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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.
Join the club and have access to all 'SEW'cial Club events offered throughout the year.
Check out the upcoming dates and book a single 'Sew'cial Club event.
Got a project you’ve been meaning to finish? This is the perfect chance to finally tackle those forgotten makes with a little motivation and support from fellow sewists.
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In 2024 design students from Aotearoa, Ecuador, Indonesia, Singapore, and the UK asked their elders: “If you could give one piece of advice to the people in your city, in 20 words or less, what would it be?" Their responses became over 120 powerful posters — with a curated selection now on show in the Hamilton CBD (Corner of Alexandra Street and Garden Place (by the Game Centre).
Check out the exhibition, vote for the poster that speaks to you the most, and you could win a framed copy!
The Vote & Win competition will run until 20thJune.
Two of Hamilton’s newest bridges have got “massive” international recognition, showing they measure up against projects including billion-dollar transit hubs.
Te Ara Pekapeka and the Taurapa pedestrian bridge, which connect Hillcrest and the future Peacocke development, got a special mention at the Architizer A+ Awards, placing them among the top 5% of global entries.
The international awards recognise excellence in architecture and design. Out of more than 3500 submissions, the Hamilton bridges stood out in the infrastructure category, placing them alongside mega projects like European train stations and billion-dollar transit hubs.
Waikato-based Mark McGoldrick from Harcourts Monarch Real Estate Hamilton was this week crowned Australasia’s top auctioneer, fighting off tough competition from Australia's heavyweights in the Australasian Auctioneering Championships hosted in Adelaide, South Australia.
One of three Kiwi’s in the Senior Division final, McGoldrick delivered a commanding masterclass in auctioneering, having earned a hard-fought spot in the final after first having to make the cut on New Zealand soil at the REINZ nationals.
“It’s been 10 long years, trying to knock these buggers off,” says McGoldrick, referencing Sir Edmund Hilary during his acceptance speech at the awards.
McGoldrick, already a multi-award-winning auctioneer and reigning LVD Auction Champion, delivered a masterclass in control, clarity, and charisma throughout the competition. Facing intense challenges designed to test even the most seasoned professionals, including complex bidding scenarios and curveballdistractions, his performance stood out among the five finalists at the iconic Adelaide Oval.
Hosted by the Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA), the AUSTROs are the most prestigious event on the Australasian auctioneering calendar, showcasing exceptional skill, speed, legal acumen, and performance under pressure. Harcourts Hamilton director Campbell Scott says his team has long believed that auctions are the most transparent, competitive, and effective way to sell property, and theirresults back that up.
Harcourts has outpaced thecompetition, calling more auctions in the past two years than all other majorbrands combined — proof they don’t just talk auctions, they lead them.
“This win highlights the world-class auction culture we've grown in ourlocal team. We’re delivering shorter days on market, unconditional sales, andstrong buyer competition for sellers,” says Scott.
“This isn’t just a win forMark, it’s a win for our clients, our auctioneering team, and every seller whochooses to list with Harcourts. We’re beyond proud of him,” he adds.
Trent Finlay, also a director of Harcourt's Hamilton said witnessingMark’s Adelaide performance under immense pressure was nothing short ofextraordinary.
“His meticulous preparation led to a moment that truly showcased the talent we witness every week in our Auction room. To have his skills recognised as the best in Australasia is a proud moment for the entire Harcourts family.
To add to the win, Harcourts NZ is celebrating a double triumph afterTama Emery, from Harcourts New Age – Papakura, took out the Novice Division.This clean sweep shows Harcourts has firmly cemented its place at the top ofthe auction world.
It’s been under wraps for a while, but the full “face” of the $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre can now be seen on Victoria St.
The last of the scaffolding shielding the old Hamilton Hotel façade facing Hamilton’s main street was taken down on Friday.
Passers-by now have an almost unfettered view of the newly-restored 102-year-old architecture.
Momentum Waikato communications and marketing manager Mark Servian said the scaffolding removal was a small but significant step in the saga of the theatre’s manifestation.
“I have lived in Hamilton since the mid-1980s, and Victoria St now looks better than at any time I have seen it in the last 40 years.”
Hamilton’s Central Business District (CBD) is undergoing a significant transformation, with several key buildings being refurbished and repurposed.
From the rooftop of 500 Victoria Street on a grey day, the view is still spectacular, revealing a city undergoing a remarkable metamorphosis.
