👋🏼 Hello Hamilton

We’re growing so fast! Welcome to the 600+ Hamiltonian’s that have joined us since last week. Thank you for reading Hello Hamilton today.

As this publication continues to grow (6,710 members and beyond), you’ll notice small improvements based on your feedback through weekly polls or and direct messages to [email protected].

One recent update: event organisers can now submit their events directly to Hello Hamilton for a chance to be featured in our listings.

You’ll also start seeing Hello Hamilton more on social media as we expand. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay connected!

Enough housekeeping… let’s get into it!

🎟️ What’s on in the Tron this week?

Social run | Thursday 3rd 5:15pm from Grantham St Boatramp. Join a relaxed social club run, whether you're keen for a 5km loop or feeling good for up to 12km. All paces and abilities welcome. Info.

Quiz night | Thursday 3rd 6:30pm at The Keg Room. Five rounds of big-screen trivia that's not too hard, not too easy, and includes content that relates to you and your crew. Info.

James and the Giant Peach production | Thursday-Saturday at Riverlea Theatre. Roald Dahl's story comes hilariously to life in this delightful dramatisation that reveals the wickedness of some, the goodness of others, and the indecision encountered by many when they are faced with crises. Tickets.

Life drawing | Friday 4th 12:20pm at St Peter’s Cathedral. Join the longest running untutored life drawing group in Hamilton to study human anatomy and gesture of short and long poses - equipment provided. Tickets.

Leading AI innovation online course | Friday 4th 1:00pm. Are we too focused on AI’s risks and missing its potential? The University of Waikato is hosting a two-part online course led by Professors Albert Bifet & Professor Nicholas Agar. Register.

Gallagher Chiefs v Reds| Friday 4th 7:05pm at FMG Stadium. The stage is set, and the Chiefs are ready to take on the Reds in a crucial regular-season matchup at home! Tickets.

Fresh Hop Festival | Saturday 5th 2:00-10:00pm at Good George. A celebration of the freshest beers you’ll ever taste - enjoy ultra-fresh beer and cider, live music, and a proper good time. Tickets.

Beyond The Mirror stage drama | Saturday 5th 2:30pm and 6:30pm at Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts. Donating proceedings to the Sri Lankan temple for their newly planned building fund. Tickets.

Impact Pro Wrestling | Saturday 5th 6:30pm at The Y Hamilton Recreation Centre. A night of epic wrestling action, headlined by Hamilton's own Jayrilla. Tickets.

A Night in Samoa | Saturday 5th 7:00pm at Waikato Indian Association Hall. Samoa Community Siva - community, supper, live music. Tickets.

Tick, tick… BOOM! show | Saturday 5th 8:30pm at The Meteor. Tony Award-winning composer Jonathan Larson’s explosive autobiographical musical about life, death, and the necessity of art. Tickets.

Gordonton Art and Design Trail | Saturday-Sunday at Gordonton Hall. 20 artists exhibiting in 9 locations within and around the beautiful rural surrounds of the Gordonton village. Info.

Run and walk at Hamilton Zoo | Sunday 6th 8:00am at Hamilton Zoo. Join the Hamilton Roadrunners for a run or walk around the Zoo and look out for some orangutans! Info.

Sunday Yoga | Sunday 6th 9:00am at Tomtit Farm. Enjoy an inspiring outdoor yoga session, then stay to enjoy some good company, wander amongst the flower garden and pick your own bunch to take home. Info.

Medieval Carnival | Sunday 6th 10:00am-3:00pm at Waikato Waldorf School. A day of enchantment, wonder, and old-world festivities. Info.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Open Day | Sunday 6th 11:00am-2:00pm at Hamilton Airport. This is a family friendly event offers the chance to watch live demonstrations and get an up-close view of your Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Info.

Pride in the Park | Sunday 6th 11:00am-3:00pm at Elliot Park. A celebration of queer joy, featuring live entertainment, music, local vendors, and plenty of space to connect and be yourself. Info.

New Zealand Army Band: Jazz In Concert | Monday 7th 7:35pm at Southwell School. A night of world-class jazz as the New Zealand Army Band showcases its exceptional talent in a one-of-a-kind concert event. Info.

Free Ice-cream Cone Day | Tuesday 8th 12:00-10:00pm at Ben and Jerry’s Te Awa. Who doesn’t love free ice cream? Info.

Bowling with Pride | Tuesday 8th 6:30pm at SkyCity. Roll into Pride Week with a day of strikes, spares, and plenty of flair! Whether you're a beginner or pro, this is your chance to let loose, make new friends, and celebrate in style​. Info.

Breathwork workshop | Tuesday 8th 6:30pm in Frankton. Practical breathing techniques to stay calm under pressure, for improved energy management and productivity, and stronger sense of team connection and wellbeing. Register.

