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Apt Collections might not be a name familiar to many in Hamilton, but the tides are changing as the store opened its doors for the first time in Hamilton in February. Apt Collections is born from Longbeach Apparel, a New Zealand owned company that has been operating out of Christchurch for more than 45 years. You may be more familiar with the brands they stock; womenswear labels such as Foil, Newport, Preen, Memo, Design Nation, Neris, Seeking Lola, Billie the Label, and Leila & Luca.

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At the helm of Apt Collections is Jane Coleman, the vivacious General Manager based in Christchurch, whose energy mirrors the vibrancy of the designs her brands bring to women across the globe. "We take pride in embracing bold colours and prints," says Jane. "Our goal is to make shopping a joyful experience for every woman."

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Apt Collections is a 100% Kiwi-owned business, dedicated to helping women celebrate their individuality. Jane's key piece of fashion advice? "Don’t feel pressured to wear something just because it’s ‘on trend.’ There are so many options available today. Choose a style that makes you feel confident and comfortable, so you can look great and be your best self."

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Selecting which styles to develop is a collaborative team effort. The majority of Apt's collections are designed in-house in Christchurch, where a talented design team manages everything from concept to completion. "Our team oversees every step of the process, from design and product development to manufacturing, marketing, sales, and delivery, "Jane explains. "We put a tremendous amount of research into fabric selection and fit to ensure quality across all our brands, resulting in a collection with broad appeal."

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With the arrival of the spring/summer collection, Jane is excited about the vibrant prints, bright colours, and sophisticated monotones. "Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and breathable viscose are key this season, which is perfect as the weather warms up."

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Gone are the days when brows were considered an afterthought to your beauty regimen. Nowadays, folks will pay top dollar for an Instagram-worthy brow, and there’s only one place to go if you’re looking for just that in Hamilton: Lab Brows + Body.

Tucked away down Barton Street and cosied up beside Rocket Coffee Roasters, the brightly coloured and funky patterned exterior catches your eye with a welcoming and upbeat vibe.

The action never stops at Hamilton's only bowling alley. Located on Level 2 of SkyCity Hamilton, Bowl and Social features world-class technology and bowling lanes.

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There’s also a great lineup of arcade games, air hockey and a pool table. Plus, you can order a drink and a meal from the lanes or enjoy the incredible view of the Waikato River from the deck. This indoor activity is great for family and friend groups, and perfect for the school holidays.

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They're not only known for their great bowling atmosphere, but also our delicious food and drinks! From pizzas, hot dogs, nachos and sides, you’ll find something tasty to fuel you while you bowl. And you can order from the comfort of your lane using your kiosk.

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They've also got packages for individuals and groups that give you great bang for your buck.

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Check out some of the top spots to grab delicious noodles!

Garden Place Noodle Bar
Location: 21 Worley Place, Hamilton Central
Signature dish: Hand-pulled Lamzhau beef noodles & Belt noodles with chilli sauce

Sichuan Style Restaurant
Location: 24 Collingwood Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
Signature dish: Noodle soup with beef brisket

Saigon Noon
Location: 103 Alexandra Street, Hamilton Central
Signature dish: Noodle Soup - Pho

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Whether you are looking for a place to unwind after work or a spot to enjoy a long lunch with friends, The Mercury Room offers a unique and enjoyable experience.

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Known for their long lunch where you can enjoy a delicious platter of food for two hours, with options for a bottomless experience. They offer three different time slots: 2-4pm, 5-7pm, and 8-10pm or join one of their quiz nights and test your wits while enjoying great food and drinks.

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Garden Place Noodle Bar not only has noodles in its name, but it also makes them by hand, from scratch, and thumps them into shape right in front of your eyes.

It's time to mark the calendars with two of Hamilton’s beloved annual Christmas events.

The SkyCity Hamilton Christmas Tree Lighting Festival will kick off the festivities with the lighting of New Zealand's tallest Christmas tree in Garden Place on Saturday, 30 November. This exciting event promises a night of dazzling lights!

Come along to Garden Place from 5pm, where there will be food trucks, character meet and greets, face painting, balloon art and live entertainment! Don’t forget your picnic blankets.

As the sun sets, get ready for an unforgettable evening featuring fantastic live music and performances as the lights on New Zealand's biggest Christmas tree are turned-on for the first time. This spectacular tree will illuminate the nights from the end of November through to New Year.

.HELLO ROSIE - 9A Casabella Lane

The food caravan with a cult following in the BOP grew up and turned into a bricks and mortar eatery in Casabella Lane. Hello Rosie will defy what you think vegan food is and should be, with a cabinet of the most tempting sweet treats and a menu packed with all-time favourites like their macn cheese bites or the Rosie burger, a vegan twist on a Big Mac.

