Stories

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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The big white cross will soon be replaced by Golden Arches on northern Victoria St, with fastfood giant McDonald’s to take over a prominent city site occupied by the Gateway Church.

The church has sold its property to McDonald’s Restaurants and will be moving to the corner of Clyde St and Grey St in Hamilton East - until recently the premises of Ebbett Waikato’s Audi showroom.

The sale is being hailed as potentially the trigger to a revitalisation of the northern end of Victoria St, which is fast becoming the go-to part of the city for dining out.

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The big Union Square development in the CBD has kicked off its new $20 million Building B multi-storey office block project, the latest step in its expected $200 million overall spend at the site.

It’s the fourth of six Union Square buildings to begin construction - a sod turning ceremony for Building B is being held on Tuesday at the site between Anglesea and Alexandra streets.

Chief executive of Foster Develop Rhys Harvey said on Monday the total cost of Building B would be about $20 million.

The existing three completed projects at the site are the Rabobank building (finished 2021), Building A carparking (2022) and the Building E offices (2023). Buildings C and D will also eventually provide office space.

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If you’re on the hunt for vibrant, authentic Malaysian cuisine right in the heart of Hamilton, look no further than three standout eateries: Madam Woo, Penang Street Food, and On a Roll Eatery. Each has its own unique flair, offering a culinary experience that immerses you in the rich flavours and lively atmosphere of Malaysia.

Madam Woo - 6 Sapper Moore-Jones Place

Madam Woo is the epitome of Malaysian charm with a dash of contemporary flair. As soon as you step through the doors, you’re enveloped in an energetic ambiance that instantly lifts your spirits. The menu is full of fresh food from zesty salads to succulent grilled meats marinated in traditional spices, every bite is a celebration of flavour. Known for their Hawker Rolls, Char Kway Teow, and Hainanese Chicken Rice every bite showcases a commitment to quality and freshness. With a strong emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients, Madam Woo doesn’t just serve food; it presents a genuine taste of Malaysian culture. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends and enjoy the warmth of community dining.

madamwoo.co.nz

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Penang Street Food - 941A Victoria Street

Penang Street Food encapsulates the hustle and bustle of Malaysian street food culture. This eatery stands out for its commitment to authenticity and flavour.

The variety of flavourful and traditional dishes like Char Kway Teow, Nasi Lemak, Laksa and Mee Goreng transport you straight to the streets of Malaysia. Each plate is a vibrant palette of colours and textures, offering a culinary adventure. The menu is packed with flavour and rooted in family heritage.‍

The decor reflects the vibrant streets of Malaysia, creating a lively and casual atmosphere where you can kick back and enjoy your meal. Whether you’re dining solo or with a group, the inviting space is a welcoming spot to visit