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.
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.”
In a world moving fast, RUBY Blink 2025 is your pause ~ a quiet flash of certainty; the kind you only catch if you’re truly looking.
Introducing RUBY’s winter 2025 collection, Blink captures that familiar winter feeling. The early sunsets, the cozy layers and the invitation to hibernate after a big summer ~ all signs point to a season of soft resets. And while the nights grow longer, the stars burn brighter ~ let Blink be the one you follow.
It was the year 2000, on an overcast morning in May, when Vanessa Herbert (nee Nieper) launched her first fashion label and clothing store in Hamilton.
Now, 25 years, a rebrand and a change of hands later, NES is still going strong and preparing for a new chapter.
Herbert said she always had a passion for fashion, sewing her own clothes and sketching designs while working as a travel agent at Flight Centre in Auckland, but she didn’t think that she could turn it into a career.
Whether you're stepping into a new role, suiting up for a big occasion, or simply upgrading your everyday wardrobe - they're here to help you look sharp and feel your best.
Their collection covers every moment, from tailored suits and blazers to smart casual wear, all designed with one goal in mind: to fit you. That means more than just sizes - it’s about proportions that flatter, fabrics that move with you, and thoughtful details that make a difference. They’ve been dressing men since 1946, so when it comes to fit, style and quality, you’re in expert hands.
They offer ready-to-wear styles in a wide range of sizes, including short and tall fits you won’t find everywhere. Need something more precise? Their made-to-measure service delivers suits, shirts and blazers crafted just for you- the ultimate in personal style and comfort. They also provide expert alterations to make sure every garment feels like it was made for you, because it should.
Their in-store team are fit experts. They’ll help you find your ideal size, style, and cut - no guesswork, no pressure. Just good people who know what works, and how to make you feel confident in it.
Because at Rembrandt, fit isn’t just how something sits on your shoulders - it’s how it makes you stand taller.
The Cut Hut provides haircut services to people in an environment that can cater to individualised needs and sensitivities such as neurodiversity, LGBT, mental disabilities and physical disabilities. The specialised services is called the 'People Cut'. and is a scheduled service with an experienced hair stylist.
Appointment (15 minutes) - $20 includes consultation 'People Cut' and finish.
Appointment (30 minutes) - $40 includes consultation, hair wash, 'People Cut' and finish.
Appointment (45 minutes) - $60 includes consultation, hair wash, "People Cut' and finish.
Appointment (1 hour) - $80 includes consultation, hair wash, 'People Cut' and finish.
Seniors, Tertiary, Secondary, Primary and CSC holders receive 10% off their individualised 'People Cut'.
Contact Lee directly for any enquiries on 022 479 6615 or to schedule an appointment.
Alternatively you can use the book now button on The Cut Hut Facebook page to request an appointment time that suits you. Please leave your name, number and haircut service requirements. An appointment time can be scheduled accordingly.
The Cut Hut is located at 12 Hood Street, Hamilton
When Charoenvach Suntronchatchavach and his partner took over Dora’s Café in 2023, it wasn’t just a new business venture - it was the continuation of a deeply rooted family tradition in hospitality.
For nearly a decade, the couple worked alongside Suntronchatchavach’s parents at the Jasmine Thai restaurants in Ōtorohanga and Taumarunui.
“It was six days a week, 10am to 9pm,” he recalls. “It was a bit too much for 10 years.”
Seeking a new pace and a fresh opportunity, the pair found themselves drawn to Hamilton’s city vibe - specifically, the little café his partner Pathitta Raksadee had grown fond of while studying at Wintec.
Every Sunday for the past 25 years, a mother and her son have walked into Scotts Epicurean and ordered the same dish.
It started with a one-week-old in a capsule, tucked beside her table. Now, that baby is almost 25, and their Sunday ritual continues - a weekly pilgrimage for a plate of aglio olio.
“Just yesterday, a customer sent me a photo of her with her one week old son in a capsule over there, and the son's coming up 25 now, and they still come in every Sunday,” says current owner Donna Ferguson.