Looking west, there is significant activity at the city’s tallest building in Ward Street, formerly known as the Government Life building.
It is set to become a $100 million Pullman hotel.
To the north, work is about to start on Norris Ward McKinnon House, while the former Housing Corporation Building on the corner of Victoria St and Claudelands Rd is bustling with activity.
Wellington-based Primeproperty Group, a private investment company, is behind the refurbishments of 500 Victoria and Norris Ward McKinnon House.
Property manager Richard Tait describes 500 Victoria as a tired building, once frequented by government, Telecom, and ACC workers.
“This is a building where we want to get tenants,” he says on a recent media tour, emphasising the goal of attracting new occupants.
Referring to these buildings as ‘old’ would be a disservice, as they were mostly built in the 1970s and 1980s and Hamilton has other more historic buildings of note.
Tait uses the word iconic for 500 Victoria, which is a stretch for the 38-year-old building, and landmark for the 1985 building at 711 Victoria St, which given its two top floor exterior balconies regularly attract attention from down below – onlookers always on the lookout for anyone standing on them – is apt.
Journey + Co, a gift and homeware boutique owned by Nikki Carlyon and Krystal Roughton, has doubled its growth every year for the past four years.
“We measure the growth by looking at what we’ve done the same week or month the previous year,” Carlyon said. “Those sales have consistently doubled if not more.”
For Journey + Co, the seeds of their success were sown during the pandemic.
The shop moved from Anglesea St to Princes St “a couple of weeks before the second Covid-19 lockdown”, co-founder Krystal Roughton said.
Discover the stunning collection of ballet gear and costumes designed for every dancer, from beginner to professional at That's a Wrap.
They offer a wide selection of:
- Leotards
- Tutus
- Shoes, including but not limited to ballet pointe and flats, character, tap, chorus, highland
- Tights, socks and stockings
- Hair accessories
Top brands with quality materials, craftmanship and comfort
With 40 years of experience in dance and theatre costumes, That’s a Wrap Ltd offer a diverse collection of costume pieces that meets a wide variety of fancy dress needs.
Visit in store to find the perfect fit for your unique expression.
While throngs of visitors take the 45-minute trip out of Hamilton to live out their fantasies in The Shire (each to their own), those who stick to the heart of the ‘Tron will discover local treasures that are – in our opinion – just as precious.
On any given day in Hamilton, a world of natural beauty, rich Māori culture, creativity, and delicious moments set to impress both first-time visitors and long-time locals. Wander along the banks of our country’s longest river, lose track of time in award-winning gardens, find great coffee or cocktails down unassuming alleyways, feast at neighbourhood gems, meet makers and artists, and be utterly enchanted.
Once you realise how much ground there is to cover in Kirikiriroa, it can be tricky to know which way to turn. So, we’ve consulted a few in-the-know residents to put together a locally approved list of the best places to eat, drink, shop and explore next time you’re in Hamilton. Spoiler alert: it ends with ice cream.
The Skin Spa is an urban oasis located on Alexandra Street in central Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. This quiet sanctuary is for people seeking a journey of relaxation and beauty – an exceptional spa experience to treat the mind, body and spirit.
For over 20 years, Skin Spa owner Kim Frandi has built a career that seamlessly blends artistry with business savvy. But the journey hasn’t always been smooth.
From early beginnings in Tauranga and Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, to becoming a business owner and weathering the storm of multiple lockdowns, Kim’s story is one of resilience, creativity and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
For Kim, beauty isn’t just about looking good. It is about helping people feel better about themselves.
Her journey began in the early 2000s when she faced a choice for where to study beauty therapy. It was either an expensive school in Tamaki Makaurau or in Tauranga for a more balanced lifestyle. Choosing Tauranga allowed Kim to work part-time in a café while studying, providing her with a more manageable lifestyle at a slower pace.
She later moved to Auckland for further studies in electrolysis, along with mentorship from industry professionals. This set the foundation for a career that would eventually lead to business ownership in the late 2000s.
With a passion for beauty and a mind for business, Kim was prepared for the challenges of business ownership and the ever-evolving nature of the beauty industry.
For almost ten years, Kim continued to operate The Skin Spa out of the 2nd floor of the Alexandra Street building. When Kim shifted The Skin Spa into a street-front space in 2019, she was determined to create more than just a place of work. It had to be a space that resonated with her personality and creative spirit. Based on her experience in cafés and bars, Kim created a versatile area that offered a balance of openness and privacy, with both a welcoming reception area and quiet, intimate treatment rooms.
