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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.
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.
The Festival of Weird has, since Wednesday, enlivened the usually not-too-lively environs of central Hamilton with a cavalcade of quirky characters and activities.
While the lunchtime crowds may not have been huge, those who have passed through will have been entertained and intrigued by the part-man-part-fish happily chilling out on the park benches, watching the passers-by passing by; or, perhaps, the pair of extendible eyeballs of possible extraterrestrial origin moving about of their own free will.
The Alma Street restaurant has built a loyal following, including a couple of original diners who keep coming back for the same dish, the owners say.
Since taking over in 2007, owner Marco Scarpa has preserved the essence of traditional Italian cuisine, sending out dozens of the top-selling dishes each week.
Those behind the restaurant put its success down to quality ingredients and time-honoured recipes.
With a line-up that boasts acts named Ukulele Death Squad, DeeJay Handbrake and the Black Sheep Circus it’s clear that the Festival of Weird is no ordinary series of events.
Beginning on Wednesday, March 5 - just three days after the conclusion of the Hamilton Arts Festival - the Hamilton/Kirikiriroa Festival of Weird promises more off-beat fare than its better-known cousin.
A good portion of the week’s worth of envelope-pushing entertainment will be a series of free daily shows in Garden Place, including street theatre, acrobatics, and live music.
A white Mazda has pulled up at lights on Hamilton’s Victoria St, and Abba’s Dancing Queen is blaring. There’s a young man driving and a group of young women swaying to the music and waving drinks on their way to town for Friday night. It’s O Week, the Chiefs have just beaten the Crusaders at FMG Stadium Waikato, and Hamilton student bar The Outback Inn is hosting a beerfest. One guess where the party girls are heading.
If it’s the Outback they’ll be in a line of succession stretching back 30 years, after the Outback opened for its first O Week in 1995.
There were a few beaming faces and one big beam that was the centre of attention at the Waikato Regional Theatre on Wednesday.
The beam in question was a 600kg steel strut that was lifted into place atop the theatre’s flying tower, shortly after midday - but not before it was decorated with about 30 signatures of those who have had central roles in the project.
There were also speeches by Foster Construction project manager Ben Royfee and Waikato Regional Property Trust chairman Ross Hargood and a sausage sizzle for the workers.
Music floated through the air, mixing with the gentle hum of laptops and casual conversations.
Some people tapped away at emails under the shade of umbrellas, while others took in a massage, stretched out with breathwork exercises, or soaked up the scorching sun with a coffee in hand.
Instead of rigid schedules and deadlines, attendees were free to take the day at their own pace.
Resonate Health, New Zealand’s newest and most transparent hearing healthcare company, redefining healthy ageing with a holistic approach that goes far beyond traditional hearing aids. Visit Kent Spence/Aimee Kipara at the Resonate Health-Hamilton Central studio to learn more about your hearing health and Resonate Unlimited, New Zealand’s only hearing aid subscription service available for $90 per month.
Resonate is changing the game for New Zealanders looking for hearing health solutions.
How healthy are your ears, really? Ear360 by Resonate is an advanced hearing health map, analysing 10 points of hearing health, and their impact on you.
Call 0800737662 or book online to drop by for a cozy cup of coffee and some wonderful conversation.
The newly restored neoclassical façade of the 102-year-old Hamilton Hotel building - now the frontage of the Waikato Regional Theatre - has been unveiled with the removal of the first section of a scaffolding shelter surrounding the building.
The long-awaited appearance of the pristine plaster of the old hotel frontage is another visible milestone in the ongoing construction of the 1300-seat theatre that promises to revolutionise entertainment in the city.
Hamilton's Rocket Coffee Roasters has been listed in the top 100 coffee shops around the world, ranking at 62nd on the list.
The Hamilton coffee shop is the only one in New Zealand to make the prestigious list.
The store has been around for 30 years and has been a key player in New Zealand's coffee culture through its crafted beverages, friendly atmosphere and strong community ties.
The list is complied by a panel of coffee experts, enthusiasts and industry leaders who rank a variety of factors including dedication to experience, bean sourcing and roasting.
Wooden Spoon, 169 London St, Hamilton
It was a seven-year-old coeliac’s dream to open a cafe where she could eat everything.
Less than two decades later, Hannah Alley opened a 100% gluten-free cafe - Wooden Spoon, in Hamilton. Possibly the first of it’s kind in the Tron.
And since opening in November 2023, it has attracted coeliacs from across the country.
Why? Because it is a pretty big deal getting a full gluten-free menu, says Alley.
A partnership between FMG Stadium Waikato and the One New Zealand Warriors has opened the way for the club to play three stand-alone NRLW matches in Hamilton this season.
The deal follows another landmark rugby league+ occasion at the stadium on Saturday when a crowd 23,344 – a record for a Warriors trial match – attended the club’s final Preseason Challenge clash against the Melbourne Storm.
In their return to the competition after a five-year absence the Warriors will make FMG Stadium Waikato their base for the last three of their five regular season home games.
The first is their round seven fixture against the Canberra Raiders on Saturday, August 16 followed a week later by their eighth-round contest against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks on Sunday, August 24, and the round 10 encounter with the powerful Brisbane Broncos on Sunday, September 7.
Inside the Waikato Regional Theatre
The Waikato’s new regional theatre is about to become a theatre of mystery - or, to describe it a little more eloquently, a masterpiece mystery theatre.
The Waikato Times was this week granted a tour of the building’s interior - a guided visit that provides more than a few hints of the sheer magnitude of splendour the Waikato Regional Theatre - due to open later this year - will provide the people of Kirikiriroa.
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
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