 years, with works held in private collections worldwide. Her creative drive is guided by a profound curiosity for materials and techniques, spirituality, and ancient wisdom traditions. The idea dictates the medium, and each piece is granted agency to find its own voice through an intuitive, responsive process.

Her unique form language draws inspiration from her Scandinavian heritage and evokes a sense of both familiarity and otherness.

Originally from Sweden, Sylvia emigrated to New Zealand in 2013 and settled in Hamilton, where she became an active contributor to the local art community. In 2025, she relocated to Auckland’s North Shore, where she is establishing a new studio and continues to teach at several local art centres.

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Summer Live Music in Garden Place!

Grab your lunch and head down to Garden Place for live music by great local musicians!

All live music sessions are weather dependent.

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Summer Line Up :

4th December - Sean Lurman

11th December - DJ KUDZ

18th December - DJ TAZ

15th January - Darze Keefe

22nd January - DJ DEGEN

29th January -Sean Lurman

5th February - DJ JAE

12th February - Andrew Price

19th February - DJ GETMELO

26th February - Darz Keefe

5th March - DJ TW3AK

12th March -Andrew Price

19th March - DJ CYPHR

26th March -TBC

Fashion For a Cause – A Night of Style, Culture & Purpose

The countdown has begun!

We’re just days away from Fashion for a Cause 2025 — a glamorous evening filled with style, purpose, and community spirit!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of fashion with heart at Fashion for a Cause, proudly presented by Rudra Entertainment and Rupal Solanki in support of St. John New Zealand.

This one-of-a-kind multicultural fashion show will showcase the incredible talent of local and emerging designers, featuring stunning collections from ethnic to modern and fusion styles.

But this event is more than just a runway. It is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and community spirit. A portion of all proceeds will go directly towards supporting St. John New Zealand, helping them continue their life-saving work across Aotearoa.

Expect an evening filled with inspiring designer showcases, live entertainment, cultural performances, red carpet moments, and a meaningful cause that brings fashion and community together.

Come dressed to impress, enjoy the glamour, and be part of a night that truly makes a difference.

Limited seats available – book your tickets now.

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Seddon Park will host the BLACKCAPS and West Indies in their 3rd ODI match of the series on Saturday, 22 November 2025.

Caribbean flair meets Kiwi fire.

BLACKCAPS v West Indies – tickets on sale now.

Big hits. Big names. Big series. Feel the electric atmosphere, soak up the summer vibes, and enjoy world-class cricket right here at home.

It’s the perfect day out for whānau, mates, or anyone who loves the game. These matches will be crowd favourites – secure your tickets now!

For hospitality packages and enquiries contact charlotte@ndca.co.nz

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Get ready for a massive night of groove, rhythm, and energetic music!

Versailles is bringing their electrifying mix of reggae, dub, and funk—seasoned with tasteful jazz influences—for a high-energy set that will keep you moving. They'll be playing some fresh, brand-new original material, along with a selection of well-known covers that will have you singing along!

Opening the show is the incredibly talented Sahara, the winner of Rockquest 2025. Her captivating solo singer-songwriter performance will perfectly set the stage for an evening of unforgettable entertainment.

A jam-packed show with tons of energy and entertainment to offer—you don't want to miss this!

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Worldwide sensation - the MAGIC MEN AUSTRALIA are finally coming your way!

For One Night Only, MAGIC MEN AUSTRALIA is bringing the heat with Australia's Hottest Male Revue Show!

Tickets

Regular Patron - $50 General non-reserved seating

Deluxe - $75 Priority Seating for the best views!

Premium - $95 VIP Seating for the ultimate front-row experience!

18+ ONLY

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Roots Rising Tour – Presented by Titan Entertainment

Get ready for Roots Rising Tour, hitting Aotearoa across four incredible locations!

This is a tour you don’t want to miss, featuring three of Aotearoa’s most soulful and powerful reggae acts — House of Shem, Son and Water, and Brutha Rodz — bringing uplifting energy, rich harmonies, and authentic roots music to the stage.

House of Shem are back and stronger than ever, performing all their classic hits alongside brand new music that’s been making waves across the country.

Joining them is Son and Water, led by the legendary Jamie Ferguson — the saxophonist and songwriter behind many of Katchafire’s biggest hits. Now performing alongside his sons, Jamie and the band are creating fresh, inspiring sounds that are capturing hearts all over Aotearoa.

