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The Laser Tag arena features state-of-the-art technology, with the very best equipment from Megazone and using the latest visual and sound effects to create an adrenaline fueled battle zone.It’s the perfect venue for team-building events, a great night out with friends or family. Ready to do battle?

Designed for any kids who have a basic understanding of colour. It's a great introduction to our games requiring players to solve clues, find locations, and best of all, get the opportunity to grab a free prize at the end.

Whilst it's targeted at 5 to 10 year-olds, the game can be enjoyed by slightly younger kids with assistance and older ones too! Get the kids outside, off devices, and into a bit of exercise. It's suitable for prams and strollers; perfect for mums or dads with babies and toddlers in tow. Grab a coffee en-route and enjoy helping your kids play! A 60 minute time frame is recommended.

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The revelation comes from Sanjil Mistry and Pienaar Piso, who own the city’s current tallest building, the Mistry Centre in Ward St which towers over Centre Place.

It’s currently being transformed into a 191-bed Pullman hotel operation with beds over 12 floors, with several floors of office and retail space as well. Hotel opening is scheduled by the end of next year.

The revelation is the latest in what is rapidly becoming a hotel boom for the city.

Mistry’s and Piso’s comments on them looking at a second hotel came on Thursday in an interview arranged long before the announcement the same day that Auckland’s Templeton Group had gone unconditional on a deal with the city council.

Players will encounter a savage caveman surrounded by menacing, long-toothed predators including the wild Sabre-tooth cat and the giant woolly rhino.

• 18 holes
• 3 zones
• Black-light/glow-in-the-dark area

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Passersby on Hamilton’s Victoria Street got the first look at another section of the Regional Theatre’s new façade after scaffolding was removed on Wednesday.

The appearance of a fresh section of the restored plaster façade of the old hotel frontage is another visible milestone for locals and visitors in the ongoing construction of the 1300-seat theatre that promises to revolutionise entertainment in the city.

The decision to preserve the building’s neoclassical façade is getting the tick from people seeing it for the first time, who say it blends old and new.

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The new hotel development from the Templeton Group will be a few shops down from Riverbank Lane on Victoria Street.

At around 100m high, it’ll be nearly twice the height of the Mistry building which is currently the tallest building in the CBD.

Riverbank Lane’s Kopi Cafe owner Dave Tourelle had a visit from the mayor and Templeton founder Nigel McKenna on Wednesday when they came for a coffee, and says he thinks McKenna will do a “really good job”.

Auckland-headquartered Templeton and the city council announced on Thursday they’ve struck an unconditional deal with the city for the land next to Victoria on the River and promised to create an Auckland Viaduct-style hospitality precinct linking to the river.

The deal sees Templeton pay $6 million for council property at 242-254 Victoria St, Adjoining property at 260-266 Victoria St will be retained by the council and used to expand public space.

The new building’s still-to-be-finalised 25-storeys could be nearly double that of the current highest city building, the 13-storey Mistry Centre towering above Centre Place.

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The Waikato Local

Opinion: Vanessa Williams

Hamilton's central city is buzzing with activity, making it a prime spot for businesses and events to flourish.

Recently, Love the Centre and NAI Harcourts showcased the exciting growth happening in the area, with a development tour for the central city business community.

The tour kicked off at the south end of town with the impressive Waikato Regional Theatre.

This project is really taking shape, and attendees got a unique perspective from the rooftop of the newly refurbished Subway building at 159 Victoria Street.

The theatre, which is set to be completed this year, reached a milestone on March 3 with the removal of the last crane, dramatically altering the city's skyline.

For a striking view of the Hinuera stone- clad walls, auditorium structure, and the crowning Fly Tower, the theatre team recommends visiting Victoria on the River and looking upstream.

Next, the tour visited the redeveloped Westpac House at 426 Victoria Street, where attendees admired the state-of-the-art 'end of trip' facilities, including a fully equipped gym for Westpac House tenants, Tompkins Wake.

The tour continued to 500 Victoria St, across from Centre Place, where Prime Property highlighted their substantial investment in modernising this iconic seven-story building, enhancing its prominent status and offering stunning views.

