Stories

The big white cross will soon be replaced by Golden Arches on northern Victoria St, with fastfood giant McDonald’s to take over a prominent city site occupied by the Gateway Church.

The church has sold its property to McDonald’s Restaurants and will be moving to the corner of Clyde St and Grey St in Hamilton East - until recently the premises of Ebbett Waikato’s Audi showroom.

The sale is being hailed as potentially the trigger to a revitalisation of the northern end of Victoria St, which is fast becoming the go-to part of the city for dining out.

‍

The big Union Square development in the CBD has kicked off its new $20 million Building B multi-storey office block project, the latest step in its expected $200 million overall spend at the site.

It’s the fourth of six Union Square buildings to begin construction - a sod turning ceremony for Building B is being held on Tuesday at the site between Anglesea and Alexandra streets.

Chief executive of Foster Develop Rhys Harvey said on Monday the total cost of Building B would be about $20 million.

The existing three completed projects at the site are the Rabobank building (finished 2021), Building A carparking (2022) and the Building E offices (2023). Buildings C and D will also eventually provide office space.

‍

If you’re on the hunt for vibrant, authentic Malaysian cuisine right in the heart of Hamilton, look no further than three standout eateries: Madam Woo, Penang Street Food, and On a Roll Eatery. Each has its own unique flair, offering a culinary experience that immerses you in the rich flavours and lively atmosphere of Malaysia.

Madam Woo - 6 Sapper Moore-Jones Place

Madam Woo is the epitome of Malaysian charm with a dash of contemporary flair. As soon as you step through the doors, you’re enveloped in an energetic ambiance that instantly lifts your spirits. The menu is full of fresh food from zesty salads to succulent grilled meats marinated in traditional spices, every bite is a celebration of flavour. Known for their Hawker Rolls, Char Kway Teow, and Hainanese Chicken Rice every bite showcases a commitment to quality and freshness. With a strong emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients, Madam Woo doesn’t just serve food; it presents a genuine taste of Malaysian culture. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends and enjoy the warmth of community dining.

madamwoo.co.nz

‍

Penang Street Food - 941A Victoria Street

Penang Street Food encapsulates the hustle and bustle of Malaysian street food culture. This eatery stands out for its commitment to authenticity and flavour.

The variety of flavourful and traditional dishes like Char Kway Teow, Nasi Lemak, Laksa and Mee Goreng transport you straight to the streets of Malaysia. Each plate is a vibrant palette of colours and textures, offering a culinary adventure. The menu is packed with flavour and rooted in family heritage.‍

The decor reflects the vibrant streets of Malaysia, creating a lively and casual atmosphere where you can kick back and enjoy your meal. Whether you’re dining solo or with a group, the inviting space is a welcoming spot to visit

Whether you're craving creamy butter chicken, fiery chaats, or plant-based fusion, Hamilton’s Indian food scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors for every palate. From North Indian classics to South Indian specialties and vibrant street food, here’s your guide to the top Indian restaurants in town. 

‍

Breeze Indian Restaurant - 16 Hood Street

Breeze blends traditional Indian flavours with modern presentation. Known for its momos, tandoori platters, and gelato desserts, it’s a great spot for dine-in or takeaway. The restaurant is designed with comfort and elegance in mind, offering a culinary experience that spans both North and South Indian cuisine. From appetisers to desserts, Breeze is food that fuels your hunger and feeds your soul.
breezerestaurant.co.nz  

‍

Indian Chimney - 4 Alexandra Street

A warm and inviting restaurant perfect for casual dining or special occasions. Indian Chimney specialises in authentic North Indian cuisine, including tandoori chicken, chaaps, and vegetarian platters. With friendly staff and a cosy atmosphere, it’s a favorite among both meat lovers and vegetarians.
indianchimney.co.nz

‍‍

‍Naughty Naan - 250 Victoria Street
Naughty Naan offers a bold and modern take on Indian cuisine. Drawing inspiration from across the subcontinent, the menu features curries, tandoori specials, and street food favorites like pani puri and goat biryani. Whether you're celebrating or just indulging, this stylish kitchen and bar promises a memorable dining experience.
naughtynaan.co.nz 

‍

The Hamilton Central Business Association is thrilled to announce that the Love the Centre Awards are back and ready to celebrate excellence within Hamilton’s central city business community! Sponsored by Spark Business and supported by Mediaworks, these awards provide a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the businesses who make our city centre extraordinary. Nominations are now open until August 30th.

