Stories

These are the places where rising stars cut their teeth, members say, but they’re challenged by noise restrictions, alcohol licensing rules and the need to take on multiple tasks outside booking bands.

Prompted by the social and financial challenges of the Covid-19 lockdowns, the Independent Music Venues Association (IMVA) incorporates 29 live music venues in New Zealand and functions as a sort of union.

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The cinema had three band new 35mm Kineton projectors which were the top of the line at the time to deliver the best image possible. The projectors were matched with a state-of-the-art sound and seating and a lovely foyer to match and opened with the film MICHAEL COLLINS starring Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn and Julia Roberts.

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Despite its bar offering and up market decor the cinema struggled and was perhaps ‘before its time’. The cinema changed hands to the RIALTO group before being purchased and refurbished by its previous owner as THE LIDO CINEMA in Dec of 2009.

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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.

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.

Prepare for a magical experience with Stories in the Garden on November 9 and 23 from 10-11am in Garden Place. This enchanting hour of storytelling and games, hosted by characters from Enchanted Entertainment, is sure to ignite the imagination of children and adults alike. Don’t miss this chance for a story time adventure. For all the details, check out our event listing here.

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The annual Yamaha Rollo’s Marine Bridge to Bridge, takes place from November 8 to 10 on the mighty Waikato River from Grantham St. This thrilling event celebrates its 40th year and promises an adrenaline-packed adventure as water ski racers tackle the breathtaking course. It’s a must-see for thrill-seekers and families alike. For all the details, check out our event listing here.

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When it comes to looking for culinary delights from around the world, the north end of Victoria St does not disappoint. There is a mix of international cuisine that takes you from Asia to Africa in the space of a mere two blocks. The Hamilton Central Business Association showcased a sample of what is on offer, taking 30 business people from around the city, on a tasting evening in 90 minutes. First stop was Penang Street Food NZ at 941A Victoria St − a Malaysian restaurant offering a blend of traditional Malay flavours with a modern dining experience. The owners said they wanted to craft a delicious sensory experience true to their family motto and their roots, bringing their love for the Malay street food to the plate − and they certainly did this with a selection plate of nasi lemak, char kway teow, mee goreng and chicken satay. The evening was certainly off to a great start.

Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato is thrilled to announce Exscite, its interactive centre for discovery, won the prestigious Innovation Award at last night’s Hamilton Central Business Association CBD Awards 2024.

The award recognises Exscite’s outstanding contribution to the community through its innovative approach to science education and engagement.

The recent redevelopment of Exscite has transformed it into a state-of-the-art facility making science accessible and exciting for all ages.

Twenty-six businesses had wins - some more than one - at the Wednesday evening event at 18 London Street.

Stark Properties is developing the building into versatile commercial spaces but, for the awards, Royal Lab turned it into a high-end jazz bar. Sultry notes from Joe Mac Band filled the sixth floor as attendees enjoyed 360-degree views of the city and the Waikato River.

With a record 137 entries in 2024, general manager Vanessa Williams of Hamilton Central Business Association said she felt incredibly excited about the evening of recognition and celebration.

“This event is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of our local businesses, and we are proud to play a part in celebrating them.”

In a tough time for businesses, both established and new central city organisations are encouraged to have a punt at upcoming awards.Hamilton Central Business Association (HCBA) has opened entries to 12 award categories, with nominations open until the end of August.“We know it is a pretty tough time out there at the moment,” general manager Vanessa Williams said, “but our businesses are continuing to achieve success and contribute to the vibrancy of our central city and this should be recognised and celebrated.”

Waikato Chamber of Commerce announced finalists to its 2024 Waikato Business Awards at Ninja Valley.

NORTH & SOUTH + Hamilton Business AssociationThe revitalization of central business districts is a global phenomenon, with cities adapting to new realities in a post-COVID world. Hamilton is no exception. The city’s central area is transforming into a vibrant hub that merges business, social, and experiential elements, ensuring it remains relevant and competitive. We spoke with Vanessa from the Hamilton Central Business Association to understand how local businesses are navigating this landscape and thriving in the new normal.