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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.

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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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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Cut Hut offers individualised haircut services to all people and provides an environment that can cater to individual needs and sensitivities such as neurordiversity, LGBT, mental disabilities, and physical disabilities. This specialised service is called a "People Cut" and is a scheduled service with an experienced Hairstylist.

•Appointment (30 minutes) - $40

Includes consultation, "People Cut" & finish.

•Appointment (45 minutes) - $60

Includes consultation, hair wash, "People Cut" & finish.

•Appointment (1 hour) - $80

Includes consultation, hair wash, "People Cut" & finish.

Contact Lee directly on 022 479 6615 for any enquires or to schedule an appointment. Alternatively you can use the book now button on The Cut Hut Facebook page to request an appointment time

Payment options are cash, direct credit, or stripe payment (paywave only). 

Please use the name and account number below with The Cut Hut as the reference 

LEVIBLOOR T/A THE CUT HUT

12-3122-0411581-00

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Get ready for a relaxing evening of candle-making and unleash your inner creativity.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

• Pre-parade 1.15pm – 2pm includes colourful characters and our Corporate Clowns handing out lollies.
• The parade starts at 2pm.

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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.

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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!

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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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