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As vacancy across the CBD rises, a new kind of workplace is taking shape - softer, more flexible, and built around how people actually want to work.

Over the second half of 2024, office vacancy in Hamilton’s CBD rose from 7.2% to 9.0%.

While the numbers point to contraction - with occupied space falling by 9,300m2 in just six months - they also reflect a transformation in how and where people want to work.

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Hot shot Hamilton property developer Matt Stark has scooped up the old Fed Farmers building in London Street.

Stark Property has bought all of the Waikato Farmer Trust’s property assets for sale on the site, a sizeable chunk on the west end of London Street opposite Seddon Park.

The Trust announced on Tuesday that they’ve sold their commercial properties which included parking lots, commercial properties and the 6-storey office building on London Street to Stark Property.

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Known for its warm atmosphere and authentic flavours, this family-run gem invites you to slow down and savour the little joys of life—one crêpe at a time.

Whether you're craving a perfectly crisp galette filled with savoury delights, a melt-in-your-mouth sweet crêpe, or a golden, fluffy Belgian waffle, Le Rendez-vous delivers French comfort with a smile. The café’s menu blends tradition with creativity, offering something for every palate—from the curious foodie to the homesick Francophile.

Now offering dinner service on Thursdays and Fridays, Le Rendez-vous is the perfect spot to wind down your week with a relaxed evening of delicious French fare and friendly service.

Behind the counter is a passionate French family pouring heart and soul into every dish. With their welcoming spirit and attention to detail, Le Rendez-vous isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to connect.

Perfect for a cosy breakfast, casual lunch, or indulgent dinner, Le Rendez-vous is a local favourite and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Hamilton’s culinary scene.

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Menu.

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With classic games, exciting challenges, and modern favourites, there's something for everyone to enjoy, and win big prizes.

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Take your friends on an exhilarating adventure in a new reality and experience immersive entertainment together.Fight robots and dragons, survive a zombie horde, throw a virtual snowball, or even play Angry Birds!The choice is yours, only at Fun Zone.

The Laser Tag arena features state-of-the-art technology, with the very best equipment from Megazone and using the latest visual and sound effects to create an adrenaline fueled battle zone.It’s the perfect venue for team-building events, a great night out with friends or family. Ready to do battle?

Designed for any kids who have a basic understanding of colour. It's a great introduction to our games requiring players to solve clues, find locations, and best of all, get the opportunity to grab a free prize at the end.

Whilst it's targeted at 5 to 10 year-olds, the game can be enjoyed by slightly younger kids with assistance and older ones too! Get the kids outside, off devices, and into a bit of exercise. It's suitable for prams and strollers; perfect for mums or dads with babies and toddlers in tow. Grab a coffee en-route and enjoy helping your kids play! A 60 minute time frame is recommended.

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The revelation comes from Sanjil Mistry and Pienaar Piso, who own the city’s current tallest building, the Mistry Centre in Ward St which towers over Centre Place.

It’s currently being transformed into a 191-bed Pullman hotel operation with beds over 12 floors, with several floors of office and retail space as well. Hotel opening is scheduled by the end of next year.

The revelation is the latest in what is rapidly becoming a hotel boom for the city.

Mistry’s and Piso’s comments on them looking at a second hotel came on Thursday in an interview arranged long before the announcement the same day that Auckland’s Templeton Group had gone unconditional on a deal with the city council.

Players will encounter a savage caveman surrounded by menacing, long-toothed predators including the wild Sabre-tooth cat and the giant woolly rhino.

• 18 holes
• 3 zones
• Black-light/glow-in-the-dark area

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Passersby on Hamilton’s Victoria Street got the first look at another section of the Regional Theatre’s new façade after scaffolding was removed on Wednesday.

The appearance of a fresh section of the restored plaster façade of the old hotel frontage is another visible milestone for locals and visitors in the ongoing construction of the 1300-seat theatre that promises to revolutionise entertainment in the city.

The decision to preserve the building’s neoclassical façade is getting the tick from people seeing it for the first time, who say it blends old and new.

