Stories

Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate believes the city can host big hitters such as Taylor Swift with a new theatre on the way and Homegrown making its return early next year.

The Government announced it’s putting $40 million into securing major international events from 2026, as part of a larger $70 million tourism fund.

Southgate said the $70 million investment will put New Zealand firmly on the events map.

However, she wants to see Hamilton join in on the action.

“There are big events and hubs like Auckland, Queenstown and Wellington but Hamilton has just as much to offer as those big cities and we would like to see the love shared around.”

It comes as Homegrown makes its return to the city next year at Claudelands Oval and the new, $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre is almost ready to go.

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Anyone wanting the experience of seeing a show at Hamilton’s new $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre should mark off Saturday, March 28 in their diaries now.

That’s when the Soweto Gospel Choir will perform in the soon-to-open facility.

The choir last performed in Hamilton when they headlined the 2015 then-named Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival, to rave reviews.

The show will not be the first at the theatre - that is still to be announced, along with the opening date, however these are understood to be imminent.

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Close to 500 people are now earning a living from Hamilton’s new five-star hotel, with crews swarming over the Mistry Centre on Ward St as it transforms into the Pullman Hamilton.

Developers say the headcount — on site and across suppliers — underlines the project’s role as one of the CBD’s biggest employers right now, and a bellwether for the city’s confidence.

Developer Sanjil Mistry said the construction push had shifted up a gear in recent months and remained on schedule.

“The Mistry Centre project the Pullman Hamilton has made substantial progress in the last few months and we are still on track to complete the project in late 2026 as planned.

“Despite a challenging economic environment we are proud to say we look to support local trades and tradies where we can, and we estimate that the project employs close to 500 people - on and off site - in the region at any one time.”

Behind the glass and scaffolding is a $100 million overhaul of the city’s tallest building — 19 levels in total, 17 above ground — into a 191-room premium hotel with a rooftop bar and private lounge, plus conference and office space.

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Fifteen years in, Dumpling House is still packing out tables — from its 25-seat Grey St original to the 80-seat CBD spot that’s been humming since 2018.

Owner Lei Wang says loyalty keeps the steam rising even as wallets tighten.

Wang came to Hamilton as an international student more than two decades ago, finished a management degree in marketing and finance, worked in senior roles, then teamed up with her mother, a fifth-generation hospitality hand who moved here in 2006.

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Homegrown organisers are signalling an at least 18-year commitment to Hamilton as they prepare to host fans in March 2026.

The Claudelands venue is about 2.5 times the size of the previous venue, Wellington’s waterfront, and keeps stages within walking distance of bars, eateries and hotels, they say.

And the design of the event channels spending into the city centre and across the Waikato, they told business people at the Waikato Chamber of Commerce’s Inspire series on Wednesday.

The Hamilton plan is built for the long haul — “something that could host us for the next 18 years,” managing director and chief executive Andrew Tuck said.

He and chief operating officer Michael Lamusse said Hamilton beat out six or seven cities on capacity, flexibility and the chance to keep the experience fresh.

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The $80 million regional theatre is almost ready to raise its curtain but before the first performance begins, Hamilton’s hospo bosses are ready to steal the spotlight.

Five distinct hospitality offerings will open inside the precinct this November, promising everything from a French-inspired bistro and neighbourhood pub to a speakeasy cocktail lounge, a deli, and the rebirth of the city’s most iconic bar, Wonder Horse.

The vision belongs to hospo heavyweights Mat Pedley, Alex Hudson and John Moughan — the trio behind some of Hamilton’s busiest venues, including Reggie’s, Mr Pickles, Everyday Eatery, and Last Place.

Alongside is Jonathan Knapp, who is stepping in as general manager and co-owner of Hamilton Hotel, the anchor venue set to greet every guest as they enter the theatre complex.

“This is the biggest project in Hamilton,” Pedley said, calling the scale simply “awesome.” Hudson agreed, describing it as “pretty exciting,” and both said it was as much about investing in Hamilton’s CBD as it was about hospitality.

