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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.
It’s arguably Hamilton’s most significant artwork. It was probably the most unloved - for a while at least - and it is almost certainly the most valuable.
And now the iconic, large scale mural - created in 1973 by famed New Zealand artist Ralph Hotere and installed in the now-demolished Founders Theatre - has been placed inside its “forever home” in the Waikato Regional Theatre.
It’s the latest major development in an increasingly exciting series of developments, which will come to a head when the new theatre opens on January 19 with three nights of community-led celebrations.
Soon after will be the official launch event in the form of a concert by the acclaimed musician Teeks, followed by a sold-out show by the revered Dave Dobbyn - who has just added a second show the following night.
A new bar could be on the cards in central Hamilton, but its owners are remaining tight-lipped on the venture as yet.
The Waikato Times understands Good George brewing director Jason Macklow is looking to build a new pub on Barton St, where the Coffee Studio is currently located.
The site was purchased in 2018 by Future Properties NZ Limited for $1.8 million.
Records show Macklow is the sole director of Future Properties NZ Limited.
When contacted by the Waikato Times, Macklow confirmed he had bought the Barton St site.
But he declined to confirm what sort of hospitality venture would be developed, saying it’s confidential at the moment.
Macklow said he hasn’t decided what would be located at Barton St and would provide more detail in the new year.
Macklow, along with Darrel Hadley were the founders of the Phoenix Group, which owns numerous restaurants and bars around Hamilton. The pair have decades of involvement in the Hamilton hospitality scene, originating at the now Lawrenson Group-owned Outback Inn and Iguana in the 1990s.
Hamilton has been recognised on the international stage for the Love the Centre campaign -- taking out the award over finalists from Sydney and Melbourne.
The Hamilton Central Business Association (HCBA) won the Best Traditional or Digital Marketing Award at the Mainstreet Australia 2025 Awards for the campaign.
The awards featured finalists from all over Australia and New Zealand, and honoured groups who were revitalising main streets.
HCBA General Manager Vanessa Williams said the group decided to enter the competition while organising their own Love the Centre Awards last year.
The HBCA were “so incredibly proud of the work that we had done with Daymark around the creation of the Love centre website”.
“So we thought, actually, yeah, let's put our money where our mouth is and, and see if there is an award programme that we could enter that celebrates our achievement as well.”
Asked how it felt to take out the award over other finalists, Williams said, “there was a lot of pride of Hamilton representing on the international stage against business associations in Sydney and Melbourne”.
“There was a little bit of chest puffing, I'll be honest.”
She said that the award recognised how the Love the Centre campaign showcased the city centre and local businesses.
“With our international flights we have with Jetstar now, you know, encouraging people over from Sydney and the Gold Coast, it's great to be able to profile the best of Hamilton City centre, and I think we do that.”
And what’s next for Love the Centre?
Williams said the HCBA were still growing the content of the site, and were listing more businesses. She added they were also looking into how they could use AI in the campaign.
“We're looking at different things that will make this a really functional site that people ... can use to really find the best of Hamilton Central.”
From cakes to sweets, savouries and donuts, Gailers Cake Kitchen has it all.
The bakery’s roots date back to post-World War II, when a German man, Mr Gailer, moved to Hamilton.
Gailer opened the bakery in 1948, alongside two other staff members.
The bakery moved around Hamilton over the years, before settling on its current location in the northern part of Hamilton’s CBD.
Sharon Smith and her husband Brent have been running the Victoria St bakery for 30 years, though Smith said they originally planned to own it for only ten years.
Brent starts at 9pm and works through the night, making sure the sweets and pies are ready to go when the doors open at 6am.
Sharon and staffer Rachel, come in around 2am and stay on until closing at 2pm.
Smith said she wanted to sell the bakery two years before Covid, but her husband talked her out of it.
Explore the Japanese art of mokuhanga/water-based woodblock carving in this Sunday workshop.
You will learn:
· How to transfer a design onto a woodblock
· Step-by-step carving of printing plates specifically for mokuhanga
One of the unique features of mokuhanga is its accessibility—no printing press or large studio is required.
This makes mokuhanga an ideal printmaking method for those who wish to set up a creative space at home.
All tools and materials necessary for the workshop, carefully selected to suit this technique, are provided by the tutor.
K Chicken is the authentic Korean food experience, where you'll elevate your expectations of what fried chicken can — and should — be.
Forget everything you thought you knew about crispy chicken; K Chicken is here to set the benchmark for decadence, texture, and seasoning. It's a must-visit for visitors and locals alike who want to rediscover the heart of the city.
Beyond the Chicken: The Full K-Food Experience
While the Korean Fried Chicken is the main event, K Chicken's menu is a unique blend of traditional and modern Korean dishes, embodying the spirit of K-Food, food shared and generously.
This is the perfect place to gather your friends and family after a day of exploring the Hamilton Centre. The menu is designed to give you maximum enjoyment and value, because in Korean culture, great food is meant to be shared.
Varieties of Selections
Dive into Tteokbokki: soft, chewy rice cakes smothered in a rich, sweet, and spicy sauce —a popular Korean street food that's texturally diverse and so satisfying.
Or if you're after a different kind of handheld meal, K Chicken's take on the classic fast food item—the K Burgers—feature juicy patties and Korean seasonings, offering a fusion of international comfort food.
