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Two of Hamilton’s newest bridges have got “massive” international recognition, showing they measure up against projects including billion-dollar transit hubs.

Te Ara Pekapeka and the Taurapa pedestrian bridge, which connect Hillcrest and the future Peacocke development, got a special mention at the Architizer A+ Awards, placing them among the top 5% of global entries.

The international awards recognise excellence in architecture and design. Out of more than 3500 submissions, the Hamilton bridges stood out in the infrastructure category, placing them alongside mega projects like European train stations and billion-dollar transit hubs.

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Waikato-based Mark McGoldrick from Harcourts Monarch Real Estate Hamilton was this week crowned Australasia’s top auctioneer, fighting off tough competition from Australia's heavyweights in the Australasian Auctioneering Championships hosted in Adelaide, South Australia.

One of three Kiwi’s in the Senior Division final, McGoldrick delivered a commanding masterclass in auctioneering, having earned a hard-fought spot in the final after first having to make the cut on New Zealand soil at the REINZ nationals.

“It’s been 10 long years, trying to knock these ­buggers off,” says McGoldrick, referencing Sir Edmund Hilary during his acceptance speech at the awards.

McGoldrick, already a multi-award-winning auctioneer and reigning LVD Auction Champion, delivered a masterclass in control, clarity, and charisma throughout the competition. Facing intense challenges designed to test even the most seasoned professionals, including complex bidding scenarios and curveballdistractions, his performance stood out among the five finalists at the iconic Adelaide Oval.

Hosted by the Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA), the AUSTROs are the most prestigious event on the Australasian auctioneering calendar, showcasing exceptional skill, speed, legal acumen, and performance under pressure. Harcourts Hamilton director Campbell Scott says his team has long believed that auctions are the most transparent, competitive, and effective way to sell property, and theirresults back that up.

Harcourts has outpaced thecompetition, calling more auctions in the past two years than all other majorbrands combined — proof they don’t just talk auctions, they lead them.

“This win highlights the world-class auction culture we've grown in ourlocal team. We’re delivering shorter days on market, unconditional sales, andstrong buyer competition for sellers,” says Scott.

“This isn’t just a win forMark, it’s a win for our clients, our auctioneering team, and every seller whochooses to list with Harcourts. We’re beyond proud of him,” he adds.

Trent Finlay, also a director of Harcourt's Hamilton said witnessingMark’s Adelaide performance under immense pressure was nothing short ofextraordinary.

“His meticulous preparation led to a moment that truly showcased the talent we witness every week in our Auction room. To have his skills recognised as the best in Australasia is a proud moment for the entire Harcourts family.

To add to the win, Harcourts NZ is celebrating a double triumph afterTama Emery, from Harcourts New Age – Papakura, took out the Novice Division.This clean sweep shows Harcourts has firmly cemented its place at the top ofthe auction world.

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It’s been under wraps for a while, but the full “face” of the $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre can now be seen on Victoria St.

The last of the scaffolding shielding the old Hamilton Hotel façade facing Hamilton’s main street was taken down on Friday.

Passers-by now have an almost unfettered view of the newly-restored 102-year-old architecture.

Momentum Waikato communications and marketing manager Mark Servian said the scaffolding removal was a small but significant step in the saga of the theatre’s manifestation.

“I have lived in Hamilton since the mid-1980s, and Victoria St now looks better than at any time I have seen it in the last 40 years.”

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Hamilton’s Central Business District (CBD) is undergoing a significant transformation, with several key buildings being refurbished and repurposed.

From the rooftop of 500 Victoria Street on a grey day, the view is still spectacular, revealing a city undergoing a remarkable metamorphosis.

Looking west, there is significant activity at the city’s tallest building in Ward Street, formerly known as the Government Life building.

It is set to become a $100 million Pullman hotel.

To the north, work is about to start on Norris Ward McKinnon House, while the former Housing Corporation Building on the corner of Victoria St and Claudelands Rd is bustling with activity.

Wellington-based Primeproperty Group, a private investment company, is behind the refurbishments of 500 Victoria and Norris Ward McKinnon House.

Property manager Richard Tait describes 500 Victoria as a tired building, once frequented by government, Telecom, and ACC workers.

“This is a building where we want to get tenants,” he says on a recent media tour, emphasising the goal of attracting new occupants.

Referring to these buildings as ‘old’ would be a disservice, as they were mostly built in the 1970s and 1980s and Hamilton has other more historic buildings of note.

Tait uses the word iconic for 500 Victoria, which is a stretch for the 38-year-old building, and landmark for the 1985 building at 711 Victoria St, which given its two top floor exterior balconies regularly attract attention from down below – onlookers always on the lookout for anyone standing on them – is apt.

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Journey + Co, a gift and homeware boutique owned by Nikki Carlyon and Krystal Roughton, has doubled its growth every year for the past four years.

“We measure the growth by looking at what we’ve done the same week or month the previous year,” Carlyon said. “Those sales have consistently doubled if not more.”

For Journey + Co, the seeds of their success were sown during the pandemic.

The shop moved from Anglesea St to Princes St “a couple of weeks before the second Covid-19 lockdown”, co-founder Krystal Roughton said.

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Discover the stunning collection of ballet gear and costumes designed for every dancer, from beginner to professional at That's a Wrap.

They offer a wide selection of:

- Leotards

- Tutus

- Shoes, including but not limited to ballet pointe and flats, character, tap, chorus, highland

- Tights, socks and stockings

- Hair accessories

Top brands with quality materials, craftmanship and comfort

With 40 years of experience in dance and theatre costumes, That’s a Wrap Ltd offer a diverse collection of costume pieces that meets a wide variety of fancy dress needs.