The final stop on the tour was the tallest tower in the central city, where attendees learned about the Pullman Hotel development,which is set to be completed next year and incorporating a variety of unique offering for guests.

This exciting project promises to significantly contribute to the revitalisation of Hamilton's central city area.

These substantial developments give even more reason to Love the Centre.

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Vanessa Williams is the general manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association

The popular bakery has opened a new production kitchen next door to its original location, marking a major milestone in just four years of business.

The added space will help streamline operations and support the growing demand, allowing the team to focus on speciality products without the constraints of the main bakery.

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 Flex Fitness provide access to state-of-the-art equipment and expert advice, ensuring you have everything you need to achieve your fitness goals.

Why Choose Flex Fitness?

• Expert Trainers: Their team of professional trainers guide you every step of the way.

• Premium Equipment: They partner with industry leaders like Technogym, Life Fitness, and Hammer Strength to bring you the best.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Each club is unique, offering amenities such as smoothie bars, saunas, high-end bathrooms, and more!

• Nationwide Access: Enjoy the convenience of accessing any Flex Fitness club     across the country.

• 24/7 Access: Workout anytime with our round-the-clock access.

• Personalised Programmes: Tailored fitness plans to suit your individual needs.

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Staffed Hours:

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Monday - Thursday: 10am - 7pm

Friday: 10am - 4pm

Saturday: 9am - 12pm

Join Flex Fitness Hamilton and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!

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Centuries ago, Genghis Khan’s warriors cooked their meals over fire on their shields as they journeyed to conquer the world.

Fast forward nearly a thousand years, and Hamiltonians are hooked on the sizzling flavours of Mongolian cuisine - minus the battle gear.

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At Anytime Fitness Hamilton, their mission is to provide you with a total fitness experience designed to help you reach your goals. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t start and stop at the gym—it starts with a plan, which is why we offer solutions that incorporate fitness, nutrition and recovery to provide a 360 approach to your wellness journey. The first step begins with a coach, so contact us today to get started!

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Their goal is to help you tackle anything that stands in theway of a healthier you, together. They know fitness journeys don’t follow astraight line, and our coaches are fluent in helping you get back on trackafter detours. They are ready to meet you where you’re at, build a customizedplan that works for you and keep you feeling motivated, strong and confident.

They’ve got everything you need to reach your goals fromcoaching to equipment—and everything in between. Enjoy a customized workoutplan, 24-7 access to the gym, squeaky clean surfaces and equipment, along with24-7 security to keep you safe while you make healthy happen.

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See hours for staffed hours.

As an award-winning facility, they offer a variety of health and fitness options. More than just a gym, Fastlane Fitness is your gateway to prioritising wellbeing. Join our community of passionate wellness educators and take control of your health and fitness journey today.

Gym, Swim, or Combo

Our facility features some of New Zealand’s leading fitnessequipment brands, a 30-metre lunge track, a dedicated strength area,air-conditioning, and large windows for fresh air. Our motivating trainersensure a safe and welcoming environment.

They have three separate studios for group fitness, including boxing, stretch, HIIT, Yoga/Pilates, and crank. Need help overcoming roadblock? Book a personal training session with one of our expert trainers. They also host regular Fit Camps, challenges, WODs, and offer fantastic prizes.

Swimming - A Skill for Life!

At Fastlane, they are passionate about swimming and watersafety. Our swim school offers lessons for school-aged children and adults,running from Monday to Saturday with both group and private sessions available. They provide a fun and supportive learning environment to build confidence anddevelop lifelong water skills. Classes are organised by ability and age, withappropriate group sizes to maximise learning.

New school-aged swimmers must book a free assessment to beplaced in a suitable class. Sign up through our customer portal below.

Feedzone - CBD

At the Feedzone, you can enjoy healthy breakfasts, lunches,or salads to take away or eat in. They offer snacks, protein shakes, bars,smoothies, Mojo coffee, and more.

