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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.
Saigon ’60s was name after Ho Chi Minh city (a.k.a Saigon) back in the 1960s.
Saigon in the ’60s was the capital of American colonisation, vivid and culturally well-blended with international flavours. Taking the inspiration from that retro vibe, they have named their restaurant “Saigon ’60s” with the vision to cook not only the most authentic Vietnamese foods for Kiwis, but to also unique fusion dishes that can satisfy any conservative guest, who is taking baby steps into this dynamic cuisine. From a starting point in Rotorua in 2018, and now having their newest restaurant in the heart of Hamilton CBD. Saigon ’60s is an eatery destination which should not be missed by locals and tourists.
Some of their top selling dishes include Roast Duck Pho, Spicy Lemongrass Noodle Soup, Noodle Salad Grilled Pork and of course their Banh Mi!
Whether you're a seasoned pho lover or new to Vietnamese cuisine, Saigon '60s offers something for everyone:
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100% Vegetarian Restaurant!
Status Restaurant showcases the finest in Vegetarian, Vegan and Jain cuisine, complimented by an exceptional dining experience built on careful attention to every aspect of service, food, atmosphere and beverages selection.
Their goal is to create food that restores, replenishes and revives.
Status Restaurant is a place to be nourished by simply prepared Vegan, Vegetarian and Jain food that comes from recipes their families have been preparing for generations in India.
Indian Chimney opened in May offering authentic Indian cuisine and spices.
Warm, inviting interiors with a touch of Indian decor suitable for both casual dining and special occasions.
Menu dishes include:
Check out their menu for more options!
Book a table or order a home delivery or takeaway today!
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.
26 September
31 October
28 November
Join us on the last Friday of every month (except December) for a relaxed morning at the Museum designed especially for whaanau with babies and pre-school aged children.
Enjoy a welcoming space to connect with others and explore the galleries at your own pace. We'll be in a different gallery every month and our friendly team will be on hand to answer questions and help you feel at home.
Whether you're new to Hamilton or just looking for a gentle outing, this is a great way to enjoy art and culture in a baby-friendly environment.
Join for one or both of the following practice sessions:
Monday 15 September, 1pm – Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum
Wednesday 17 September, 3:30pm – Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum
This joyful community experience welcomes singers of all levels to join together in song at waiata practices during September, culminating in a vibrant waiata nui (big sing) in the galleries of Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum.
Join te waiata nui - the big sing!
This year marks a special milestone – 50 years of Te Wiki o Te Reo Maaori. To celebrate, we’re inviting our community to come together for Te Waiata Nui – The Big Sing in the galleries of Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum.
Led by local legend and kaiako Harley Pitihira, this event is a celebration of music, language, and connection. Whether you’re a confident singer or just love to hum along, everyone is welcome.
The annual First Credit Union Christmas Parade is a must do Christmas experience for the young and young at heart. Come and join us for the festival fantasy as around 80-90 floats parade down Anglesea Street in central Hamilton.
This years’ beloved holiday parade features colourful grand floats representing the unique communities of Hamilton. Come and join us to see crazy characters, lively marching bands, dance group, ethnic groups, characters, amazing character balloons, and of course Santa Claus!
The Parade starts at the corner of Rostrevor and Anglesea Streets, travels down Anglesea Street, and ends at the corner of Anglesea and Knox Streets. The length of the route is 1.2km.
Get ready for an unforgettable night as we light up the Christmas tree for the first time. This exciting event promises a night of festive fun and dazzling lights! Join us in Garden Place on Saturday, 29 November, from 5pm to 9pm. We’ll have food trucks, various characters, face painting, balloon art and live entertainment! Don’t forget your picnic blankets. Stay tuned, the full programme will be available soon.
Join us at The Factory for Hamilton’s biggest Rock 2000 countdown party on Friday the 26th of September. This is the only place in the Waikato where you can enjoy the biggest rock songs of all time with a classic Beerfest twist. We’ll have a limited number of one litre steins (available with your favourite brew), free BBQ and spot prizes for heading down early. Entry is still free and doors open from 3pm
Saddle up, Cowboys and Cowgirls!
Get ready for The Country Superstars Experience, where the spirit of the Wild West meets the best of country music!
Join us for a boot-stompin', hat-tippin' party like no other, as Rodeo Rhythms brings you the ultimate country extravaganza!
Dust off your cowboy boots and two-step your way to our ranch for a night of dancing under the stars to the biggest country anthems from the decades! 
Featuring a live band alongside Morgan Wallen & Luke Combs Tribute.