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THE VEGAN BUFFET - 645 Victoria St

This vegan institution in Hamilton, which was once on Ward Street, recently moved to Victoria Street. While still 100% vegan it is no longer a buffet, but perhaps changing location and the name would be too much for this secret local eatery. Fresh, healthy and delicious dishes at a reasonable price along with the friendly service are what have kept The Vegan Buffet a cult favourite.

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BEEJI DHABA - 587 Victoria St

Serving authentic North Indian dishes made from fresh ingredients, Beji Dhaba’s extensive menu is 100% vegetarian, with many being vegan. Dhabas in India are

traditional roadside stalls or restaurants serving heartyfare for travellers and truck drivers, so the menu has a big focus on famous North Indian street food.

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ANN FERN - 9 Knox St

This small espresso shop in the foyer of South Bloc offices has an array of toasties, soup, and sweet treats (all with vegan options).

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BÁNH MÌ CÀPHÊ - Riverbank Lane, 298 Victoria St

This trendy Vietnamese joint that spills out onto Victoria on the River offers a complete vegan menu. You’ll find rice paper and spring rolls along with their famous Bánh Mi

in two flavours, not to mention salad, noodles, curry and pudding.

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BAMBOO SWEETS - Casabella Lane

One of the new kids on the block (or down the lane), but well worth seeking out for their boutique handmade chocolates.

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THEOBROMA CHOCOLATE LOUNGE - Bryce Street entrance, Centre Place

From hot chocolates to handmade chocolates, every sweet tooth is satisfied.

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GONG CHA - 11 Worley Place

Forget bubble tea, you need to try bubble waffles! Direct from Hong Kong, a rich warm waffle is wrapped around ice-cream and decadent toppings.

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LA PROMESSE BAKE HOUSE - 5 Ward Street
For the best sweet pastries in town.

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CREAM - 14 Garden Place
For truly tempting treats, from doughnuts and cinnamon rolls to decadent slices.

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KOPI, RIVERBANK LANE - 298 Victoria Street
Not just great coffee, apparently the brownie is the best in town.

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LE RENDEZ-VOUS - 113 Alexandra Street

Didn't make it to the Paris Olympics? No problem, Le Rendez-Vous have a crépe-load of tempting French treats.

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DOT & WINNIES - 127 Alexandra Street
Yoyo, listen up, Dot and Winnies make the best melting moments in town.

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SNOWTOWN - 104 Alexandra Street
Dessert like you have never tasted it. But why wait until dessert time. They're open from noon Tuesday to Sunday.

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MARKYLES CAFÉ - Hood Street
For the best custard squares around.

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RAZZLE DAZZLE CAKES - 148 Ward Street
Sometimes the answer is cupcakes.

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As Hamilton’s first mini putt bar, it offers a unique twist on traditional golfing, inviting guests to enjoy themed courses while sipping on creative cocktails and local craft beers.

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Tipsy Putt features nine movie-themed holes, each designed to immerse players in a playful and engaging environment. From a “Jurassic Park” obstacle with a mini T-Rex to a “Wizard of Oz” section bursting with colour, the imaginative designs enhance the golfing experience. With plans to add another nine holes, the excitement is set to grow even more.

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There are ample food and beverage options available at "The Club House" bar, including burgers, pizzas, and loaded snacks. The drinks menu is equally enticing, featuring specialty cocktails, five tap beers, wines, RTD's and non-alcoholic choices, catering to all preferences.

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The store is manager Sharyn Cawood’s fifth op shop after creating four stores in the past for Hospice Waikato. The Op Shop for Breast Cancer has been running since Covid.

Clinical researcher Jenni Scarlet, (“who we’re doing all of this for,” says Cawood), called Cawood during Covid, and said a new charity store would be helpful for funding clinical trials.

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One of the great benefits of the central city is the vast number of experiences on offer and there is no better one than the annual central city progressive dinner.

This exciting event is the opportunity for the public to enjoy the traditional progressive dinner model with a vibrant and exciting twist in the big city. With five restaurants on offer – each providing a meal course with a matching drink – this is a fantastic way to enjoy some of the central city’s best restaurants all in one evening.

One of the joys in exploring a city is finding spaces and places that appear off the main streets, often characterised as laneways.

Casabella Lane and Racquet Lane were described in my last column but Hamilton’s central city boasts two others that are also worthy of exploration: Bucks Way also off Barton St, and Riverbank Lane off Victoria St.Bucks Way is a laneway between Barton and Victoria streets alongside the Wilson’s car park, which is also home to the food truck markets on a Friday night.Bucks Way has a tenancy that is famous in the central city – Rocket Coffee.

