New Union Square building likely to get underway within six months

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.

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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.

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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.

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Family-friendly circus sessions

This summer, Garden Place will come alive with creativity and fun as Circus in the Centre brings a series of family-friendly circus sessions to the lawn.

These open-air sessions will offer a unique opportunity for whānau to explore the joy of circus in a welcoming and unstructured environment. Whether you're dropping by for a quick spin with a hula hoop or immersing yourself for the full two and a half hours to get your three-ball juggle, there’s something for everyone—regardless of age or experience.

This collaborative initiative is supported by Love the Centre and Creative Waikato and is hosted by the experienced team at Black Sheep Circus Entertainment.

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