The enduring love for aglio olio - the simple yet unforgettable combination of spaghetti tossed with garlic, chilli, parsley, olive oil, and parmesan - has become something of a legend in Hamilton.
The Crate Coffee serves up great coffee and a delicious range of sweet and savoury treats, all crafted with care.
Known for their famous cinnamon scroll, they're the perfect spot for a quality coffee break or a little something special on the go.
Friendly service, bold flavours and a welcoming atmosphere is what The Crate Coffee is all about.
They also have a name board out the front so if you see your name on the board it is your day for a free coffee!
A new wellness hub in the Hamilton CBD will soon have pilates, yoga, ice baths, meditation and massage all in one place.
O-Studio, at 18 London Street is under construction and will be run by ex-Black Sticks hockey player Brooke Hayde and her husband Cam .
The studio, in a building being developed by Stark Property, has a target opening date of June.
Get ready for a relaxing evening of candle-making and unleash your inner creativity.
Visionary Hamilton developer Matt Stark is putting more skin in the game and taking the city to new heights with a $100m-plus investment in the Federated Farmers block.
It’s the latest Stark Properties development, and Stark says the “well over $100 million” project is part of their investment in making Hamilton a “great place to live and work”.
The Waikato Farmer Trust announced the sale of its property portfolio to Stark Property on Tuesday.
The significant 12,094m² landholding includes the six-storey Farmer Trust building, existing tenanted buildings, car-parks and vacant land.
A recent deal between Tainui and a big US investor shows how Hamilton and its surrounds are on an economic roll say business and political leaders.
And others from outside the region are also knocking on the door, says the mayor.
Tainui Group Holdings’ agreement with major international asset manager Brookfield Asset Management is set to provide $1 billion-plus benefits for developing the Ruakura Superhub in a major boost for Hamilton, the Waikato and the wider country.
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.
The Bruce Springsteen Experience is an international-level show dedicated to honouring the timeless music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Featuring a full nine-piece lineup, this captivating performance delivers an electrifying blend of visual and audio excitement. Audiences are consistently wowed, with standing ovations being the norm.
As 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic "Born to Run" album, The Bruce Springsteen Experience will perform the album in its entirety, along with a selection of The Boss's greatest hits. This special celebration promises to be a remarkable tribute, allowing fans to relive the magic of Springsteen’s music like never before. Don't miss this unforgettable experience!
Saturday Night Fever defined the disco era and the high-energy second act delivers chartbuster after chartbuster from the Bee Gees, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Yvonne Elliman, The Trammps, Graham Bonnet and others – Night Fever, Jive Talkin’, Disco Inferno, Stayin’ Alive, More Than A Woman, Emotion, Warm Ride, If I Can’t Have You, How Deep is Your Love, You Should be Dancing and so much more.
Saturday Night Fever was the biggest selling sound recording between 1977 and 1980 with highest daily sales of 200,000 USA copies, and topped the popularity surveys of Billboard, Cashbox and Record World.
Awarded the Album of the Year Grammy in 1979, the release stayed in the Top 200 for 29 consecutive months and made Barry Gibb the first solo songwriter in history to have three consecutive #1’s and four songs in the Top Ten simultaneously.
Saturday Night Fever has since been added to the American National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress as “culturally, historically and aesthetically significant”. Stayin’ Alive continues to make history as it features the first drum loop ever recorded on a pop music track and the Brooklyn Shuffle moves are still in evidence on the dance floor.
After humble beginnings in a garage, to a record-breaking rise to the top of the podcast charts, Aotearoa’s favourite trio — Jordan Vaha'akolo, Brook Ruscoe, and Marc Peard — are taking The Morning Shift to the people. This August and September, they’ll be bringing eight massive shows across Aotearoa and Australia in their first-ever LIVE tour.
Real people, real talk and now real life. Expect all the stuff you love from the podcast: deep kōrero, big laughs, a few tears, spontaneous/questionable singing, plus whatever Jordan decides to overshare that night. The live show brings the podcast to life, with that signature Morning Shift energy that turns commutes into therapy sessions and takes gym workouts to another level.
