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The region’s leaders, canvassed on their key takeaways from 2024, have come up with some remarkably similar conclusions - and some great expectations.

Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said her main lesson from 2024 was to “to keep the optimism and positivity to get through the tough times ... As a politician it is important to keep a positive lens on whatever it is you are doing.

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There is one thing I can’t forgive myself for after living 13 years as a JAFA - I didn’t know about Waikato River as a tourist destination.

I’d been to Hamilton many times before moving here. On a typical family trip, we would spend a morning at the Gardens and hop to Sichuan Style on Collingwood Street for their spicy fish fillet - a typical itinerary for many Auckland Chinese.

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery celebrates its reopening with a jam-packed season ahead of amazing exhibitions and programmes.

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After a six-month closure for extensive renovations, the Museum is ready to welcome visitors to their opening weekend’s ‘housewarming’ celebration to experience the improvements as well as the four new exhibitions alongside established favourites including Exscite.

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Waikato Regional Theatre general manager Gus Sharp says the new deal “puts Hamilton on the map of the Interational touring circuit with a nail, not a thumbtack”.

A non-stop cavalcade of top international talent is now guaranteed for the city with the world’s biggest live entertainment company signing a 15-year lease to run the Waikato Regional Theatre.

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The deal is with Live Nation, which operates top Auckland venue Spark Arena and, among other feats, recently brought Coldplay to New Zealand.

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Hamilton’s civic Christmas tree is the largest of all the four main centres, and on par with them in terms of ratepayer funding.

Of Aotearoa’s four main centres - Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton - the city’s tree stands at a whopping 27m to the tip of its star and is by far the tallest.

Back in 2012, former Hamilton mayor Julie Hardaker was keen to turn the city into New Zealand's Christmas capital, but received a grinch-like response from some locals.

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Welcome to Escapist NZ, Hamilton’s premier destination for immersive escape rooms, mind-bending puzzles, and a haven for board game enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle solver or a curious newcomer, their unique blend of adventure and relaxation promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Immersive Rooms and Puzzles

Step into a world of mystery and intrigue with their meticulously designed escape rooms. Each room offers a unique storyline, challenging puzzles, and an immersive environment that will transport you to another world. Work together with your team to uncover clues, solve riddles, and escape before time runs out. The rooms are perfect for friends, families, and corporate teams looking for a fun and engaging activity.

Board Game Café

After your escape room adventure, unwind in the cozy boardgame café. With a wide selection of classic and modern board games, there’ssomething for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a strategicgame of Settlers of Catan or a light-hearted round of Codenames, the friendlystaff are always on hand to help you find the perfect game.

Retail Store

Take a piece of the adventure home with you from the retail store. They offer a variety of board games, puzzles, and escape room-themed merchandise. Whether you’re looking for a new game to add to your collection or a unique gift for a friend, you’ll find it here.

Visit Today

Located in the heart of Hamilton, Escapist NZ is the perfect place to escape the ordinary and dive into a world of fun and excitement. Book your escape room experience today and discover why they're a favorite spot for adventure and entertainment.

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A game of wits and teamwork - find locations and solve cryptic puzzles to unlock secrets!

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Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Hamilton with Te Ahurei Māori Tourism. Founded by Les Tuteao, a descendant of local Māori teachers and storytellers, Te Ahurei offers an authentic and engaging experience that brings the history and art of the Waikato region to life.

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Experience the Art and Stories of Hamilton on a captivating two-hour walking tour that highlights seven significant public artworks throughout Hamilton. Led by Les Tuteao, this tour intertwines local historical narratives with the stories behind each artwork, including Michael Parekowhai’s“ Tongue of the Dog” and the interactive sculpture “Tōia Mai.” These pieces transform the streets of Hamilton into an open-air gallery, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists.

