Stories

A relaxed and classy vibe awaits food lovers, with the flavours of Thai cuisine coming to life, right in the heart of Hamilton central.

Thai Classic, at the northern end of Victoria St, has been operating for 15 years and can fit up to 35 diners with Noi McKay taking over three years ago.

The previous incarnation of Thai Classic had blue carpet and maroon-coloured walls, which McKay did not like.

She gave the walls a greener, “more relaxed and classy” look and the flooring a wood lino look.

“Green is also my favourite colour,” McKay said.

In addition to Thai Classic, McKay is also the co-owner of Chim Thai restaurant in Rototuna, with Don McIlraith.

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It’s arguably Hamilton’s most significant artwork. It was probably the most unloved - for a while at least - and it is almost certainly the most valuable.

And now the iconic, large scale mural - created in 1973 by famed New Zealand artist Ralph Hotere and installed in the now-demolished Founders Theatre - has been placed inside its “forever home” in the Waikato Regional Theatre.

It’s the latest major development in an increasingly exciting series of developments, which will come to a head when the new theatre opens on January 19 with three nights of community-led celebrations.

Soon after will be the official launch event in the form of a concert by the acclaimed musician Teeks, followed by a sold-out show by the revered Dave Dobbyn - who has just added a second show the following night.

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A new bar could be on the cards in central Hamilton, but its owners are remaining tight-lipped on the venture as yet.

The Waikato Times understands Good George brewing director Jason Macklow is looking to build a new pub on Barton St, where the Coffee Studio is currently located.

The site was purchased in 2018 by Future Properties NZ Limited for $1.8 million.

Records show Macklow is the sole director of Future Properties NZ Limited.

When contacted by the Waikato Times, Macklow confirmed he had bought the Barton St site.

But he declined to confirm what sort of hospitality venture would be developed, saying it’s confidential at the moment.

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Macklow said he hasn’t decided what would be located at Barton St and would provide more detail in the new year.

Macklow, along with Darrel Hadley were the founders of the Phoenix Group, which owns numerous restaurants and bars around Hamilton. The pair have decades of involvement in the Hamilton hospitality scene, originating at the now Lawrenson Group-owned Outback Inn and Iguana in the 1990s.

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Hamilton has been recognised on the international stage for the Love the Centre campaign -- taking out the award over finalists from Sydney and Melbourne.

The Hamilton Central Business Association (HCBA) won the Best Traditional or Digital Marketing Award at the Mainstreet Australia 2025 Awards for the campaign.

The awards featured finalists from all over Australia and New Zealand, and honoured groups who were revitalising main streets.

HCBA General Manager Vanessa Williams said the group decided to enter the competition while organising their own Love the Centre Awards last year.

The HBCA were “so incredibly proud of the work that we had done with Daymark around the creation of the Love centre website”.

“So we thought, actually, yeah, let's put our money where our mouth is and, and see if there is an award programme that we could enter that celebrates our achievement as well.”

Asked how it felt to take out the award over other finalists, Williams said, “there was a lot of pride of Hamilton representing on the international stage against business associations in Sydney and Melbourne”.

“There was a little bit of chest puffing, I'll be honest.”

She said that the award recognised how the Love the Centre campaign showcased the city centre and local businesses.

“With our international flights we have with Jetstar now, you know, encouraging people over from Sydney and the Gold Coast, it's great to be able to profile the best of Hamilton City centre, and I think we do that.”

And what’s next for Love the Centre?

Williams said the HCBA were still growing the content of the site, and were listing more businesses. She added they were also looking into how they could use AI in the campaign.

“We're looking at different things that will make this a really functional site that people ... can use to really find the best of Hamilton Central.”

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From cakes to sweets, savouries and donuts, Gailers Cake Kitchen has it all.

The bakery’s roots date back to post-World War II, when a German man, Mr Gailer, moved to Hamilton.

Gailer opened the bakery in 1948, alongside two other staff members.

The bakery moved around Hamilton over the years, before settling on its current location in the northern part of Hamilton’s CBD.

Sharon Smith and her husband Brent have been running the Victoria St bakery for 30 years, though Smith said they originally planned to own it for only ten years.

Brent starts at 9pm and works through the night, making sure the sweets and pies are ready to go when the doors open at 6am.

Sharon and staffer Rachel, come in around 2am and stay on until closing at 2pm.

Smith said she wanted to sell the bakery two years before Covid, but her husband talked her out of it.

K Chicken is the authentic Korean food experience, where you'll elevate your expectations of what fried chicken can — and should — be.

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Forget everything you thought you knew about crispy chicken; K Chicken is here to set the benchmark for decadence, texture, and seasoning. It's a must-visit for visitors and locals alike who want to rediscover the heart of the city.

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Beyond the Chicken: The Full K-Food Experience

While the Korean Fried Chicken is the main event, K Chicken's menu is a unique blend of traditional and modern Korean dishes, embodying the spirit of K-Food, food shared and generously.

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This is the perfect place to gather your friends and family after a day of exploring the Hamilton Centre. The menu is designed to give you maximum enjoyment and value, because in Korean culture, great food is meant to be shared.

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Varieties of Selections

Dive into Tteokbokki: soft, chewy rice cakes smothered in a rich, sweet, and spicy sauce —a popular Korean street food that's texturally diverse and so satisfying.

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Or if you're after a different kind of handheld meal, K Chicken's take on the classic fast food item—the K Burgers—feature juicy patties and Korean seasonings, offering a fusion of international comfort food.

