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Waikato taniwharau. He piko he taniwha, he piko he taniwha.
There's always something new to discover in the heart of Hamilton city. Let us be your guide as you rediscover the charm, culture, and character that make our city centre unique.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vanessa Williams is the general manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association
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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.
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?
Staffed Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10am - 7pm
Friday: 10am - 4pm
Saturday: 9am - 12pm
Join Flex Fitness Hamilton and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Love the Centre are proud to be a sponsor of the iconic @boonartshamilton Street Art Festival and yesterday we took a group along for a tour with Boon guide Anne Marie!
We visited two artists in action where our group had the opportunity to view their murals and talk with the artists to find out more about the inspiration behind their artworks. After the tour we headed to Waikato Society of Arts @artwaikato for refreshments and to view more amazing art!
Congratulations to Boon Street Art Festival who are celebrating 10 years and 100 murals in our city!
Artists we visited on our tour.
Flox & Sweats
320-324 Victoria Street (SkyCity car park wall opposite Garden Place).
Flox aka Hayley Kings distinct vibrant murals and art celebrate Aotearoa’s unique flora and fauna. In this collab she is painting with SWEATS aka Pierre Hadlow, an Auckland-based multidisciplinary artist. Their unique creative fusion is on a ‘Hero’ wall in Kirikiriroa.
@floxnz
@sweats___
Alison Mooney
Behind ArtsPost - 100 Victoria Street
Alison Mooney is an Australian artist “exploring colour, movement and curiosity” from her studio on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
@alison__mooney . Alison is creating a playful and colourful mural on a large grey wall below ArtsPost.
Festival runs 13-16 March
Get amongst it! To find out more about the fantastic line up of events, mural locations and artist's.
New Year's Eve
Party kicks off from 8pm
Main Gaming Floor, Amuse Bar & Kitchen, Number Eight Bar
Get ready to shine, sparkle and dance your way into 2026!
This New Year's Eve, SkyCity Hamilton is turning back the clock with a full-blown Disco-themed celebration - glitter, groove and good vibes guaranteed.
Feel the funk with high energy live music from Groove Street and Gold Dust Divas in Amuse Bar & Kitchen and Number Eight Bar.
What's New Years' Eve without a little extra excitement? We'll be having cash prize draws at 8.30pm, 10.30pm and 12.30am, with $2,026 cash up for grabs at each draw - find out more here.
Dust off the sequins, bring your best dance moves, and let's celebrate the new year the disco way!
See you on the dance floor.
R20
Game Responsibly.
The Breeze Waikato is proud of the return of the Breeze 12th Day of Christmas. To show the love this Christmas, we have teamed up with Love the Centre to bring you a morning full of Christmas cheer!
Meet Stu and Camille at the centre! They will be set up at Garden Place, outside the Christmas Tree, from 7:30 am on Friday, 12th December, with a massive range of prizes, thanks to the love from local businesses.
Each hour starting from 6am until 9am on Friday, 12th, we will be uploading a giveaway to the Breeze Waikato Facebook page, valued at over $2,000 from 25 businesses.
We will be giving away 4 prize packs, including:
Prize 1: $568
Prize 2: $560
Prize 3: $570
Prize 4: $570
After taking Australia by storm, Pleasure P brings A Night of Pleasure to Aotearoa for the very first time! Performing his timeless solo hits and Pretty Ricky anthems live, this is the ultimate throwback for R&B; lovers — an intimate concert experience filled with passion, rhythm, and connection.
Powered by Titan Entertainment, the New Zealand run features nine cities across the country, delivering the full R&B; experience to fans from the South Island to the North.
✨ Proudly supported by Hamilton City Council as part of Summer in the City ✨
Get ready to celebrate the festive season with Carols in the City — a magical evening filled with live entertainment, delicious food, and the Christmas spirit right in the heart of Hamilton! 🌟
📅 Date: Friday, 19th December 2025
🕔 Time: 5 PM – Late
📍 Location: Garden Place, Hamilton CBD
Enjoy a fun, family-friendly night featuring:
🎤 Live Music
🍔 Tasty Food Stalls
🎶 Christmas Carols
🎬 Outdoor Movie Screening
Bring your whānau, a picnic blanket, and your best singing voice — it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season together! ❤️
🚌 Getting There:
Catch a free bus ride with BUSIT to and from the event — Hamilton services only!