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• Authentic Cultural Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of Māori culture and history.
• Expert Guidance: Learn from Les Tuteao, a knowledgeable guide with deep roots in the community.
• Unique Art Experience: Explore Hamilton’s public artworks and the stories they tell
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For more information and to book your tour, contact Les -tuteao@teahureimaoritourism.nz

Discover the heart and soul of Hamilton with Te Ahurei Māori Tourism. Your journey into the rich tapestry of Māori culture awaits.

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It’s a chocolate lover’s dream at Theobroma Chocolate Lounge.

Located in the heart of Hamilton’s CBD, the chocolate themed cafe sells creamy Belgian chocolate delights, from gourmet hot chocolates to bite sized chocolate ducks and fish.

Surrounded by sugary delights every day, owner Ian Roberts-Thomson said his favourite part of the job isn’t the chocolate, but the look of delight he sees on customers’ faces.

Their bestseller is a traditional Belgian hot chocolate.

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Whenever a customer spins a yarn about their latest outdoor adventure and they don’t mention their feet, Colin Hancock knows he’s done a good job.

His store Trek ‘n’ Travel - a central Hamilton institution - sells everything outdoorsy, from camping equipment to hiking gear.

But one item is a step ahead of the rest - a good, sturdy pair of hiking boots.

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Dine-in and takeaway available! Special lunch menu available. Come and savour the authentic flavours of Thailand!

Available from early December. Pre-order now!

This beginner's essentials kit is packed with the tools and guidance needed to craft delicious, artisan-quality bread at home. 

Designed for both beginners and aspiring bakers, this kit combines essential tools, expert guidance, and thoughtful touches to set you up for sourdough success.

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Cucina Cafe is a popular spot with a fantastic outlook to enjoy a quick bite or long lunch with family and friends.

Some of the standout dishes include salmon eggs benedict, avocado smash, and creamy mushrooms. For dessert, you might enjoy the ginger pistachio slice or raspberry crumble. They also serve a variety of beverages, including cocktails, soft drinks, and a superb soy flat white.

A favourite among locals and visitors for its lovely atmosphere and delicious food.

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Join us in Hamilton this April school holidays for a face-to-face Universal Wellbeing Workshop designed for school students aged 8 and over.

Held at the FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute, this interactive 3-hour session offers a meaningful and affordable school holiday activity that helps students understand what wellbeing means and how to care for their own.

Perfect for parents and caregivers looking for educational and engaging school holiday programmes, the workshop introduces students to the Universal Wellbeing Model – a research-backed framework that supports emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, and resilience in everyday life.

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15th & 16th April 2025

9.30am - 12.30pm

Cost $30 per student. Limited spaces. Register now.

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A special afternoon at the HANRAD gallery as they unveil the stunning rug design by Samantha Callaghan, the winner of their design competition incollaboration with WINTEC’s design students!

Last year, Hanrad challenged a group of WINTEC students to create a rug based on a design brief we provided—Samantha’s concept stood out, and they’ve brought it to life with their expert craftsmanship. Now, we’re excited to showcase the finishedpiece to the student body and design faculty.

Opening:Thursday the 10th of April at 4:30pm

Exhibition Date: 10th - 30th April

Come and celebrate the next generation of design talent!

Basketball fans won’t want to miss the Trans-Tasman Throwdown, an electrifying basketball series featuring Australia’s Boomers vs. New Zealand’s Tall Blacks and the 2degrees Tall Ferns vs. the Opals. This high-energy event rekindles one of the fiercest rivalries in international sports, as Australia and New Zealand battle it out across three exciting games.

This is a unique opportunity to see both countries’ national basketball teams in action on their home turf. It’s the first time the Boomers have played the Tall Blacks in Australia since 2021, and nearly ten years since the Tall Blacks hosted the Boomers in New Zealand.

The Opals and 2degrees Tall Ferns will face off after an intense 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup bronze medal match, where Australia narrowly defeated New Zealand. This will be the Tall Ferns’ first home game in over five years and the first time the Opals have played in New Zealand since 2015.

Don't miss out on this chance to witness some of the world’s best basketball teams compete live. Get your tickets now for this historic series!