One of the most prominent buildings fronting Garden Place is set for a revamp with Hamilton City Council to replace the ageing and damaged facade of the Hamilton Central Library.
The current facade of the 1970s building is at the end of its life, with years of water damage in difficult-to-access areas ruling out ‘quick fixes’ as an option, council said in a statement.
The six-month project will start in August and Rebecca Whitehead, Council’s Unit Director Community Services, said while the replacement is underway, the library will remain open and safe to use.
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Instead of flowers or chocolate, give your mum something truly meaningful: the chance to be understood—not just appreciated.
The Universal Wellbeing Evaluation is a search-based wellbeing check-in that helps uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface—whether she’s feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, or simply needs space to focus on herself for once.
For $199, she’ll receive a completely private wellbeing assessment, a personalised report,and expert-led guidance to help her take real steps toward balance and clarity.
Because no matter how old you are, she’s still the one holding everything together. Let’s make sure she’s okay too.
The old Housing Corp building at 500 Victoria St - between Bryce St and the Claudelands bridge - is getting revamped inside and out under owner Primeproperty Group.
But the Wellington-headquartered company isn’t stopping there. It’s also set to spend $1m-plus on a second seven-storey project further up the street: the Norris Ward McKinnon (NWM) office building.
Primeproperty bought 500 Victoria St in 2016 for $8.1 million.
Project manager Richard Tait was positive about being able to get tenants in the current climate.
“We wouldn’t be doing it otherwise.”
They were targetting government clients or any “reasonable tenant”.
And, he added: “Potential tenants are telling us they want to be in Hamilton because that’s where the business is for them and there’s a large population.”
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.
Find out what's on in the central city in June!
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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)
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.
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
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.
Based on Lloyd Kaufman’s cult film and winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical, with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music and lyrics by David Bryan. The Toxic Avenger is a charming love story and laugh-out-loud musical that has it all: an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey mayor (Courteney Mayall) and two guys who play… well, everyone else … bullies, mobsters, old ladies and stiletto-wearing back up singers.
Enter Melvin Ferd the Third (Alex Pelham Waerea), an aspiring earth scientist. Who wants to clean up Tromaville, the most polluted town in New Jersey (just off Exit 13B on the Turnpike). Foiled by the mayor’s bullies, (Bailey Lindsey and Marangai Wainohu-Savage)
The French Film Festival Aotearoa is returning to Lido Cinema screens on May 28th With a gala screening of the wonderful, Monsieur Aznavour, followed by 3 weeks of the very best films that France has to offer.
Peppa Pig is back touring New Zealand for the first time since 2018 in her oink tastic stage show, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans and is a perfect introduction to theatre.
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Join Professor Penfold in his race against time to create a fantastical solution to the city’s rubbish problem!
With an impatient mayor breathing down his neck, an enthusiastic but clumsy nephew causing havoc in the lab, what more could possibly go wrong for the professor?
The Perfectly Peculiar Practice of Professor Penfold is a wonderfully wacky, and joyful experience for people of all ages – kids and parents alike!
Written by Scott Granville and Courteney Mayall
1st July -Saturday, 5thJuly, 10:30 am & 1 pm (10:30 am only on Sat 5thJuly)
For the first time ever, the All Blacks face France in Hamilton. Let’s make FMG Stadium a fortress! Get your tickets now before they’re gone.
The battle ends here. The final Test of the Lipovitan-D Series against France is more than just a game—it’s a statement.
For the first time ever, the All Blacks face France in Hamilton, so don’t miss the chance to witness history.
Wear the black jersey. Bring the noise. Make FMG Stadium Waikato a fortress.
Tickets from just $40.
A great line up of events on each month at Last Place!
We invite you to join us for a night celebrating the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty, as we present the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands – from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others
All the hits that defined a generation, and have been passed on for many more – all in one night, live, on stage.
Creedence Clearwater Collective brings to the stage a band that captures the unique CCR sound.
You do not want to hear through the grapevine that you missed out on this howling good time.
Join us, a real-life travelling band.
Take it to the limit, Desperado, Lyin Eyes and the world famous Hotel California.A six-piece band lead by Whalen Hughes and David Thompson as Don Henley and Glenn Frey, arguably the best sounding anywhere in the world.Secure your tickets now and be part of a night that pays homage to one of the greatest bands in history.
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