Let’s light up the city with joy, laughter, and Christmas cheer. 🎅🎁
Supported by J.Tajor+ Richie Cattell
This December, DJ Noiz, Kennyon Brown and Donell Lewis bring their signature island sound for a long-awaited New Zealand tour, hitting Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland and Hamilton.
Known for hit records 'Senorita', 'Chill', 'Amelia', 'Island Girl' and more, the trio have become global ambassadors of modern Pacific R&B — blending smooth vocals, island grooves and soulful production that’s earned them millions of streams and loyal fans worldwide.Joining them on the road is special guest and viral superstar J.Tajor known for his hit record ‘Like I Do’.
Together, they promise an unforgettable celebration of Pacific music, culture and connection — a summer tour that captures the soul of the islands.Buy tickets via futurenowmusic.comDoors 7pm • 18+ Only • ID Required
Biddy Mulligan’s Annual Christmas Party - don’t miss it!
Check out the full lineup of festive events happening at Biddy’s this December, with something on almost every night, it’s the perfect spot to get into the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Sewing Workshops for Kids: aged 8 - 16
A little Christmas magic for the kids - and a few free hours for you!
Thursday 18th - Tuesday 23rd December
9:30am - 12:30pm
Our School Holiday Christmas Workshops introduce kids to the wonderful world of festive sewing in a structured and supportive environment.
These beginner-friendly workshops cover the basics - from threading the machine to sewing achievable projects. ‘Getting Started’ is about learning how to thread and use the machine safely while sewing a simple project. ‘Master the Basics’ is building on their skills to sew other projects while learning new techniques.
Led by a trained primary school teacher and a skilled assistant, you can be sure that your child will have a memorable workshop filled with loads of learning AND a finished project.If your child has never sewn before then ‘Getting Started’ is a must, after that, they can sign up for any of the other kids workshops in any school holidays.
Included: All fabric, tools and equipment, as well as a hot chocolate and a snack from one of our local cafes.
Wriggle & Rhyme takes place during term time only:
Wednesdays, 10.30-11.00am, Central Library
Looking for a relaxed, fun group where you and your baby or toddler can enjoy music and movement together? It's time to Wriggle & Rhyme! Classes combine singing, movement and rhythm, in a way that will delight and stimulate your child. This programme is aimed at babies and children under two years, but older siblings are welcome.
During school holidays or other times we are unable to hold Wriggle & Rhyme, you can see our playlist of Wriggle & Rhyme videos to enjoy classes at home.
Please note children under 14 must always be accompanied by a caregiver in our libraries.
Tuesdays, 10.30-11.15am, Central Library
Taking place during Term Time Only
Storytime is a fun-filled preschool programme tailored specifically for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. The programmes feature stories, songs, movement and interactive fun which foster children's literacy. Caregivers can bond with their children while enhancing their social, cognitive, motor and musical skills.
During school holidays or other times we are unable to hold Storytime Puaawai, you can check out Suzy's Book Corner to watch at home.
Please note children under 14 must always be accompanied by a caregiver in our libraries.
View a list of exciting events happening over summer in Hamilton!
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Find out what's on in the central city in December.
Dates:
21st December, 2025 (Sun) 4:00pm
21st December, 2025 (Sun) 7:30pm
The Greatest Christmas Show is New Zealand’s #1 family Christmas event, blending heartwarming moments, spectacular dance, and world-class entertainment into one unforgettable night.
Prepare for a breath-taking spectacle featuring soaring vocals that will fill the theatre with the spirit of Christmas, while our cast of incredible dancers and a jaw-dropping cirque aerial act bring the stage to life in a flurry of wonder, skill, and glittering costumes.
From high-flying feats to touching moments that capture the true meaning of Christmas, and a very special visit from Santa Claus himself, this is a show that will warm hearts, inspire smiles, and create cherished memories for the whole family.
🎟Don’t miss the magic. Don’t miss the laughter. Don’t miss the #1 family show this Christmas.
After racking up over a million followers online and making audiences across the globe laugh until they cry, Blake Pavey is hitting New Zealand with his brand new hour of stand-up! Fresh off two national tours and a YouTube comedy special, Blake’s bringing plenty of cheeky stories, sharp punchlines, and his signature charm across the ditch!
“Pavey’s stand-up delicately weaves elements of darkness and light, moving the audience to the brink of tears, before landing a hefty punchline that leaves them in (metaphorical) stitches.” – The Age
Get your tickets and come see why he’s more than just “that guy off TikTok!”.
Running time: 70 mins
Content warning: 18+, adult themes, coarse language
©HamiltonCentralBusinessAssociation