And the rice bowl options — Soy Honey Chicken on Rice or Spicy Chicken on Rice — are perfectly portioned, hearty meals with fluffy rice, tender chicken, and fresh coleslaw, making them great for a quick lunch during a busy shopping trip.
Their generous portions and value for money have been a hit with our customers. A Combo Special, for instance, is often enough to satisfy three people, making it a bargain and a delicious choice for groups. This emphasis on value ensures that everyone leaves K Chicken feeling not just full, but also satisfied and smart for choosing us.
This focus on generosity means everyone leaves feeling full and loved
The atmosphere at K Chicken is part of the experience. It's clean, welcoming, and often has K-pop music playing, so you're immersed in the fun and vibrant K-culture that's taking over the world.
It's where the food, music, and staff come together to make a meal to remember.
Air Playground gives curious kids of all ages the chance to play with air. Experience hands-on the science of aerodynamics and the amazing elemental force of air.
31st October 2025 - 19th April 2026
Open daily 10am to 5pm
Tickets from $17.50
Whoosh, gust, swirl, float and more!
At Air Playground, curious kids and families have fun with air - an invisible elemental force.
Explore the science of aerodynamics through experimental play: float objects in mid-air, release material in a fast-flowing airstream and launch your own paper plane design.
Learn about the complex physics of air by challenging your friends to an ‘aircade’ game, tinkering with the speed and direction of airflow or collaborating to create a spinning, flapping air show!
Developed by a team of Scienceworks experts from Museums Victoria, this exhibition is jam-packed with hands-on interactive experiences.
Hamilton’s central city came alive at the Love the Centre Awards, sponsored by Spark Business and supported by Mediaworks on Wednesday 29 October. Taking over the stunning K’aute Pasifika fale, business people gathered for an evening that fizzed with energy, creativity, and pride, recognising the establishments that make Hamilton’s CBD a true destination.
The venue was transformed into a place of beauty with lush greenery and dramatic tiered grandstands, immersing guests in comfort and connection. As conversations flowed, guests were treated to Cream Eatery’s creative catering, including a wildly popular raw seafood bar and a decadent tiramisu bar, setting the tone for indulgence and celebration.
The awards ceremony, delivered in two halves, recognised and celebrated the businesses that stood out to a panel of judges. Throughout the night, the talented MC Kelvyn Eglinton ensured no moment went uncelebrated, while Royal Lab’s innovative design, SBI Production’s top-tier production and Moving Media along with Ruth Gilmour Photography captured every embrace, cheer, and triumphant smile. At half time Select FM DJs electrified the audience with a Homegrown artist showcase, reminding everyone of the major talent coming soon to Hamilton.
“This evening is a celebration of what makes central Hamilton thrive, our businesses, our people, our experiences,” said Vanessa Williams, General Manager of Hamilton Central Business Association. “It is an honour to recognise the talent, hard work, and resilience of our businesses. It is through dedication, passion and determination that the business community has turned Hamilton central into a place where people want to be!”
Spark Business, longtime sponsor, returned for the eighth year as the main sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to helping local businesses flourish. “Spark is proud to champion innovation and connection across Hamilton’s city centre,” said Fabian Pathirana, Business Lead, Spark Business. “The businesses recognised tonight are creating opportunities, building community, and showcasing exactly why people love being in the heart of our city.”
MediaWorks, supporting sponsor, echoed this dedication. “MediaWorks is here to help tell the stories of Hamilton’s most dynamic, driven businesses,” said Stewart Melrose, General Manager, Mediaworks Waikato. “Tonight’s event reflects the diversity and ambition that make the CBD such a remarkable place.”
The awards ceremony, produced by Hamilton Central Business Association, is a highlight on the business calendar, a night devoted to championing those making a lasting impact in the central city.
View awards evening photos here
Some of Hamilton’s most loved locations were celebrated on Wednesday night at the 2025 Love the Centre Awards. Waikato Times visual journalist Christel Yardley was there to capture the glitzy event.
Some of Hamilton’s favourite places were celebrated on Wednesday night at the 2025 Love the Centre Awards, recognising businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of the CBD.
Winners include hospitality hot spots such as Mr Pickles, Cream and the Dumpling House, among others.
The awards were held at the K’aute Pasifika fale, which was transformed with lush greenery and tiered grandstands for the occasion. Guests enjoyed catering from Cream Eatery, including a raw seafood bar and tiramisu bar.
General manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association, Vanessa Williams, said the event recognised the contribution of businesses to the city centre’s vitality.
Hamilton Central Business Association's 'Love the Centre' initiative has been recognised internationally, winning the Best Traditional or Digital Marketing Award at the 2025 Mainstreet Australia Awards on the 18th September in Melbourne.
The 'Love the Centre' campaign, which showcases Hamilton's central city through innovative digital platforms and traditional marketing approaches, stood out amongst competitors from across Australia and New Zealand.
At the heart of the winning campaign is the newly launched website, lovethecentre.co.nz, which invites visitors to "Rediscover the heart of the city." The digital platform beautifully captures what makes Hamilton's central city special, showcasing local businesses, events, and hidden treasures that bring our city centre to life.
The website serves as a comprehensive guide to everything happening in Hamilton Central, from dining options to entertainment, shopping experiences to cultural events. Its user-friendly design and engaging content have increased connections between businesses and visitors.
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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