The Morning Shift is more than a podcast, it's a community. Having now ticked over two years of being #1 in your hearts (sometimes #1 in the charts), their podcast has become a staple for thousands of New Zealanders who tune in daily.Whether you’re a Day One Shifter or just joined the movement last week — this is your moment.
Rally the crew, book the babysitter, and get ready for a night that promises to shift you.Thanks to Nando’s, who’ve helped take this dream from the garage to the stage.Shift Nation, we on.
The Black Flames are ready to burn the house down.
It’s been 30 years since Aaron Gascoigne stormed Hamilton stages fronting local rock legends ColdShock — a band that left its mark on the city with raw power, sweat, and sound. Now he’s back. And this time, he’s bringing fire, brass, and a full-blown musical machine.
The Black Flames are an 11-piece supergroup fusing rock, funk, and soul — the brainchild of Netherworld Dancing Toys founder Nick Sampson, alongside longtime collaborators Tim Robinson and Steve Shaw.
Up front:
Gascoigne — Waikato-born and battle-tested — a showman with the grit of rock and the heart of soul.
Beside him: Moana Richardson — a phenomenal young soul vocalist whose star is rising fast. Taking on the mantle once held by Annie Crummer, Moana brings undeniable power, grace, and soul well beyond her years. She’s the real deal — and she’s just getting started.
On guitar and vocals, Nick Sampson — the songwriter behind some of New Zealand’s biggest anthems (and yes, For Today is in the set).
In the engine room: Steve Shaw (The Loving Arms) on bass, Tim Robinson on drums, and Michael Larsen (ex-Jan Hellriegel band) on keys.
Overhead? A horn section that slaps — five of NZ’s finest from The Instigators, Wonderfish Collective, The Alibis and more — razor-sharp and loud as hell.
Their brand new single launches live on the night.
And it’s not just The Black Flames lighting up the room — opening the night are two of NZ’s most exciting young bands:
Pocket Watch — a gritty, high-energy crew with killer riffs and youthful swagger.
The Rain — indie rock with soul, heart, and hooks that stay with you long after the lights go out.
This isn’t just a gig — it’s a homecoming.
A new chapter.
And a chance to dance like it's 1994 again — but bigger, tighter, and groovier than ever.
A celebration of Afrikaans with Bobby van Jaarsveld, Ruhan du Toit and Corlea Both with JD Mars.
This is three hours of great Afrikaans music by the best from South Africa. Kom kuier saam in jou taal by Afrikaans is Lekker. Moontlik gemaak deur die ondersteuning van Afriforum Wereldwyd.
Hamilton’s own Berkley Normal Middle School turns up the volume with Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical!
Mitchie, Shane and their friends square off against rival Camp Star in a winner-takes-all showdown bursting with guitar-driven anthems, energetic choreography and hits like “This Is Me,” “Can’t Back Down” and “We Rock.”
Packed with humour and heart, this 70-minute, family-friendly production proves that friendship beats fame and music shines brightest when shared. Enjoy high-energy performances and irresistibly catchy pop-rock numbers, brought to the stage by Berkley students. Book now and join the jam!
Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI.
SkyCity Hamilton this August presents the very best in Local and International Stand Up comedy once again.
Their headline act this month is the amazing Hayley Sproull. Star of the ZM Morning show, Taskmaster, 7 Days and host of this year's Comedy Gala, we are honoured Hayley will be at Hamilton's newest and best comedy club.
Support will be from one of Hamilton's finest exports, Paul Douglas. The master yarn spinner has been one of the busiest comedians in New Zealand since he broke onto the scene 10 years ago with commanding performances on The Comedy Gala and 7 Days.
“There are many ways to enjoy pleasure and laughter as a human being, one of the easiest is watching Paul Douglas” - Dai Henwood
The show will be hosted by the hairiest and best known faces in NZ comedy, Ben Hurley.
R18
General Admission: $43.28 each ($39.00 + $4.28 fees)
Step inside a compelling visual narrative that challenges society’s assumptions and celebrates the power of change. RAW Beauty is a transformative photographic master’s exhibition curated by Annah
Stretton, bringing to light the stories of waahine with lived experience of incarceration not as statistics, but as women of deep strength, mana, and untapped potential.
