Welcome to October! 2026 is now 75% complete. Time flies..

There’s a lot happening in Hamilton these school holidays. I’ll leave you to it.

Enjoy, folks!

— Ben

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💡 Hamilton’s getting its own youth-led TEDx event, and the person making it happen is just 13 years old. Local Abir Mahajan is bringing young people together at The Meteor this November to share their ideas and perspectives on the theme Unwritten Futures. Listen to Abir’s interview with RNZ >

🏸 Hello Hamilton Social Badminton was a hit on Monday night, with more than 50 Hamiltonians coming along to meet new neighbours and try something new. It’s a low-pressure way to get out of the house, be active and make new connections. We’re doing it all again next week - no experience needed, all equipment is provided. Book your spot >

🛫 Hamilton Airport has secured 15-year extensions to three designations protecting land needed for a potential future runway extension. A longer runway could eventually allow larger aircraft and create opportunities for new international routes! Have your say below…

🎨 T-Shirt Painting | Mon 5th 10:00am at Dinsdale Library. Kids bring a T-shirt and let their imagination run wild, using fabric paints to decorate it with something spooky, spring themed or whatever design they like!

💡 Inspire with Simon Wickham: Lessons from Sport and Business | Wed 7th 7:30am at Gallagher Hub. Join for an engaging morning of leadership insights and real-world experiences with the Chief Executive of Rowing New Zealand.

🎻 Lunchtime Recital: Student Choir and Chamber Groups | Wed 7th 1:00pm at Gallagher Academy. Enjoy a varied programme that encompasses choral singing from early baroque to popular American, as well as a range of chamber music.

🎭 The Herd | Wednesday and Thursday 7:30pm at The Meteor. A sensitive, raw, honest play about a family falling apart – and pulling together – when life doesn’t turn out quite the way they imagined.

🤣 HaHaHamilton Comedy Lounge | Wed 7th 8:00pm at Nivara Lounge. Presented by HaHaHamilton - bringing you the very best comics in Kirikiriroa!

🙌 Rise & Shine: No Baggage, Just Brilliance Breakfast | Thu 8th 7:30am at The Atrium. Where women come together to uplift, inspire, and create lasting connections while supporting economic independence for wāhine in the community.

🌱 Create Your Own Tiny Garden | Thu 8th 10:00am at Hillcrest Library. Calling all young gardeners aged 8–12, join for a fun, hands-on terrarium workshop and discover how plants can thrive inside their own tiny world.

🖼️ Kaleidoscope | Thu 8th - Sat 17th 11:00am at The Meteor. An exhibition of creative pieces from those with lived experience of mental illness. It shows their stories, passion and the importance of creativity and art in the journey towards recovery.

🎨 Spring Art Class for Kids | Thu 8th 2:00pm at Central Library. Your kids can join a free class these school holidays and create their own artwork. All materials are provided, and absolute beginners are welcome.

🫣 James Nokise: One Night Rant 2026 | Thu 8th 7:00pm at Zeal. A new hour of frenetic furious funny aimed at politicians across the spectrum. No Party or policy is safe as Nokise lets loose on the political powers that be.

🇮🇹 Italian Film Festival | Thu 8th - Wed 21st at Lido Cinema. Showcasing 27 films and transporting audiences to the heart of Italy without leaving town!

👗 Dress for Success Hamilton Sip & Shop | Fri 9th 4:00pm at Craigs Investment Partners. Join for an evening of fashion and philanthropy. Browse through a stunning collection of high-end preloved designer and quality brand clothing at incredible prices, all while supporting a wonderful cause.

🎶 The Hidden Gems | Fri 9th 6:30pm at The Barn. An awesome acoustic show played by young aspiring musicians!

🎸 Wheres Jai Tour NZ | Fri 9th 8:00pm at Last Place. An Auckland pop-rock five-piece built around the dynamic pairing of two female lead vocalists. Known for their guitar-driven sound and energetic live shows, they’ve quickly become one of New Zealand’s standout emerging bands.

🪡 Mending & Repair Meet | Sat 10th 9:30am - 1:00pm at Riverbank Lane. Learn practical sewing skills to repair, alter, and extend the life of your clothing and other household textile items.

🕺 The Wiggles Live in Concert | Sat 10th 10:00am & 1:00pm at Claudelands Events Centre. A fun intimate live concert experience that will have the whole family singing, dancing, and laughing along!

🌙 Moon, Maramataka and Community | Sat 10th 10:30am at Chartwell Library. Discover the history, traditions, and symbolism of the Chinese Moon Festival, and learn how its themes of family, harvest, and connection resonate with aspects of Maaori culture.

😆 Fletch, Vaughan and Hayley | Sat 10th 7:30pm at BNZ Theatre. Three of New Zealand’s most beloved broadcasters, are hitting the road in 2026 with their all-new live tour: The Genuine Friends Tour.

🎵 Noxen + Crescent Lane | Sat 10th 8:00pm at Nivara Lounge. Come along for a good time and support two high school bands from Cambridge. 

🎤 Voices in Bloom | Sun 11th 2:00pm at Gallagher Academy. Waikato Rivertones and Greater Auckland Choruses are excited to perform alongside fabulous quartets BOATS, Take Note, Renew! and Uncalled Four.

Thanks for reading Hello Hamilton today!

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— Ben Woodgates and Sarah Blake