‍

‍

‍

You wouldn’t think of a building as having a central nervous system - but deep in the interior of the new Waikato Regional Theatre there is a special room that will be exactly that.

It’s a hub where the theatre’s peripheral nerves - the 30 kilometres of glass fibre optic cables that flow throughout the entire structure - meet and connect, carrying audio, video, paging, and other forms of raw data from the main auditorium to all other parts of building.

The $80 million theatre is undoubtedly the most advanced such building to be constructed in New Zealand for decades and the sound system, once completed, will be the equal of any such facility anywhere in the world.

“For a building built around sound and vision, this is the heart of it,” said Mike Orum, one of the eight data technicians who are charged with the task of ensuring that every last strand of cable is correctly connected to each of about 600 termination points in 205 different locations.

Right now, it looks like a spaghetti factory.

And unravelling the strands are two local firms - Structured Technologies and Feisst Electrical.

“It’s cool it’s being done by all Hamilton companies,” said Orum. “There’s not busloads of labour being brought in from somewhere else.”

Hamilton’s vibe is hard to pin down, but impossible to ignore. Emerging suburbs and hidden laneways lined with undiscovered gems paint the picture of a city undergoing an evolving urban transformation.

At every corner, this unassuming city surprises those who take the time to look beyond the surface. With cosy bars tucked away from the main drag, breathtaking gardens that transport you to another time, and serene river views, there’s a bit of everything. Whether you’re up for a well-crafted cocktail, keen to uncover your next read, or just want to bask in the sun by the river, we’ve uncovered the best seats in the city for all of the above.

Whether you prefer small, intimate settings or large entertainment spaces that can host over 1,000 people, our city centre has itall. Enjoy performances from both local and international artists at these venues.

Last Place Bar – 54 Collingwood Street

A vibrant spot known for its great atmosphere, tasty food, and a solid line up of gigs two to three evenings each week. Also known to have one of the most extensive beer menus in the city. Check out the What’s On page of their website to find upcoming gigs.
lastplacedivebar.co.nz

Nivara Lounge – 266 Victoria Street

An underground retro lounge with a great live music line up each month of both local and touring musicians. Keep an eye on their Facebook page and Event Finda to keep up to date with what’s coming up.
nivaralounge.com

The Factory – 28 Alexandra Street

The Factory is a large entertainment venue that hosts a widerange of concerts and gigs, featuring both local and international artists. Find out what’s coming up on their website and social pages.
thefactoryhamilton.co.nz

Biddy Mulligans -17b Hood Street

Biddy Mulligan’s is Hamilton’s only authentic Irish pub! A great spot to go for live music from Monday to Sunday along with their great pub food and Guiness. Hamilton Blues Society Blues are at Biddy's every Sunday afternoon from 3pm.
biddyshamilton.com‍

It’s not often you’d think to send a postcard while travelling to someone at a retail shop back home, but for visitors to Colin’s store, that feels like exactly the right thing to do.

An outdoor enthusiast in every sense, we grab Colin Hancock, owner and operator of Trek ‘n Travel, to hear some tales of what it’s like to live in the ‘gateway of adventure’.

It’s not often you’d think to send a postcard while travelling to someone at a retail shop back home, but for visitors to Colin’s store, that feels like exactly the right thing to do.

An outdoor enthusiast in every sense, we grab Colin Hancock, owner and operator of Trek ‘n Travel, to hear some tales of what it’s like to live in the ‘gateway of adventure’.

‍

‍

‍

There are few better ways to feed your spirit than a day spent exploring Hamilton’s best boutiques and galleries. Slinging the works and wares of Kiwi artisans, you’re sure to stumble upon some inspiration and quality goods. From conscious fashion and homewares stores to traditional and modern galleries, here’s how to get your creative fix in Hamilton.