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And the rice bowl options — Soy Honey Chicken on Rice or Spicy Chicken on Rice — are perfectly portioned, hearty meals with fluffy rice, tender chicken, and fresh coleslaw, making them great for a quick lunch during a busy shopping trip.

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Their generous portions and value for money have been a hit with our customers. A Combo Special, for instance, is often enough to satisfy three people, making it a bargain and a delicious choice for groups. This emphasis on value ensures that everyone leaves K Chicken feeling not just full, but also satisfied and smart for choosing us.

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This focus on generosity means everyone leaves feeling full and loved

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The atmosphere at K Chicken is part of the experience. It's clean, welcoming, and often has K-pop music playing, so you're immersed in the fun and vibrant K-culture that's taking over the world.

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It's where the food, music, and staff come together to make a meal to remember.

Hamilton’s central city came alive at the Love the Centre Awards, sponsored by Spark Business and supported by Mediaworks on Wednesday 29 October. Taking over the stunning K’aute Pasifika fale, business people gathered for an evening that fizzed with energy, creativity, and pride, recognising the establishments that make Hamilton’s CBD a true destination.

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The venue was transformed into a place of beauty with lush greenery and dramatic tiered grandstands, immersing guests in comfort and connection. As conversations flowed, guests were treated to Cream Eatery’s creative catering, including a wildly popular raw seafood bar and a decadent tiramisu bar, setting the tone for indulgence and celebration.

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The awards ceremony, delivered in two halves, recognised and celebrated the businesses that stood out to a panel of judges. Throughout the night, the talented MC Kelvyn Eglinton ensured no moment went uncelebrated, while Royal Lab’s innovative design, SBI Production’s top-tier production and Moving Media along with Ruth Gilmour Photography captured every embrace, cheer, and triumphant smile. At half time Select FM DJs electrified the audience with a Homegrown artist showcase, reminding everyone of the major talent coming soon to Hamilton.

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“This evening is a celebration of what makes central Hamilton thrive, our businesses, our people, our experiences,” said Vanessa Williams, General Manager of Hamilton Central Business Association. “It is an honour to recognise the talent, hard work, and resilience of our businesses. It is through dedication, passion and determination that the business community has turned Hamilton central into a place where people want to be!”

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Spark Business, longtime sponsor, returned for the eighth year as the main sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to helping local businesses flourish. “Spark is proud to champion innovation and connection across Hamilton’s city centre,” said Fabian Pathirana, Business Lead, Spark Business. “The businesses recognised tonight are creating opportunities, building community, and showcasing exactly why people love being in the heart of our city.”

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MediaWorks, supporting sponsor, echoed this dedication. “MediaWorks is here to help tell the stories of Hamilton’s most dynamic, driven businesses,” said Stewart Melrose, General Manager, Mediaworks Waikato. “Tonight’s event reflects the diversity and ambition that make the CBD such a remarkable place.”

The awards ceremony, produced by Hamilton Central Business Association, is a highlight on the business calendar, a night devoted to championing those making a lasting impact in the central city.

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View awards evening photos here

Some of Hamilton’s most loved locations were celebrated on Wednesday night at the 2025 Love the Centre Awards. Waikato Times visual journalist Christel Yardley was there to capture the glitzy event.

Some of Hamilton’s favourite places were celebrated on Wednesday night at the 2025 Love the Centre Awards, recognising businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of the CBD.

Winners include hospitality hot spots such as Mr Pickles, Cream and the Dumpling House, among others.

The awards were held at the K’aute Pasifika fale, which was transformed with lush greenery and tiered grandstands for the occasion. Guests enjoyed catering from Cream Eatery, including a raw seafood bar and tiramisu bar.

General manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association, Vanessa Williams, said the event recognised the contribution of businesses to the city centre’s vitality.

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Hamilton Central Business Association's 'Love the Centre' initiative has been recognised internationally, winning the Best Traditional or Digital Marketing Award at the 2025 Mainstreet Australia Awards on the 18th September in Melbourne.

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The 'Love the Centre' campaign, which showcases Hamilton's central city through innovative digital platforms and traditional marketing approaches, stood out amongst competitors from across Australia and New Zealand.

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At the heart of the winning campaign is the newly launched website, lovethecentre.co.nz, which invites visitors to "Rediscover the heart of the city." The digital platform beautifully captures what makes Hamilton's central city special, showcasing local businesses, events, and hidden treasures that bring our city centre to life.

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The website serves as a comprehensive guide to everything happening in Hamilton Central, from dining options to entertainment, shopping experiences to cultural events. Its user-friendly design and engaging content have increased connections between businesses and visitors.

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Save the date: New Zealand’s newest world-class entertainment venue, the Waikato Regional Theatre, will officially open its doors on Monday, January 19.

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And one of New Zealand’s best singer-songwriters will be taking part in a first week of events that promises to be a memorable chapter in Hamilton’s history.

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The series of opening events comprise three nights of community opening celebrations titled To The Stars/Ki ngā Whetū - which is described as being “built through the hands, voices and imaginations of the Waikato community”.

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This will be followed by theatre operators Live Nation’s official launch event on the evening of January 23 - further details on which will be revealed within the next few weeks.

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The opening week will close out the following night with one of Aotearoa’s most beloved and awarded artists, Sir Dave Dobbyn, who will bring his Selected Songs Tour to the Waikato.

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