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The new hotel development from the Templeton Group will be a few shops down from Riverbank Lane on Victoria Street.

At around 100m high, it’ll be nearly twice the height of the Mistry building which is currently the tallest building in the CBD.

Riverbank Lane’s Kopi Cafe owner Dave Tourelle had a visit from the mayor and Templeton founder Nigel McKenna on Wednesday when they came for a coffee, and says he thinks McKenna will do a “really good job”.

Auckland-headquartered Templeton and the city council announced on Thursday they’ve struck an unconditional deal with the city for the land next to Victoria on the River and promised to create an Auckland Viaduct-style hospitality precinct linking to the river.

The deal sees Templeton pay $6 million for council property at 242-254 Victoria St, Adjoining property at 260-266 Victoria St will be retained by the council and used to expand public space.

The new building’s still-to-be-finalised 25-storeys could be nearly double that of the current highest city building, the 13-storey Mistry Centre towering above Centre Place.

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The Waikato Local

Opinion: Vanessa Williams

Hamilton's central city is buzzing with activity, making it a prime spot for businesses and events to flourish.

Recently, Love the Centre and NAI Harcourts showcased the exciting growth happening in the area, with a development tour for the central city business community.

The tour kicked off at the south end of town with the impressive Waikato Regional Theatre.

This project is really taking shape, and attendees got a unique perspective from the rooftop of the newly refurbished Subway building at 159 Victoria Street.

The theatre, which is set to be completed this year, reached a milestone on March 3 with the removal of the last crane, dramatically altering the city's skyline.

For a striking view of the Hinuera stone- clad walls, auditorium structure, and the crowning Fly Tower, the theatre team recommends visiting Victoria on the River and looking upstream.

Next, the tour visited the redeveloped Westpac House at 426 Victoria Street, where attendees admired the state-of-the-art 'end of trip' facilities, including a fully equipped gym for Westpac House tenants, Tompkins Wake.

The tour continued to 500 Victoria St, across from Centre Place, where Prime Property highlighted their substantial investment in modernising this iconic seven-story building, enhancing its prominent status and offering stunning views.

The final stop on the tour was the tallest tower in the central city, where attendees learned about the Pullman Hotel development,which is set to be completed next year and incorporating a variety of unique offering for guests.

This exciting project promises to significantly contribute to the revitalisation of Hamilton's central city area.

These substantial developments give even more reason to Love the Centre.

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Vanessa Williams is the general manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association

Bottomless Brunch is every Saturday from 2pm.

This event is by reservation only.  

Cost $55pp

Your booking includes 2 hours of bottomless drinks service as well as any 2 share plates of your choice.

The full Bottomless Brunch food and drink menu can be found here.

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Do you want to party in town after the French test this July but you're worried everywhere will feel like a bit of a scrum?

Well you can “touch, pause, and engage” without any pushing and shoving at The Bank “Golden Oldies” After Party! That’s right, there'll be no pushing and shoving on our dance floor, just DJs inside, a live band outside, and a great crowd enjoying all the old school songs from the 80s and 90s that you know and love.

Tickets start at just $10 and numbers will be limited to make sure that everyone who attends has plenty of room to have a great time. So, if you’re heading to the French test in Hamilton this July, grab a ticket to the “Golden Oldies” After Party too, and we’ll see you at The Bank.

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Lugtons' Round the Bridges Super Saver Entry OPENS Monday July 7! Eight decades of community spirit, the iconic course, and shared memories!

Celebrating 80 Years Running

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history — grab Super Saver entry from July 7 and join the celebration!

Every year thousands of runners and walkers descend upon Hamilton City Centre for one of NZ's oldest and most beloved annually contested events, Lugton's Round the Bridges!

Established in 1945 by the Hamilton Harrier Club (now known as Hamilton City Hawks), Lugton's Round the Bridges started out as a road race designed to showcase some of NZ's top athletes, with past participants having included Barry Magee, Peter Snell and Dick Quax. Given its popularity, the event grew from strength to strength, eventually becoming the fantastic community event you see today!