Experience the magic of live performances, DJ sets, and dancers as they bring the hits of legends like Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and Shania Twain to life, alongside modern favorites from Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Taylor Swift!
Wing Valley Productions brings Outside In
Seven women navigate their lives and themselves inside prison, trying to manage how much the outside seeps in. As a new inmate arrives and another prepares to leave, the cracks appear in a dangerously-thin veneer of order.
Beaton created the script out of “…a desire to create roles for women where they are seen as the subject and not the object”.
Playmarket describes it as, “Brutal, funny and at heart, a love story…. an intensely honest portrayal of seven women’s lives within the hostile world of prison.”
24th September, 2025 (Wed) 2:00pm
24th September, 2025 (Wed) 6:00pm
Coming to Hamilton in the September school holidays, New Zealand’s own ‘Circus of Illusion Magic Show’. 90 minutes of fast-paced family entertainment!
Featuring New Zealand’s premiere Illusionist Andre Vegas and Company performing large-scale mind-blowing illusions. Special guest artist, Joel Fenton, known as Cirque Stuntman. With a mix of comedy and audience participation see him juggle chainsaws and get sucked inside a giant balloon.
Witness the incredible and stunning Nunya Bender. Presenting amazing aerial and contortion acts that need to be seen to be believed. New Zealand’s leading female magician, Felicity Rogers, weaves magic, puppetry, dance and theatre into her mesmerising original performances. Felicity will also turn the traditional gender roles in ‘magic’ upside down by sawing a man in half! Kids look out for Felicity’s son 11-year-old Leonardo who will present his very own illusion.
A theatre spectacular for all ages from preschoolers to grandparents and everyone in between.
The Hamilton Community Gospel Choir is a choir with heart, and is a wonderfully varied group from the Waikato Region who like to entertain and inspire our community with a contemporary range of music, mainly in the gospel style.
This September the concert will be full of fun, meaning and foot tapping melodies to brighten your Waikato winter, with a great variety of songs for all tastes. Songs will once again range from the following artists, amongst others: Mississippi Mass Choir, Chicago Mass Choir, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Faith Hill, Natalie Grant, Tauren Wells, CeCe Winans, Tori Kelly and the Waikato’s very own Te Rautini.
The choir has a great line up of soloists including Yolande Jooste, Debbie Shepherd, Christina Mellar and Sheena Smith, each bringing their unique style and sound.
We look forward to seeing you there, and leading you on a journey through our ‘You Will Be Found’ concert.
Join us for a day filled with colorful performances, authentic African cuisine, stunning artwork, vibrant music, performances and more.
Celebrate with us and experience the diverse beauty of Africa right here in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Entry to the event is free!
Experience one of the world's premier celebrations of Fleetwood Mac with Seventh Wonder. This electrifying show brings the full "Rumours" album to life, featuring classics like "Go Your Own Way," "Dreams," and "Don't Stop." This All - Star band mesmerizes with Fleetwood Mac's greatest hits including "Little Lies," "Gypsy," and "Say You Love Me."
As one of the most influential bands in rock history, Fleetwood Mac's legacy spans over 100 million records sold worldwide, with their 1977 masterpiece "Rumours" achieving over 45 million copies sold. Bloom's dedication and exquisite vocal talent ensure an unforgettable evening, honoring Fleetwood Mac's iconic sound and emotional depth.
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the magic of Fleetwood Mac's timeless music brought to life by one of Australia's most applauded vocal talents " Bloom", and her incredible band, featuring musicians from Jon English band, The Angels and more.
Described as "Sonically Perfect" and "As Good As It Gets", No other show comes close.
Enjoy an exciting evening of Pacific dance, singing and storytelling from the Students of Talents of the Pacific Academy – TOPA’s Enhancement and Development Classes.
You don’t want to miss this!
Don’t miss this 11 Piece Powerhouse band featuring internationally acclaimed artists who faithfully recreate the dynamic live performances of: The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Jackson Five, and many more MOTOWN Legends.
This amazing and uplifting show presents classic hits including: Reach Out, Stop In The Name Of Love, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg, Heatwave, Get Ready, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Dancing in The Streets, Uptight, Signed Sealed Delivered, You Can’t Hurry Love, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Standing On Shakey Ground, My Girl , Can You Feel It and many more.
The dynamic "all-singing all-dancing" band has performed at many sold out shows Internationally!
Watch the show videos and listen to the Live Recorded Album on the website:
www.dancingintheshadowsofmotown.com
Check out the YouTube Video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZYL9NeZYRE
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