‍

True

302 Barton Street, Hamilton Central, Waikato

True focuses on ‘unique designs, ethical production and elevated quality.’ This boils down to respect for the highest quality fabrics and expert craftsmanship, ultimately championing clothing that moves us towards a more sustainable future. In short, they only stock garments from designers with reputable production processes. Here you’ll find international brands like VEJA and Bassike, as well as local names like Mahsa and Caitlin Crisp.

‍

Sisters on London

61 London Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton

Get your global fashion fix in the heart of Hamilton, thanks to the stylish sibling duo over at Sisters on London. Slinging collections from the likes of Sass & Bide, Zimmermann, Karen Walker and P.E Nation, you’re covered from head to toe with these designer threads. On the accessories front, you’ll find bags from Deadly Ponies and Status Anxiety, as well as jewellery by Meadowlark and Stolen Girlfriends Club.

‍

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

1 Grantham Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton

For a taste of New Zealand history through Hamilton’s lens, book in time at ​​Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato. As the beating heart of the CBD’s creative district, the museum offers plenty of new experiences, exhibitions and events to discover. We recommend blocking out a whole day to unpack everything on offer across the themes of art, history, Tangata Whenua and science. From craft workshops to the annual Contemporary Art Award exhibition, there’s never a dull moment at the museum.

‍

ArtsPost

120 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton

The heritage candy-coloured facade is your first hint that ArtsPost is worth the trip. Inside the former Post Office, you’re sure to uncover something new thanks to the ever-rotating collection of artists. Wind your way through three thoughtfully curated galleries, and you’ll be greeted by a frenzy of whimsical pieces like textiles, pottery, artwork and jewellery.

‍

Soul Gallery

300 Barton Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton

If you need a dose of inspiration, hightail it to Soul Gallery over on Barton Street. Here, you have permission to lose yourself in all things quirky and colourful, celebrating New Zealand-made art, crafts and treasures. Founder Lisa Voigt’s vision for the gallery is to “create a haven where people could come to appreciate a melting pot of New Zealand art and design.” It’s safe to say she’s absolutely nailed that.

‍

Laree Payne Gallery

286 Victoria Street, Hamilton

Ideally situated between Riverbank Lane and the Waikato River, it’s easy to drop by Laree Payne Gallery on any day out in central Hamilton. Gallerist Laree prides herself on offering the only dealer gallery in Waikato, with new exhibitions popping up every month. It’s all about contemporary Kiwi artists here. Works span engaging mediums like three-dimensional wall hangings, thought-provoking sculptures, and serene nature-inspired pieces.

‍

Ramp Gallery

111 Collingwood Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton

With more than 20 years in the business, Ramp Gallery is an institution in Waikato’s creative scene. Fittingly situated adjacent to Hamilton’s Wintec School of Media Arts, Ramp delivers an inclusive space for students and locals to soak up work by Aotearoa’s contemporary artists. From provocative large-scale installations to poignant yet powerful artworks, there’s no doubt this spot will get your creative cogs churning.

Alison is still floating!

"What an incredible honour to be named Business Person of the Year at the 2025 Wedding Industry Awards NZ.

‍
Celebrating 25 years in business feels especially meaningful surrounded by so much support. I'm grateful to my incredible team— their dedication, creativity, and heart make all the difference. To my former colleagues and cherished friends, your encouragement has meant more than words can say.

I've been privileged to have been chosen by our beautiful clients, letting us be part of their love story.
Here’s to continuing to do what I love in an industry that celebrates love".
‍

Feeling so grateful — and so lucky
Alyson 

‍

‍

Whether they’re ordering a “pretty insane” amount of steak or bringing in a mechanical bull, Hamilton venues are preparing for a full-on Fieldays week.

With crowds set to descend upon Mystery Creek from Wednesday until Saturday, bars, pubs and restaurants are gearing up for an influx of customers - whether its cockies or the “logistics and sales force” that comes with them.

And it’s not the only sector affected - out-of-town High Court judges won’t be brought in during a busy week which has already prompted warnings about traffic snarl-ups.

At Furnace Steakhouse in the CBD it’s all hands on deck, with a wagyu steak at Furnace being cooked by head chef Matt Gemmell.

‍