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One of the voices behind critically acclaimed New Zealand reggae band Katchafire will headline Hamilton’s Waitangi Day Festival on February 6.
Former member Jamey Ferguson will close the free festival, performing from 4.30pm to 5pm. The event runs from 1pm to 5pm and is returning for its second year.
The festival will be held along the Waikato Awa, stretching from Ferrybank Reserve (Kirikiriroa Reserve) to the Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery precinct.
The performance programme begins at 1pm with Wai Taiko Drummers, followed by Sambatron, Desi Rhythms, Toubab Crew, Dvyne Wun and Manu Mātātahi, before Ferguson takes the stage.
Alongside live music, the festival will include market stalls, food trucks, a cultural tour and a range of family-friendly activities.
After a busy opening week for BNZ Theatre, local restaurateurs have mixed feelings about its impact on diner numbers.
A first test for hospitality owners was over the weekend when Teeks and Sir Dave Dobbyn packed out the theatre. While some owners are feeling optimistic for the future, others believe the theatre has failed to deliver the promised crowds, albeit it is a quiet time of year.
Hamilton Hotel co-owner and general manager Jonathan Knapp had a busy start to the week, and felt the weekend had followed the trend and was “super busy”.
“Everyone was in good spirits and obviously for us it was going to be interesting with the first kind of the ticketed events for Live Nation.
“Teeks was really cool, we had 300 people upstairs in the gallery kind of event space for a pre-show event ... and then Saturday and Sunday it was just Dobbyn fans in big numbers having some drinks and food before.”
Saturday was their busiest night with the bistro fully booked, which seats 120-130 people, while their pub was “rammed” with people, creating a “lively atmosphere” as anticipation for the shows built.
“Saturday was interesting because, you know, obviously post-show the previous nights we had a lot of people from the event coming back to the pub for some drinks afterwards, but it was also just a really busy night in town.”
The stellar line-up of artists gracing BNZ Theatre’s stage will continue later this year as the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) brings a star-studded line-up to Hamilton.
Resurgence will kick off the music season on May 8, featuring the world premiere of Fanfare Kotahitanga by New Zealand composer Anthony Ritchie.
Music Director Emeritus James Judd and the NZSO will also lead the orchestra through a classic line-up, including Tchaikovsky’s romantic Second Symphony, Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony and Jessie Montgomery’s Strum inspired by Appalachian fiddle music and jazz.
Following this, on August 23 the Myths & Legends show will include renowned Finnish conductor Pietari Inkinen. This programme is inspired by the dramatic landscapes of Finland and New Zealand, and showcases works by Finnish composers Sibelius and Magnus Lindberg, featuring NZSO Concertmaster and fellow Finn Vesa-Matti Leppänen.
It’s usually the scene of Hamilton City Council staff hanging out and having lunch, or the occasional protest, but this weekend Civic Square was echoing with the roll of wheels and yells of delight.
The “pop-up skate park” was part of series of events organised by the council to “activate” the city centre and attract more people there - but there were other goals as well.
“We really want to grow the sport, and foster young talent in Hamilton,” co-organiser Wade Freeman said.
“We have Olympic rowers and BMX riders from here - so why not an Olympic skater? Skating has been a sport in the last two Olympic Games and our aim aim is to one day have a flag up there and someone on the podium from New Zealand.”
It certainly proved a success on Saturday, with an estimated 400 to 500 skaters from around the city and further afield hopping on boards and taking advantage of the ramps, rails and half-pipes throughout the day - with an equal number expected on Sunday.
Fresh hospitality investment is set to lure diners to the banks of the Waikato River at a spot that’s long been eyed for projects to show off the city’s biggest natural asset.
A bar and restaurant - Regatta - is set to open late autumn in the former Ferrybank Reception Centre in Grantham St.
The development, on the most accessible section of city’s riverbank under arch of the Victoria Bridge, comes soon after the CBD’s South End was given a massive boost with the opening of the BNZ Theatre and Hamilton Hotel.
The project is being welcomed as a sign of momentum on the city’s riverfront, with Hamilton deputy mayor Geoff Taylor - long an advocate of projects to turn the city back to the river - saying redeveloping the river was “absolutely integral” to revitalising the central city.
“I’m really hopeful that we’re going to see the southern part of Victoria Street buzz like it used to,” he said.
“The more people that you have in your central city, the more you feel a bit of a buzz, the safer you feel, it all sort of adds up.”
Planning the perfect Valentine's Day celebration? You'll find everything you need right here in Hamilton Central, where romance meets convenience. Whether you're searching for an intimate dinner, stunning jewellery, or gorgeous flowers, Valentine's shopping in Hamilton Central offers something special for everyone.
Dining Experiences
Palate Restaurant – An Exquisite Evening
Located at 346 Victoria Street, Palate Restaurant invites you to spoil that special someone with an exquisite dinner for two. This is the perfect setting for an unforgettable Valentine's evening, where exceptional cuisine meets intimate atmosphere. Bookings are essential, so don't wait to secure your table.
Reserve your table here palaterestaurant.co.nz/events
Le Rendez-Vous – French Romance
Bring your chérie to 113 Alexandra Street and celebrate love à la française at Le Rendez-Vous. This Valentine's Day, you're invited to enjoy an intimate dinner inspired by French romance. Their specially curated menu features authentic galettes and crêpes, crafted to be shared and savoured in a warm, cosy setting. Whether it's your first Valentine's together or one of many, they'll set the scene for a memorable evening filled with flavour, love, and French charm. Bookings are essential, reserve your table today here bookings.nowbookit.com
Furnace Steakhouse
Valentine’s Day Lunch Degustation!