In this collection of striking portraits and personal reflections, the exhibition directly responds to the historic injustice of the state mugshot imagery captured and circulated without agency or consent. Here, those same women reclaim their image, voice, and future on their own terms.
The work has been developed in partnership with the waahine of RAW (Reclaim Another Woman), a pioneering social initiative that supports high-risk women to exit cycles of offending, poverty, and dependence. RAW offers a long-term, wraparound model of care that includes education, employment, and whaanau reconnection, walking alongside women both during and after their time in prison.
11am – 12.30am
1pm – 2.30pm
3pm – 4.30pm
5pm – 6.30pm
7pm – 8.30pm
Ticket Price
Non-Members Ticket Price - $50
Bookings for a Table of up to 4 Guests
Choose from 40+ available wines to taste
8 different countries and over 20 different regions
Taste up to 15 different wines & Specialty Products
No BYO. Food availability at venue
Parking available on site
Book a table for up to 4 people
Exclusive Event Only offers available on the day
Limited seats available. Register early to secure your preferred day & session time.
The Wine Community Members (and guests) - FREE
No Large Group Bookings. Maximum 1 Table per group
After months of hard work, Bruce Cooper and I are proud to share The View from Poets Corner – a short film packed with creativity that brings Bruce’s poetry to life.
Premiere Night – Saturday 9 August
Nivara Lounge, Hamilton
Doors 7PM | Screening 8PM
Koha/donation entry – everyone welcome
Join us for the very first public screening, with a live poetry reading from Bruce and music from the incredible one-man band Mike Conlon.
Come grab a drink, hear the words, and see the film on the big screen for the first time.
Big Thanks To Hamilton City Council, The Creative Communities Scheme, and Creative Waikato for Funding and Support in the Development of this Film
About the Film.
Bruce Cooper, a Māori street poet from Fairfield, shares four raw and reflective poems inspired by the signs and stories of Poets' Corner. Filmed with a DIY spirit, it blends lo-fi charm and poetic grit – with cardboard props and handmade sets bringing Bruce’s words to life. Honest, creative, and rooted in place, The View from Poets' Corner turns everyday struggle into spoken word theatre.
Champagne Weather sounds like diving headfirst into a pool. For a moment, everything disappears. For a moment, you're wrapped in a bubble that drowns out the noise.It's bold new music from Canadian Folk Music Award-winners and JUNO nominees James Hill and Anne Janelle. Both artists have one foot in folk music and the other in contemporary classical. Champagne Weather finds them artfully bridging these two worlds with a sound that evokes Philip Glass and Steve Reich even as it harks back to Appalachian fiddle and English folksong.Champagne Weather creates space. Space between the mind and the body, space to be together, space to be alone. Strange and beautiful music for strange and beautiful times.Special opening set by Wildhorse.
All ages.
$19.00+BF
This months lineup includes:
MC Sam Barnes
Chey Johanson
Flynn Beetham
Kat - The Singing Hobbit
Kevin Passman
Lance T
Sandra Pace
Shaun O'Neill
Stefan Ayto.
Get your tickets presale from Eventfinda $15+booking fees or $20 at the door.
If you want to have a go at Comedy message through HaHaHamilton Facebook page to enquire about getting on the bill.
An exclusive wellness experience to celebrate the launch of the new EPICUTIS Hydrobiome Mist.
Tickets $90 per person includes;
A gentle all levels mat pilates, stretch and breath class
A full size NEW Epicutis Hydrobiome mist (worth $115)
Refreshments and nibbles
A Goodie bag full of health and wellness treats and skincare worth over $300
Arrive 10.45am or a 11am class.
Hosted by Loren Ahsley Skin Clinic and Epicutis at the beautiful new O-Studio Hamilton
Reserve your spot by emailing hello@lorenashleyskin.co.nz
Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on all that is happening in the city centre.
Never miss a beat in Hamilton Central
10 Garden Place,
Hamilton Central