• Fresh wraps – 2 sizes
• Gourmet sandwiches and filled Volare breads
• Salads – up to 10 styles (seasonal) with GF, DF, and vegan options
• Freshly baked slices (GF and vegan options available)
• Balance boxes or their salad of the week with a mix of protein and other ingredients

Feedzone is open weekdays from 6:30 am to 3 pm. Cold drinks,protein shakes, water, and bottled juices are available anytime. Pre-ordersalads for dinner pickup, or grab pre-packed options from reception after 3 pm.

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Delicious Culinary

Live Music

Pop Up Stores

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Feat: Imachef, Toro Churro, Panda Golden Ear Dumpling, Mizzoni Pizza, Meezie Kitchen, Patrons Blazing BBQ PLUS MANY MORE!! 

Bar will be open with drinks flowing. Also boutique market stalls and live music.

in Casabella Lane on Saturday 11 October from 10 till 4pm

Spend $20 or more and get a lucky dip prize - there are books, totes, pens and more up for grabs.

Buy any two Penguin books and get your free 2025 Personal Penguin

Write a love letter to your bookshop to enter the draw for$250 in book tokens - 8 prizes to be won around NZ.

Keep an eye out for the Libro.fm Golden Ticket to win a year's audiobook subscription.

And pick up a copy of the brand new Summer Reading Guide. It's never too soon to start your Christmas wishlist!

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Australian Irish dancing touring company PACE LIVE is bringing all the craic of an Irish Christmas to New Zealand with their high-octane show, A Celtic Christmas! The cast features Auckland champion Irish dancer Keely O’Grady, who was the 2024 New Zealand & International Rose of Tralee; and Christchurch champion Irish dancer Mitchell O’Hara. These New Zealand locals will perform alongside world-class musicians and exceptional Irish dancers to bring New Zealand audiences the very best in the industry, including world champion dancers from international hit shows such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. The family show brings the heart-warming spirit of an Irish Christmas into a feel-good extravaganza filled with laughter, Christmas cheer, and the pure joy of the festive season for the whole family to enjoy. The show has recently enjoyed a hit on off-Broadway in 2024, and will tour across the North and South Island of New Zealand throughout November and December 2025.

Audiences can immerse themselves in the magnificence of Christmas in Ireland as they are transported to a land where energetic music and dance embody the beating heart of good craic! This feel-good show aims to give audiences a bit of Irish charm and features a company featuring over 15 of the world’s leading Irish performers and musicians. Featuring a powerful mix of traditional tunes, heartfelt ballads and all your favourite carols, A Celtic Christmas combines incredible music with jaw-dropping dance talent in an unforgettable night of storytelling and Irish charm.

Two Shows:

17th November, 2025 (Mon) 7:30pm

17th November, 2025 (Mon) 3:30pm

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Fire up the hot glue gun, mix up your paint pots, and sharpen your scissors! Whether you’re having yourself a Mini Little Christmas, or your tree puts the T in OTT, we want you to show us what the season means to you!

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Tree registrations will close at 5pm on Saturday 15th November or until we reach our max number - so please get in quick!

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The Trees at The Meteor exhibition will run from 10th-19th December 2025.

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More info coming soon.

Mark you calendar - Hamilton Central is the place to be this October!

Tickets from $20

Step into Exscite after dark for a Halloween adventure like no other. Hear ghost stories around the campfire, follow the trick-or-treat trail, and enjoy free face painting for all ages.

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Activity for the whole family!

We'll have activity stations for the whole family, including code-cracking and treat-bag making.

Follow the trick-or-treat trail and collect stamps to unlock a bag full of treats to take home.

Get into the Halloween spirit with free face painting from our friends at Enchanted Entertainment.

Gather around the campfire in Exscite to hear local ghost stories that will send a shiver down your spine.

Make your own treat bag at our creepy craft station.

Look out for a special guest roaming Exscite for photos.

Come along in costume whether you're a kid or a grown up!

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Jeremy Mayall will bring the music, you bring the craft. Bring a project from home to work on or enjoy a drink and soak in the vibes of our latest exhibitions.

29 October onwards

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Make a night of it

We're very excited to extend our hours for these monthly Open Late sessions.

Instead of closing at 5pm, Te Whare Taonga will be open until 9pm so that you can enjoy the exhibitions after-hours.

