Hey there friend! I was out at Fieldays yesterday. Really enjoyed seeing the cool innovation happening here in the Waikato. Are you heading along this week?

Heads up: An annual test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system will be sent this Sunday between 6pm-7pm to all capable phones. The test makes sure the system works as it should, and helps keep us safe during future emergency events.

I have the latest edition of Hello Hamilton waiting for you below. Hope you enjoy, and I’ll see ya out there.

— Ben Woodgates

P.S. If this edition looks like it’s been cut off by your email provider, just tap “Read more” or '“View entire message” to see the full version. Or read it online here >

There’s an election happening in Hamilton right now - have you heard?

Part of our power bill goes towards the local electricity lines and equipment. The community gets to pick seven locals to represent us, who will decide how those millions of dollars get distributed back to the community.

28 locals are standing for 7 positions - and I’ve been nominated! I’d really appreciate your vote to get a mix of voices at the table. It looks like I’m the only youngster nominated. 44% of Hamiltonians are under the age of 30 - shouldn’t one of the Trustees be too?

If you live in the WEL Networks region and are enrolled to vote, you’ll get a voting pack in your letter box this week. Voting is quick and easy online using the unique code in your voting pack. If you’ve already received your letter, click here to vote >

Next week! How it works:

Fieldays | Until Sat 13th at Mystery Creek.
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and the ultimate launch platform for cutting-edge technology and innovation.

$5 Sale | Until Sat 13th at 169 London St.
Dress For Success Hamilton is having its next $5 sale including gently used high-quality women’s clothes, accessories and shoes. 

🎨 Behind the Practice | Until Sat 4th July 11:00am at The Meteor.
The exhibition brings together a range of artworks made by the staff of Arts for Health.

Hamilton Central Essential Toastmasters Club | Thu 11th 4:00pm at Central Library.
Practice your speaking and communication skills in a fun, welcoming and friendly environment.

📚 Book Launch - The Crash by Sally Wenley | Thu 11th 5:30pm at Poppies Bookshop.
Award-winning journalist, Sally Wenley, will talk about her life and her book. RSVP to [email protected].

Educating Rita | Thu 11th - Sat 13th 7:30pm at The Meteor.
Rita is a working class girl and is determined to learn everything there is to know about literature. Frank is a disillusioned and alcoholic lecturer. Watch as they turn each other’s lives around. 

Te Wehi | Fri 12th 2:00 - 5:00pm at BNZ Theatre.
Chart-topper Te Wehi, fresh off releasing his brand-new single I’m Home, is on tour celebrating his upcoming album of the same name.

Fieldays Party | Fri 12th 7:00 - 11:00pm at Biddy Mulligans.
Help fundraise for the Hamilton Young Farmers Club, come enjoy a beverage, a yap, a boogie and enjoy a night out! 

Gallagher Chiefs vs Crusaders | Fri 12th 7:05pm at FMG Stadium.
Battling it out on the field in their Semi Final.

😆 Comedy Zone with Justine Smith | Fri 12th 7:30pm at Skycity.
Get ready for a massive night of stand-up as Comedy Zone brings together some of New Zealand’s top comedy talent.

🎵 Unwanted Subject: Core In The Tron | Fri 12th 8:00pm at Last Place.
With their new EP, Reflections, making waves online, you won't want to miss these heavy anthems live, loud and in the flesh! 

🤠 Rodeo Rodeo Party | Friday 12th 9:00pm - 3:00am at The Bank Bar.
A country western themed party featuring free mechanical bull rides, cowboy hats, country anthems, and cold Good George beer and cocktails all night long. 

🧘 Global Wellness Day | Sat 13th 10:00am - 2:00pm at various locations.
Whether you’re looking to connect, move, breathe, learn something new, or simply take a moment for yourself, there’s something for everyone. 

Shama SuperSHEro Self Defence | Sat 13th 10:00am at Trust Waikato.
Join a women-led self-defence workshop designed to equip you with practical skills to protect yourself from harm.

Slime Bar Pop-up | Saturday and Sunday 11:00am - 3:00pm at Ninja Valley.
Choose your slime, decorate it with fun toppings and collectible treasures, then take it home to squish, stretch and play. 

🎶Maana e Whakarewa - Raising Voices in Song | Sat 13th 7:00pm at St Peter’s Cathedral.
Hamilton Civic Choir are joining with the St Peter's Cathedral Choir for a fundraising concert. 

🥬 Hamilton Farmers' Market | Sun 14th 8:00am - 12:00pm at The Barn, Claudelands.
From local farmers and producers direct to you.

Hamilton Eid Al-Adha 2026 | Sun 14th 1:00 - 6:00pm at Claudelands.
Come for an Eid Al-Adha celebration.

🎶 TEST (Brazil) NZ Tour | Sun 14th 2:00pm at Mesoverse.
This band has established itself as one of the most inventive names in the Brazilian alternative scene. 

Find events happening next week further down this edition.

Little Morning: Matariki Magic | Tue 16th 10:00am - 12:00pm at Chartwell Shopping Centre.
Your little ones are invited to create glow-in-the-dark Matariki star jars.

Rototuna Ravellers Yarn-Crafters Group | Thu 18th 11:00am at Rototuna Library.
Share knowledge and ideas, make new friends, or learn yarn-craft skills from experienced crafters. 

🎭 Ration the Queen's Veges | Thu 18th - Sat 20th 7:00pm at The Meteor.
This uplifting new one-man play is inspired by true events, and shares the remarkable experience of the abseiling activist during his 48 hours at Rimutaka Prison. 

✨ Matariki Dawn Ceremony | Fri 19th 5:30 - 9:00am at Pavilion, Hamilton Gardens.
This dawn ceremony weaves karakia, waiata, and reflection into a space where past, present, and future meet beneath the Matariki.

Tamahere Country Market | Sat 20th 8:30am - 1:00pm at 14 Tamahere Drive.
Featuring 100 stalls, offering a huge variety of craft, food and produce, together with buskers and a great country atmosphere.

Collectables Market | Sat 20th 8:30am - 1:30pm at The Barn, Claudelands.
Every month, there are new stalls and exciting treasures to be found! 

Re:Circle Hamilton Kids Market | Sat 20th 10:00am - 2:00pm at Re:Circle.
Children will not only get the chance to buy and sell but will also learn the importance of looking after our planet.

Swallows and Amazons | Sat 20th June - Sat 4th July at Riverlea Theatre.
Arthur Ransome’s classic young persons’ adventure of sailing, explorers and pirates comes to Riverlea Theatre! 

Winter Solstice Lantern Making | Sun 21st 3:30 - 7:00pm at The Sculpture Park.
Make your own lantern, take a night walk through the lit-up forest, then warm up around the fire with a delicious hot chocolate. 

Have a great week!

— Ben Woodgates and Sarah Blake

^{Authorised by Ben Woodgates, [email protected].}