Corporate Hospitality: Interested in an exclusive experience? For corporate hospitality options, email spoiltforchoice@h3group.co.nz

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Peppa Pig is back touring New Zealand for the first time since 2018 in her oink tastic stage show, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans and is a perfect introduction to theatre.

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Join Professor Penfold in his race against time to create a fantastical solution to the city’s rubbish problem!

With an impatient mayor breathing down his neck, an enthusiastic but clumsy nephew causing havoc in the lab, what more could possibly go wrong for the professor?

The Perfectly Peculiar Practice of Professor Penfold is a wonderfully wacky, and joyful experience for people of all ages – kids and parents alike!

Written by Scott Granville and Courteney Mayall

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1st July -Saturday, 5thJuly, 10:30 am & 1 pm (10:30 am only on Sat 5^thJuly)

Presented in the style of a wartime radio broadcast, this special concert will take you on a journey of remembrance, courage, and camaraderie. Join us as we honour the heroes of the past with music that echoes through history.

Running time: 120 mins

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Looking for an unforgettable school holiday adventure? The premiere of ‘Little Red: The Musical’ – a brand-new, exciting twist on the classic fairytale!

Follow Little Red and her new friend Jamie as they journey through the familiar story with fresh surprises, catchy original songs, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. This magical performance is brought to life by our talented local tamariki, ready to entertain audiences of all ages these school holidays.

Wednesday, 16th April, 11:00am & 2:30 pm, Thursday, 17th April, 11:00 am & 2:30

Running time 60 minutes

“The Bell” is a wordless visual symphony, where hand-crafted puppets come to life, blending with hypnotic juggling such as buugeng and contact juggling. A bossy juggler puppet and his apprentice puppeteer arrive on stage with a suitcase full of surprises, inviting audiences of all ages into a world of transformation and play.

Created by Naranjarte and developed in collaboration with Fraser Hooper and Di Filippo Marionette.

Juggler: Sergio Aguilar

Puppeteer and puppet maker: Ana Lorite

Costume design: Sarah Bell

Set building: Jon Coddington

Naranjarte is a Spanish Puppet Theatre and Circus company founded by Ana Lorite and Sergio Aguilar in 2011. Known for their fusion of puppetry and circus, they have performed over 400 shows across 17 countries, bringing immersive performances and cultural exchange to diverse audiences. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they continue to tour internationally, sharing their passion for puppetry and juggling through visual theatre, illusion, and play.

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Run time: 45 mins

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A Hamilton-based festival for self-publishers of comics, poetry, collage, fan-art, photo essays and more.

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Stall holder applications now open https://forms.gle/rsQMTGMFNKHmHoZq9

Join us on Sunday the 20th of April for our Easter Bottomless Brunch at House!

Experience Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, Sauna + Ice Baths, Normatec Recovery, and more - all included in one ticket! The O-Wellness Festival brings together community, fun, and self-care for a morning of movement and recovery. Enjoy over $180 worth of wellness experiences!

Investment: Early Bird $49, Standard Price $59. Limited tickets available

Renowned Hamilton chef Andrew Clarke has created a four course tasting menu to match four Whitehaven wines.Danny from Whitehaven will be joining us as our wine ‘tour guide’ for the evening, giving insights into the winery and the way that the chosen varietals match each course.

This event starts at 6pm and tickets are just $59 per person. To book, please email info@keystonebar.co.nz - make sure you get in early as there are limited spots available!

Join us for an evening of fashion and philanthropy at our exclusive Sip & Shop Sale! Browse through a stunning collection of high-end preloved designer and quality brand clothing at incredible prices, all while supporting a wonderful cause.

Hosted by our generous supporters at Harkness Henry, this event offers the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe with stylish treasures while enjoying a complimentary glass of bubbles. Every purchase helps fund Dress For Success Hamilton's mission to empower women in our community.

Entry: FREE!

All proceeds support Dress For Success Hamilton's work providing professional attire and career development tools to women entering or returning to the workforce.

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