Paint and Wine - Lavender Fields | Tuesday 8th 7:00pm at Good Neighbour. A fun social painting class where artists will run you through step-by-step instructions on how to create your very own masterpiece in a fun and relaxed bar setting. Tickets.

Waikato Photographic Society Judging Night | Tuesday 8th 7:15pm at Melville Methodist Hall. A unique opportunity to see stunning photography, hear expert feedback, and grow your creative skills. Info.

Downtown Musicals - Broadway Blockbusters | Tuesday 8th 7:30pm at Nivara Lounge. Get your musical theatre fix and support local performers. A platform for up-and-coming theatre performers to get experience performing in front of audiences. Tickets.

TANZOS Lunchtime Opera Showcase | Wednesday 9th 1:00pm at Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts. Nine of their brightest young opera stars-of-the-future in a varied programme of opera favourites. Tickets.

Submit your event to Hello Hamilton.

Always double-check event details haven’t changed since you received this email. Did I forget anything? Flick me an email.

🎶 Live music gigs across Hamilton this week

Biddy Mulligan’s | Tim Armstrong and Campbell Hapi - Playing the classics | Thursday 3rd 8:00pm.

Biddy Mulligan’s | Live Irish music with Seanachie | Friday 4th 5:30pm.

Last Place | The Vile Maxim and Pals | Friday 4th 8:00pm. Info.

Nivara Lounge | Carlos Pla - Jazz On A Friday Night | Friday 4th 8:30pm. Tickets.

Biddy Mulligan’s | Sean Lurman and band | Friday 4th 9:00pm.

Nivara Lounge | Welcome to Planet Earth - synth/electro | Saturday 5th 8:00pm. Tickets.

Last Place | Revival Of The Rats | Saturday 5th 8:00pm. Tickets.

Biddy Mulligan’s | Persons of Interest | Saturday 5th 9:00pm.

Biddy Mulligan’s | Traditional Celtic music | Sunday 6th 6:00-8:00pm.

Missing a show? Email me so I can get my act together!

👀 Hamilton headlines you may have missed

Hamilton City Council’s $500,000 fund to support major events in the city is now open for applications. The Event Sponsorship Fund is open to new events with long-term potential, existing major events, or a significant one-off events with positive city and business benefits. More.

A majority of Hamiltonians surveyed support a speed limit reduction on Wairere Drive that is part of consent conditions for a major new Pak’nSave supermarket in Te Rapa. 64% of 1107 submissions in the most recent consultation now supported a cut from 80kph to 60kph on the stretch between Arthur Porter Dr and Pukete Rd. Read.

Call-out rates for Hamilton’s three fire stations have leapt with city fire bosses now looking at adding a fourth station to keep up with the city’s “fast-growing” population. Firefighters have been receiving an average of eight call-outs a day, up from six four years ago. Read.

The race for the Hamilton City Council mayoral chains is shaping up to be a battle between the left and right of the political spectrum. Centre-left councillor Sarah Thomson is now all but committed to standing for mayor, while ex-Labour MP Jamie Strange will make up his mind next month. On the right, fiscal conservatives ex-deputy mayor Geoff Taylor and former National MP Tim Macindoe are also close to deciding who will stand. Read.

Businesses remain open, as wastewater upgrade and work for a new pedestrian crossing continues on Heaphy Terrace. The new signalised pedestrian crossing will make it easier for pedestrians and people using active modes of transport to access Claudelands Park and Event Centre, Jaima Mosque, and the Magical Bridge Playground. More.

Hamilton’s Grumpy Baker is expanding into cakes. The popular bakery on Victoria Street has opened a new production kitchen next door to its original location, marking a major milestone in just four years of business. Read.

🚧 Current roadworks across the city

• FMG Stadium - surrounding streets will be closed on Friday 4 April from 2pm or 6pm until 11pm for the Gallagher Chiefs game.

• Duke Street (from Greenwood Street to Aztec Place) - one lane will be closed from 7pm Friday 4 April to 6am Sunday 6 April.

• Higgins Road (from Kahikatea Drive to Ramsay Street) and Sayer Street (from Irvine Street to Higgins Road) will be closed Sunday 6 April to Sunday 20 April, from 7pm – 5am for road reconstruction.

• Lynwood Place - one lane will be closed on Wednesday 16 April from 7am – 6pm, for footpath and kerb renewal work. Residents will continue to have access.

• Kea Street - one lane is closed from 7am – 6pm until Saturday 19 April for a footpath renewal. Residents will continue to have access.

• Marlowe Place - one lane will be closed from 7am – 6pm until Friday 25 April for footpath and kerb renewal work. Residents will continue to have access.

What’d you think of Hello Hamilton this week? As always, reply to this email ([email protected]) if you have any suggestions and feedback. I always love hearing from you.

Thanks for all of your support as this publication grows. See you next Thursday.

— Ben