Join Furnace at 150 Victoria Street on Saturday the 14th of February as they host an exclusive Valentine’s Day lunch degustation, featuring five courses curated by acclaimed Hamilton chef Andrew Clarke.
Designed for a leisurely and romantic afternoon from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, with a focus on sharing with your partner, this intimate event is limited to just 75 places. Tickets are $99 per person, or $129 with wine matches.
To book your table, email info@furnacerestaurant.co.nz
Keystone Bar & Restaurant
Something for every couple at Keystone, 150 Victoria Street this Valentine’s Day, whether it’s burgers, pizzas, mains, or $12 plates that are perfect for sharing! Our tables are filling up so make sure to book now.
The Bank Bar & Brasserie
The Bank, 117 Victoria Street is the perfect spot for affordable dining this Valentine’s Day! They’ll have $15 lunches available from 11.30am - 4pm and $20 dinner mains from 5pm - late.
Book your spot early
The Helm Bar & Kitchen
Heat to the Helm at 22 Ulster Street and enjoy dinner followed by 2 for 1 Desserts!
Chiefs live on screens with commentary and Happy Hour for the duration of the game.
Book a table today.
Timeless Jewellery Gifts
Goldsmiths Gallery – Stunning Selections
At 427 Victoria Street, showcases a wide range of stunning dress rings, pendants, earrings, bangles, bracelets, and chains. With so many beautiful options available, you're sure to find the perfect piece. Visit Goldsmiths Gallery to discover their collection.
Precious Metals – Your Unique Story
Located in Centre Place Shopping Centre at 501 Victoria Street, Precious Metals has made it their mission to help you celebrate your experiences in a way that is special and unique to your story. Discover Precious Metals and find a perfectly meaningful gift!
Their Valentine's catalogue has just dropped in to make your life easier. Click here to view catalogue.
Plus, every $100 you spend, you get an entry into our Valentine's Giveaway.
Midas Diamond Jewellers – Handcrafted Excellence
Find Midas Diamond Jewellers in Casabella Lane at 307 Barton Street, where diamond specialists Paul and Suzanne bring 50 years of expertise to every piece. Paul is renowned for crafting exquisite, top quality handmade jewellery, specialising in one of a kind designs. If you're looking for something truly exceptional, visit Midas Diamond Jewellers today.
Who: Sir Dave Dobbyn
What: The Selected Songs Tour
Where: BNZ Theatre, Hamilton
When: Sunday night
Reviewed by: Mike Mather
If Sir Dave Dobbyn had any doubt about the deep affection held for him by the people of Kirikiriroa, it would have been very quickly dispelled this weekend.
There were numerous exclamations of "We love you Dave!" yelled out after almost every song in the BNZ Theatre on Sunday night.
Dobbyn took the accolades, repetitive as they were, with a wry smile. "Well, I love you too," he replied at one point.
The beauty of this brand new venue is that as well as the sound of the music completely filling up the room with clarity, every audible ejaculation from the audience can be heard by those on the stage.
If there was anyone in the BNZ Theatre on Friday night who was not a Teeks fan before this show they almost certainly will be now.
Not counting this week's civic community extravaganza, the concert was the first official gig to be held at Hamilton's new venue - certainly the first under the auspices of its management by Live Nation and the first by a top level artist.
Like a few other New Zealand singers (Tami Neilson, Troy Kingi, Rob Ruha and a few others) Te Karehana Toi is utterly deserving of international superstardom. The 32-year-old Northlander's dulcet voice has deservedly been compared to Al Green, or Elvis Presley in his prime, and should be heard by many ears far beyond these shores
The Waikato Regional Theatre will be called the BNZ Theatre for the next five years, as part of a partnership between the bank and Live Nation NZ.
The Waikato Regional Theatre will be known as the BNZ Theatre for the next five years, as part of a naming rights deal with Live Nation NZ.
The Tuesday announcement comes ahead of the regional theatre’s public opening on January 19.
BNZ chief executive Dan Huggins said the partnership reflected the bank’s long-standing commitment to the Waikato.
“We’re proud to support BNZ Theatre – Waikato’s premier new arts and entertainment venue located in the heart of Hamilton city,” Huggins said.
“Hamilton sits at the heart of New Zealand’s primary sector engine room – a city where agritech, research and rural enterprise intersect to drive billions in value for our national economy.”
Where's the Party's At
The countdown is on, and if you're still wondering where to celebrate the arrival of 2026, look no further than your own backyard. Hamilton's central city is transforming into the ultimate party destination this New Year's Eve, whether you're into disco fever, electronic beats, or just want to dance the night away with your mates.
SkyCity Hamilton 🕺✨
📍346 Victoria Street
Get your groove on at SkyCity's disco themed celebration kicking off around 8pm. This isn't just any party. You'll be treated to live music from Groove Street and the Gold Dust Divas, plenty of dancing, cash prize draws, and vibes that'll carry you right into 2025. R20
@skycityhamilton
Nivara Lounge 🎧🔮
📍Basement, 266 Victoria Street
If you're after something a bit more underground and electric, Nivara Lounge is serving up CLUB ZION, a themed New Year's Eve dance party with Matrix inspired vibes. Featuring visuals, props and music from and inspired by the films; curated by their very own resident DJ Goldfinger and the Synth Obscura family. Cosplay encouraged. Strictly R18. 8pm-1am. Tickets $20.00 + $3.25 fees or $30 on the door.
@nivaraloungenz
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