Printable event guide.

The soulful sounds of the sitar, the soaring melodies of the violin, and the rhythmic pulse of the tabla come together in a harmonious blend of traditional Indian classical and contemporary Western music. This innovative fusion creates a rich tapestry of sound that transcends cultural boundaries, transporting listeners on a sonic journey from West to East. From the intricate ragas of Indian classical to the improvisational spirit of jazz and Western Classical Music featuring:

Want to get your hands dirty with clay?

Or just here for the party vibes? Either way, you’re invited!

When: 31st Dec from 8pm - Midnight

Price: $55 per person

We’re all about good times, great company, and a kiln-full of fun! Everyone’s welcome—whether you’re here to create or just celebrate.

Let’s make this New Year’s Eve unforgettable together!

Book NOW:

E-mail: sam@potterystudio.co.nz

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Each show is being recorded and pitched to Netflix.

Tickets from $20, $25 cash at the door.

After a sold out series of shows last November and an appearance at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Coombe and Craig are hitting the road again and this time they are making it bigger!

Catch two of New Zealand’s top up-and-coming comedians this summer as they head out across the North Island with special guest Annie.

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Come down to Nivara Lounge to witness the best beatboxers in New Zealand go head-to-head with each other in an all new never seen before beatbox battle concept that will have you wanting more!

This event will be hosted by Crkzu, who is returning to New Zealand for the 24/25 summer!

The venue lawfully has a capacity of 110 patrons, so make sure to arrive on time, as you do not want to miss out!

The doors will open at 8pm; Performers and Beatboxers please arrive at 6pm if you wish to do a sound check!

Message Crkzu if you want to participate or perform at the event!

More information will be coming soon, click 'going' if you can make it and we will see you there!

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Whether you already love making zines or want to step up to sharing your creativity in printed form - nau mai, haere mai, welcome! Suitable for ages 14 years and older.

A zine is a small, handcrafted booklet, made from original or re-purposed writing and images. It's a great way to publish and share your own art, poems, opinions, or photos.

And if you already know how to zine, just come hang and make with us in a zine-friendly space.

We can koorero, write, glue, compose, stitch and disseminate our creative genius, our truth, our joy!

Suitable for ages 14+ years

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Inspired by the Museum's current exhibitions, these hands-on sessions will expand your child’s knowledge of art and science through creative crafting techniques. Suitable for ages 7-13 years.

$45 per session, booking fees may apply. Includes entry to Exscite for your child on the same day. Limited spaces!

Suitable for ages 7 to 14 years

Say goodbye to 2024 and ALOHA to 2025 at SkyCity Hamilton!

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Get ready to ring in the New Year, with a splash of tropical paradise!

Festivities kick off at 6pm, where you can collect your free entry wristband to go in the draw to win a share of our LUAU LOOT. Make sure you get in quick, as we have a limited number of wristbands available!

Hula your way into the New Year with an exciting line up of live entertainment:

Catch PACIFIC ELVIS live at Number Eight Bar

GROOVE STREET will be taking over the stage at Amuse Bar & Kitchen

Plus, their usual line up of delicious food and drink will be available for purchase all night long!

You won't want to miss this - so grab your best summer florals and enjoy the fun!

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1st and 2nd of March 2025 coming to a venue near you! A big thank you to BUSit for offering FREE bus rides to all our HCD events!

This is an event not to be missed, let’s come together and celebrate our children and whaanau!

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Keystone is your spot for live music this New Year's Eve. If you're in Hamilton on Tuesday the 31st of December, come bring in the New Year with Keystone!

Printable event guide.

Summer music sessions

Fridays in Garden Place

12.30pm - 1.30pm

All live music sessions are weather dependent.

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It's going to be an unforgettable summer of live music in Garden Place with an electrifying mix of DJs, sensational singers, and sax bringing live music to the central city!

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6th December - Sean Lurman

13th December - ARLO

20th December - Darz Keefe

17th January - DJ KUDZ

24th January - Carl Watkins

31st January - SAM DIEGO

7th February - JAE

14th February - Darz Keefe

21st February - TW3AK & CYPHR

28th February - Andrew Price

7th March - RNG

14th March

21st March - CULLY

28th March

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Names of all musicians will be added soon.

If you are a local musician and would like to be involved in the summer music sessions contact:

Vicky - admin@hamiltoncentral.co.nz

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Experience the energy and creativity of tomorrow’s future shapers.