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Here are a few for you to go and check out.

INDIAN CHIMNEY - 4 Alexandra Street  

Bringing the rich flavours, spices, and soul of India to the heart of the city. Expect authentic Indian cuisine in a warm, inviting interior.

DUCKY CHINESE RESTAURANT - 242 Victoria Street  

As its name suggests, this cute little eatery specialises in duck dishes, but that's not all.

NAN HOTPOT - 232 Victoria Street  

A fun and interactive dining experience! Nan Hotpot,a proud ambassador of traditional Chinese hotpot culture, brings the rich, bold flavours of China to your table.

DIVINE DESSERT LOUNGE - 148 Ward Street  

Got a sweet tooth? Divine Dessert Lounge offers sweet treats and rolled ice cream - where sweet dreams come true.

KORI DESSERTS - Ward Street  

Discover fluffy souffle pancakes, bingsu (Korean shaved ice dessert), and mochi ice cream.

MUNCHIES - 68 Bryce Street  

Got the munchies and only $10? Decadent baked goods, croiffles, bubble waffles, pasta and more and nothing is over $10 at Munchies.

STATUS THE VEG EDGE - Dining on Bryce, Centre Place  

Fresh, local and 100% vegetarian food with vegan and Jain options available.

THAI GRANDMA HOUSE - 1238 Barton Street  

Savour the authentic flavours of Thailand including the best wonton noodle soup in town.

KUMAR KITCHEN (KK) INDIAN STREET FOOD - 541 Victoria Steet 

An extensive vegetarian menu from chaat to burgers, momo (dumplings) to South Indian and Indo Chinese dishes.

SAIGON '60s - 643 Victoria Street  

Offering authentic Vietnamese food and the best pho noodle soup in town.

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Exciting news for property owners in Hamilton! Rent My Home, has just opened its doors at 572 Victoria Street in the central city.

This local business offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to take the stress out of property ownership. From full residential property management to casual inspections, they've got you covered with solutions tailored to meet the needs of Hamilton's diverse property market.

With the Healthy Homes Standards being a top priority for landlords across New Zealand, Rent My Home provides specialised healthy home inspections to ensure your investment property meets all compliance requirements. Their team of professionals will identify any areas needing attention and help you navigate the sometimes complex world of property standards.

Maintenance issues can be a headache for even the most experienced property owners. Rent My Home's maintenance service connects you with reliable local tradespeople, handling everything from emergency repairs to routine upkeep, giving you peace of mind that your property is in good hands.

What sets Rent My Home apart is their local knowledge and commitment to building lasting relationships with both property owners and tenants. Their central Victoria Street location makes them easily accessible for face-to-face consultations, reflecting their dedication to personal service in an increasingly digital world.

Whether you're an experienced property investor or a first-time landlord, Rent My Home offers the expertise and support you need to maximise your investment while ensuring your tenants enjoy a well-maintained, comfortable living environment.

Pop in to 572 Victoria Street to meet the team and discover more about how they can help you as a property owner.

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One of the last remaining stores of its kind in all of New Zealand lies here, in the centre of Hamilton.

It's on Victoria St - or more precisely at 37.78S 175.75 E - but plenty of items inside could help guide you through the maze of gridlines, street names and compass points to get you to The Map and Chart Shop.

In an age where the paper map has given way to the GPS enabled smartphone this cartographic kingdom of carefully folded, gridded print somehow remains.

It’s a specialised repository of the oft forgotten but hard-won knowledge to get you from A to B using the non-electronic. And for those who need such a thing, it’s vital.

Liam Emery, a former orienteer and avid outdoorsman, is one.

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Wintec - Waikato Institute of Technology welcomed members of the Hamilton Central Business Association to Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa Marae at their City Campus for a special Matariki hāngī lunch on Wednesday 23rd July.

It was a great chance for our team to connect with local businesses over kai (food), share kōrero (discussion), celebrate Matariki, and enjoy the sunshine!

Connections like this bring value to our ākonga (students) and kaimahi (staff), supporting the future of our region.

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