With drinks and nibbles available to purchase from our bar, you can get in the groove with a DJ or live music. Each month we'll have a new floor talk or panel discussion to get ideas sparking as you check out the galleries.

For our October session, we'll enjoy a performance by Dr. Jeremy Mayall, composer/performer/innovator and CEO of Creative Waikato. While he performs, you are encouraged to sketch or write or craft to relax. Bring a project to work on from home or enjoy a drink and explore our latest exhibitions.

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Held on the second Friday of every month (excluding December).

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Take a creative lunch break to explore art through poetry.

These free drop-in poetry sessions are the perfect way for beginners and poetry lovers alike to explore their creativity.

With a focus on ekphrasis (poetry written in response to art), this is a fun and creative experience that is about expression, not perfection.

Be inspired by our exhibitions and explore new ways to look at art and language.

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What to expect

Educator and poet Cassandra Barnett will introduce easy poetry techniques and prompts, help you see and connect with works of art, and encourage you to find your own creative voice.

Wander the galleries with pencil and paper, and support on hand, and poem what you see.

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Poetry prompts

If you can’t join the lunchtime session, drop in at any time on the day of Poetry in the Galleries and pick up a poetry prompt. Let the galleries guide your words and enjoy writing at your own pace.

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On a mission to create your dream home, renovate to sell, or ramp up the value of investment? Don’t miss the annual Waikato Home & Garden Show, where you’ll find everything you need to renovate, build, decorate and landscape your home under one roof.

As well as some great show-only deals, hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand to present exciting new products, stylish trends, innovative ideas and top quality service to help make your project a reality.

That’s not all – you’ll find something for the whole family including live cooking demos, seminars, demonstrations, food and drink, a kids zone and so much more!

10am - 5pm (4pm finish on last day of the show)

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Come and celebrate the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers with By The Way, NZs latest and greatest tribute band.

Be prepared to be transported to another galaxy, as the band perform the Chili Peppers greatest hits, with all songs you know and love - By The Way, Otherside, Californication, Under The Bridge…

Playing in Hamilton for one night only at the fabulous Nivara Lounge, doors open from 7pm with the band onstage at 8.30pm.

7pm Doors Open - 8pm Start

Earlybird Tickets $20

GA Tickets $30

TWO comedians, ONE night, ONE great price.

The most Haunted Comedian in all of New Zealand (Callum Wagstaff) and indie darling George Fenn (as Sexy Ghost Boy) are here to Split your Sides this Spooky Season, using comedy to defang all of your worst fears.

The show is strictly R18. It contains sexual themes and nudity up to underwear.

Doors open from 7pm, show at 8:30pm. There will be an intermission.

Tickets $30 waged / $20 unwaged / $35 on the door.*LIMITED* Early Bird 241 Tickets $15 each.

GEORGE FENN (he/she/they) George is a genre bending comedy theatre maker based in Ōtautahi specialising in audience interaction, described by witnesses as a hot mess mash up of Mr Bean and Marina Abramović.

Winner Organised Chaos Award (Auckland Fringe 2024) Bizarre and Charming Award (Hastings Fringe 2024) Spirit of the Fringe (2017 and 2020.) Nominated Outstanding Performer (Dunedin Fringe 2025)

“a theatrical alchemist, Fenn has the rare talent to create something utterly ridiculous yet very clever..." - Rosheen Fitzgerald, Theatreview

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12th October

9th November

14th December

$10 Entry

Join Hamilton Operatic Society at Nivara Lounge to get your musical theatre fix and support local performers!

The 'Downtown Musicals' nights aim to provide a platform for up-and-coming theatre performers to get experience performing in front of audiences, as well as those wishing to try something new or who maybe haven't performed in some time.

Each night performers will pick their songs based on a theme. The theme for October is Cinematic Showstoppers.

Doors open at 7 pm with performances starting at 7.30 pm.

Note: These Nivara Lounge nights are now 18+ for performers and R16 for audience members accompanied by a parent or guardian. For performers under 18, please look out for our Downtown Musical Jr afternoon sessions.

For any queries or to use membership tickets, email Pip at admin@hamiltonoperatic.co.nz

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