Visit in store to find the perfect fit for your unique expression.

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While throngs of visitors take the 45-minute trip out of Hamilton to live out their fantasies in The Shire (each to their own), those who stick to the heart of the ‘Tron will discover local treasures that are – in our opinion – just as precious.

On any given day in Hamilton, a world of natural beauty, rich Māori culture, creativity, and delicious moments set to impress both first-time visitors and long-time locals. Wander along the banks of our country’s longest river, lose track of time in award-winning gardens, find great coffee or cocktails down unassuming alleyways, feast at neighbourhood gems, meet makers and artists, and be utterly enchanted.

Once you realise how much ground there is to cover in Kirikiriroa, it can be tricky to know which way to turn. So, we’ve consulted a few in-the-know residents to put together a locally approved list of the best places to eat, drink, shop and explore next time you’re in Hamilton. Spoiler alert: it ends with ice cream.

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The Skin Spa is an urban oasis located on Alexandra Street in central Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. This quiet sanctuary is for people seeking a journey of relaxation and beauty – an exceptional spa experience to treat the mind, body and spirit.

For over 20 years, Skin Spa owner Kim Frandi has built a career that seamlessly blends artistry with business savvy.  But the journey hasn’t always been smooth.

From early beginnings in Tauranga and Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, to becoming a business owner and weathering the storm of multiple lockdowns, Kim’s story is one of resilience, creativity and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

For Kim, beauty isn’t just about looking good. It is about helping people feel better about themselves.

Her journey began in the early 2000s when she faced a choice for where to study beauty therapy. It was either an expensive school in Tamaki Makaurau or in Tauranga for a more balanced lifestyle. Choosing Tauranga allowed Kim to work part-time in a café while studying, providing her with a more manageable lifestyle at a slower pace.

She later moved to Auckland for further studies in electrolysis, along with mentorship from industry professionals. This set the foundation for a career that would eventually lead to business ownership in the late 2000s.

With a passion for beauty and a mind for business, Kim was prepared for the challenges of business ownership and the ever-evolving nature of the beauty industry.

For almost ten years, Kim continued to operate The Skin Spa out of the 2nd floor of the Alexandra Street building. When Kim shifted The Skin Spa into a street-front space in 2019, she was determined to create more than just a place of work. It had to be a space that resonated with her personality and creative spirit. Based on her experience in cafés and bars, Kim created a versatile area that offered a balance of openness and privacy, with both a welcoming reception area and quiet, intimate treatment rooms.

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One of the most prominent buildings fronting Garden Place is set for a revamp with Hamilton City Council to replace the ageing and damaged facade of the Hamilton Central Library.

The current facade of the 1970s building is at the end of its life, with years of water damage in difficult-to-access areas ruling out ‘quick fixes’ as an option, council said in a statement.

The six-month project will start in August and Rebecca Whitehead, Council’s Unit Director Community Services, said while the replacement is underway, the library will remain open and safe to use.

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The old Housing Corp building at 500 Victoria St - between Bryce St and the Claudelands bridge - is getting revamped inside and out under owner Primeproperty Group.

But the Wellington-headquartered company isn’t stopping there. It’s also set to spend $1m-plus on a second seven-storey project further up the street: the Norris Ward McKinnon (NWM) office building.

Primeproperty bought 500 Victoria St in 2016 for $8.1 million.

Project manager Richard Tait was positive about being able to get tenants in the current climate.

“We wouldn’t be doing it otherwise.”

They were targetting government clients or any “reasonable tenant”.

And, he added: “Potential tenants are telling us they want to be in Hamilton because that’s where the business is for them and there’s a large population.”

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In a world moving fast, RUBY Blink 2025 is your pause ~ a quiet flash of certainty; the kind you only catch if you’re truly looking.

Introducing RUBY’s winter 2025 collection, Blink captures that familiar winter feeling. The early sunsets, the cozy layers and the invitation to hibernate after a big summer ~ all signs point to a season of soft resets. And while the nights grow longer, the stars burn brighter ~ let Blink be the one you follow.

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It was the year 2000, on an overcast morning in May, when Vanessa Herbert (nee Nieper) launched her first fashion label and clothing store in Hamilton.

Now, 25 years, a rebrand and a change of hands later, NES is still going strong and preparing for a new chapter.

Herbert said she always had a passion for fashion, sewing her own clothes and sketching designs while working as a travel agent at Flight Centre in Auckland, but she didn’t think that she could turn it into a career.

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Whether you're stepping into a new role, suiting up for a big occasion, or simply upgrading your everyday wardrobe - they're here to help you look sharp and feel your best.

Their collection covers every moment, from tailored suits and blazers to smart casual wear, all designed with one goal in mind: to fit you. That means more than just sizes -  it’s about proportions that flatter, fabrics that move with you, and thoughtful details that make a difference. They’ve been dressing men since 1946, so when it comes to fit, style and quality, you’re in expert hands.

They offer ready-to-wear styles in a wide range of sizes, including short and tall fits you won’t find everywhere. Need something more precise? Their made-to-measure service delivers suits, shirts and blazers crafted just for you- the ultimate in personal style and comfort. They also provide expert alterations to make sure every garment feels like it was made for you, because it should.

Their in-store team are fit experts. They’ll help you find your ideal size, style, and cut - no guesswork, no pressure. Just good people who know what works, and how to make you feel confident in it.

Because at Rembrandt, fit isn’t just how something sits on your shoulders - it’s how it makes you stand taller.

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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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