Stories

Whether they’re ordering a “pretty insane” amount of steak or bringing in a mechanical bull, Hamilton venues are preparing for a full-on Fieldays week.

With crowds set to descend upon Mystery Creek from Wednesday until Saturday, bars, pubs and restaurants are gearing up for an influx of customers - whether its cockies or the “logistics and sales force” that comes with them.

And it’s not the only sector affected - out-of-town High Court judges won’t be brought in during a busy week which has already prompted warnings about traffic snarl-ups.

At Furnace Steakhouse in the CBD it’s all hands on deck, with a wagyu steak at Furnace being cooked by head chef Matt Gemmell.

‍

Hamilton Boys High School Marae

Wharenui & Wharekai

NZIA Waikato BOP Architecture Award 2025 - Education

PAUA Architects were engaged by the HBHS Board of Trustees to design a school marae.

The brief was to provide a new marae complex that the school can be proud of, with integrated learning spaces within the whare.  Consultation with the Kiingitanga was instigated by the kura.

The site area is restricted, in the shadow of the 11m high gymnasium building at the west side, and surrounded by the existing rugby fields to the east and south of the site. This leaves little available natural grass atea space to the north.

Working with the traditional form of a marae, and a limited material selection to conform with the school guidelines, we attempted to provide a modern interpretation that pushes the envelope slightly to allow for the accomodation of class room and storage facilities.

The koorero of Taane ascending to the heavens to search for knowledge was the starting point for the design and shape of the wharenui, which has a roofline rising to the north, representing the striving and pushing higher, representative of the school and students’ desire to succeed.

The three pop-outs at each side of the building represent the three baskets of knowledge, and feature a brick pattern articulating the concepts of the three baskets.

Whare Ako Completed 2024

‍

Along Hamilton’s riverside, where craft cocktails meet bold, modern cuisine, there’s one dish that’s quietly taken on cult status.

At Mr Pickles, the vibe is all urban polish with a side of playfulness - but the star of the show is pure comfort: a plate of golden fried chicken, slathered in sticky chilli garlic caramel, kissed with Szechuan heat and topped with Kewpie mayo.

In a venue designed with Melbourne inspiration and a killer river view, this dish stands out not for flash or fine-dining finesse, but for its unpretentious joy.

It’s the reason people keep coming back. Some even drive down from Auckland for a hit of the ‘sticky chicken’, says bar manager Javiel Duncan.

‍

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 20^thJune.

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.”

‍