Adding to the lineup is Brutha Rodz, a true roots reggae storyteller known for his smooth vocals, conscious lyrics, and powerful live performances that connect deeply with the crowd.

This will be the first time Son and Water perform in many of these cities, making it an extra special experience for fans of real Aotearoa roots reggae

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The "Sangamam 2025" NZ Tour featuring the legendary singer Srinivas & Sharanya Srinivas is proudly brought to life by Moksha Base. This marks a major milestone as Singer Srinivas and Sharanya Srinivas’s first-ever tour of New Zealand.

Singer Srinivas is a renowned Indian playback singer and composer, with a career spanning over three decades. His heartfelt vocals have graced more than 3,000 songs across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema. His deep understanding of melody, combined with a mentor-like presence on reality TV, cements his status as an Indian music icon.

Sharanya Srinivas is a versatile and dynamic playback singer, known for her soulful voice and genre-spanning performances. Daughter of singer Srinivas, Sharanya has carved out her own space in the Indian music industry with playback credits in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi films. Trained in both Carnatic and Western music, she effortlessly blends classical precision with contemporary style.

Singer Srinivas and Sharanya Srinivas’s participation, alongside Moksha Base’s powerful live presence, elevates this concert tour into a once-in-a-lifetime experience, blending pure nostalgia for longtime fans with exciting new memories for the next generation.

This is not just a tour. It’s a celebration of identity, excellence, and the magic that happens when legends meet legacy.

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It was the biggest concert tour in history, and now you can re-live the hype when TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift comes to Aotearoa!

Join us as we salute 'Tay Tay' and the indelible impact she's had on Pop music with this joyous, effervescent concert experience, complete with sparkly costumes, cosmic stage production and over 20 exquisite renditions of Taylor's biggest hits from every era of her career, including Shake It Off, Anti-Hero, Cruel Summer, You Belong With Me, Love Story, I Knew You Were Trouble, Blank Space, We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, Bad Blood, Our Song, Lover and more.

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7th December, 2025 (Sun) 1:00pm7th December, 2025 (Sun) 4:00pm

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Directions Dance Academy's annual Dance Show: The Four Elements.

Dancers of all ages will showcase a variety of styles including jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre and hip hop as they portray the elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire.

From toe-tapping music, through to dazzling costumes, this is a spectacle which will delight the entire family.

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t Doesn’t Matter Where you Sit, as long as you’re there!

Prepare to be spellbound by the mesmerising live encounter of Cael O'Donnell – With his signature magnetic stage presence, Cael is gracing our town for one-night-only. Get ready for an evening filled with Psychic ability that’s absolutely unmissable! Cael, the Psychic everyone's talking about with 1 million followers worldwide and featured regularly on Australian TV, is set to captivate you with heartfelt messages that touch your soul and lift your spirits.

He's not just a psychic; he possesses a gift that's often described as “off the charts”. Picture a night where hope takes centre stage – this isn't just 'another psychic show'; it's an unforgettable experience that will have you buzzing with excitement and reminiscing with mates for decades to come!

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Luke Kidgell continues new World Tour in New Zealand in 2025!

Luke is known for his viral crowd-work interactions that often lead to some fairly unusual, yet hilarious encounters. Despite not having much control over his impulsive thoughts, Luke insists that deep down he means well, and this year he’s on a mission to prove it.

After touring Australia, the US, Canada, & Europe Luke is coming back to New Zealand with his brand-new show Good Intentions. This is not one to miss!

You’ve seen him on the internet, now it’s time to see him in real life, as Luke tries to prove that he really does have Good Intentions.

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Te Kawau Toi | Wintec Performing Arts students, under the direction of Kyle Chuen, present The Witches of Eastwick. Written by John Dempsy and Dana P. Rowe, this devilishly dark comedy musical is based on the classic 1987-film.

In the sleepy New England town of Eastwick, three (not-so-wicked) witches Alexandra Spofford, Sukie Rougemont and Jane Smart are divorcees feeling trapped in their everyday humdrum lives. One stormy night, high on Martinis and brownies, they make a crazy wish for the man of their dreams. When Darryl Horne arrives, they quickly find out their wish has consequences they could never have imagine.

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