Nowadays the event welcomes people of all shapes and sizes, from primary school students right through to running legends. With finisher's medals for every participant, on-course musical entertainment and thousands of fun-loving runners and walkers, Lugton's Round The Bridges offers an awesome day out which the entire family can enjoy.

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Limited tickets available - get in quick!

Hear from local colour-analysis expert, Chrystall Kerr from Colours to Keep

Opportunity to confirm if you are a silver, gold or rose gold

Giveaways and discounts

Refreshments provided

A fun event and supporting local business. Grab your tickets today!

$20pp

email enquiries@preciousmetals.co.nz or purchase in store.

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

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The Comedy Zone at Skycity Hamilton will host the best comedians from New Zealand and the rest of the world every single month starting this July!

Big 2 hour show on a Friday night featuring the best in professional comedy. The stars of 7Days, Taskmaster, The New Zealand Comedy Gala, Spelling Bee to name a fewWe kick off in July featuring international TV, Movie and Comedy star Josh Thomson.Josh has been a mainstay on local comedy shows like 7Days, Have You Been Paying Attention, was the regular comedian on The Project and was the champion of Season 3 of TaskMaster NZ. As an actor he’s appeared internationally in Prime’s The Office Australia, Netflix’s The New Legends Of Monkey, NBC’s Young Rock and local hits Good Grief, Creamerie, Wellington Paranormal, Educators, Time Bandits and the Emmy winning INSiDE.

Joining Josh will be 2024 Billy T Award winner, Lana Walters!Lana Walters is a comedian and writer whose standup has been called 'masterful mum comedy'. She has appeared on TV shows like 7 Days, The Project, The Comedy gala and The Great Comedy debate.Comedy Zone will be hosted each month by most recognisable hairy face in NZ Comedy, Ben Hurley.

Tickets from just $39 (+ $4.28 booking fee).

Step into the magical world of CATS – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical phenomenon!

Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Hamilton Operatic Society’s production will dazzle audiences with a spellbinding fusion of music, dance, and poetry.On one extraordinary night each year, the Jellicle cats gather for the Jellicle Ball. Under the watchful eye of their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, one special cat will be chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer—and be reborn into a new Jellicle life.Don’t miss your chance to experience the show that has captivated the world. CATS – a night of magic, mystery, and unforgettable music awaits.

Sat 9th August 2.00pm show will have sign language interpreters at the front of the auditorium.

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Dates: 26th July - 9th August

Produced by: Hamilton Operatic Society

Get ready to celebrate Bastille Day in style at SkyCity Hamilton! Join us a night filled with French flair and festivities.

Indulge in a delicious dinner inspired by French cuisine, followed by a spectacular show featuring live music, Cabaret entertainment, and more!

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of France. Book your tickets now and join us for a night to remember at SkyCity Hamilton.

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Step into a world of wonder with Illusionist Anthony Street, in a thrilling magic show crafted to captivate audiences of all ages! Anthony, renowned as the creator and star of the world-famous Celtic Illusion, brings his unique blend of breathtaking illusions, mind-bending magic, and boundless charisma to the stage. Prepare to be amazed as he conjures impossible feats before your eyes, blending traditional magic with modern spectacle, creating an experience that’s both heart-pounding and heartwarming.

From larger-than-life illusions to mind tricks that will leave you questioning reality, Anthony’s show is packed with surprises and interactive moments. Watch as the audiencebecomes part of the magic, as you gasp in disbelief, and everyone shares in the laughter, suspense, and pure joy that Anthony brings to every performance. Don’t miss the chance to see this truly wonderful spectacle this July and August across New Zealand!

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An exhibition by Alberta Harmer, Edward Riwai, and Darren Wise.

He rangi tā matawhāiti, he rangi tā matawhānui

A person with narrow vision has a restricted horizon; a person with wide vision has plentiful opportunities.

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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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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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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)

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