Welcome back, Hamiltonians!

I’ve got another jam-packed edition for you this week. Filled to the brim. Enjoy!

— 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 >

Bridge Housing is a registered charity who helps to provide secure, long-term access to healthy and affordable homes for working individuals and families priced out of the traditional market. Choice!

Their new Hinemoa Apartments, located in Central Hamilton, offer a pathway to home ownership for first‑home buyers and second‑chancers who are close to buying but need support.

Curious to hear what it’s all about? Join their Information Evening and Show Home Tour on Thursday 30 April, 5.30–6.30pm, at Hamilton Squash & Tennis Club 325 Tristram Street.

Meet the Bridge Housing team, explore an apartment, and discover whether Hinemoa could be your bridge to owning a home. There’ll be light refreshments, a few prizes up for grabs - and who knows, it could be the first step toward a place of your own.

🛝 PLAYDATE CAFE: A fellow Hamiltonian is exploring the idea of creating a Pop-Up Playdate Café in Hamilton - a relaxed space where kids can play and connect, and parents can actually sit, have a coffee, and stay. They’d love to get a feel for whether this is something the community would want. Have your say >

🎭 AUDITION FOR A MUSICAL: Auditions for Hamilton Musical Theatre’s upcoming production of the iconic musical EVITA will be held this weekend at Riverlea Theatre! There are still spots to be filled. They’re waiting for you! Give it a go >

🍕 DINNER CLUB: Don’t miss your chance to try something new in Hamilton. It’s gonna be a great night. Why not give it a go? Wednesday, 29 April @ 5:30pm at Reggies. Book your seat >

🗺️ THE HAMILTON MAP: Put a slick local art piece on your wall, and support Hello Hamilton while you’re at it. Yes please! Grab one >

👀 JOIN THE TEAM: I can’t do this all myself… I’m growing the Hello Hamilton team to support our mission of building the greatest community in Kirikiriroa Hamilton. Put your hand up >

🧩 LAST WEEK’S SCRAMBLE: Easter bunny. Reply and let me know what it is this week!

♻️ Rubbish and recycling collections in Hamilton will continue as usual on Anzac Day (observed Monday 27 April). Put your bins out by 7am on your normal collection day.

⛽️ Rising fuel prices are driving more people to cycle and use public transport in Hamilton’s CBD. Data shows a 14% increase in cycling and a 5.5% rise in public transport boardings, alongside a 4.9% drop in traffic - with the shift being linked to rising fuel costs. Read.

👔 A new office block at Union Square is set to open in September, bringing around 250 workers into the fast-growing Hamilton city precinct. The four-storey building includes 2280m² of office space and ground floor retail. Read.

📚 A facelift for Hamilton Central Library is complete and has fixed long‑standing leaks. The 50-year-old building spent months behind scaffolding as part of the 2.4 million project which brought a new look to the Garden Place frontage. Take a look >

Fundraiser for Riding for the Disabled | Thu 16th 12:30pm at Chartwell Church.
Learn about Riding for the Disabled, with a donation to raise funds for this fantastic service.

🎢 Pop Up Carnival | Thu 16th - Sun 19th at the Base.
Thrill & fun rides for everyone! How cool! 

Patty Smack's Super Saucy Meal Deal | Thu 16th 9:30pm at Last Place.
Enjoy a night of late-night cabaret.

⭐️ Tainui Waka Kapa Haka Festival 2026 | Friday and Saturday at Claudelands.
A spectacular celebration of Tainui Waka Kapa Haka performances, international street food, and vibrant live music.

Queer Art Flash Day | Fri 17th 11:00am - 7:00pm at CaliLou’s Tattoos.
A joyful flash tattoo day celebrating self-expression, chosen family, and art that lives on your skin.

🎤 K-Pop Live | Fri 17th 6:00pm at BNZ Theatre.
An ultimate high-energy concert experience. Right here in Hamilton!

House of Mana Drag Show | Fri 17th 9:00pm at Biddy Mulligans.
An amazing night full of passion & pride, celebrating takatāpui Māori talent.

Artillery on Show | Sat 18th 9:00am - 4:00pm at Waikato Artillery Museum.
Sales, stalls, souvenirs, coffee cart and sausage sizzle.

The Royal Ascent | Sat 18th 10:00am at The Atrium, Wintec.
An audience-observed coaching session with international drag artist Kween Kong.

🎲 Intro to D&D - Kids Day | Sat 18th 12:30 - 4:00pm at Rototuna Public Library.
Know a young person 10+ who is excited about Dungeons & Dragons, but don’t know where to start? Bring them.

Gallagher Chiefs vs Hurricanes | Sat 18th 7:05pm at FMG Stadium.
Expect fast-paced action, big hits, and the roar of Chiefs Country.

The Royal Revue | Sat 18th 7:30pm at Clarence St Theatre.
A one-night spectacular showcasing queer performance.

🎶 Progressive Doom Sciences Vol.1 | Sat 18th 8:00pm at Last Place.
A night of science-bent doom metal, exploratory riffs, and heavy atmospheres.

🏃‍♂️Run and Walk: Cinnamon Cafe Cruise | Sun 19th 8:00am at Cinnamon. Join for a morning run and walk heading along the river path to Pukete and return via Fairfield bridge. 

Waikato Vintage Textile Fair | Sun 19th 10:00am - 3:00pm at Distinction Hotel.
A wonderful and comprehensive array of all things vintage and antique textile for sale.

🌈 Pride in the Park | Sun 19th 11:00am - 3:00pm at Western Community Centre.
Bringing Hamilton Pride Month to a joyful close with a day of celebration, connection, and community.

SELENE | Sun 19th 6:00pm at The Meteor.
A radical exploding of an ancient myth. It’s a story, a score, and a description of a film.

Gulab Sidhu Vaisakhi Mela | Sun 19th 7:00pm at BNZ Theatre.
This punjabi artist began singing to avoid getting bullied in school—now he sings to share stories of his land and culture across the globe.

Little Morning for Your Preschoolers | Tue 21st 10:00am - 12:00pm at Chartwell Shopping Centre.
Pre-schoolers can enjoy a relaxed morning of bracelet making and simple threading. 

Men's Self Care Intimacy Workshop | Tue 21st 7:00pm at Nivara Lounge.
Come talk to an intimacy educator in a carefree, confidential safe space. 

🎨 Watercolour Paint and Wine Night | Tue 21st 7:00pm at Good Neighbour.
Take a brush in one hand, a drink in the other, and paint a watercolour masterpiece!

Sika Sound Journey | Tue 21st 7:30pm at Gallagher Academy.
Bring a yoga mat, pillow and blanket, and be prepared to drop into a deep space.

Willow Shoes Pop Up | Wednesday and Thursday at Distinction Hamilton Hotel. Come and check out the latest styles including all the winter must haves! 

💗 Sisterhood Social – Women 40+ | Wed 22nd 5:00pm at Annah Stretton Store. By a new women-only digital friendship platform helping women grow their circles

Sydney Hotshots | Wed 22nd 7:30pm at Lucky Finns.
Australia’s Hottest Six-Packs are heading to NZ for one night only!

Waikato Construction Safety and Wellbeing Forum | Thu 23rd 2:30 - 5:30pm at Green Gorilla Huntly Transfer Station.
Valuable behind‑the‑scenes look at how construction and demolition waste is collected, sorted, and diverted from landfill.

Games Night | Thu 23rd 5:00pm at Central Library.
A night for board game fans to come together and play! 

Site Visit - Hamilton Central Library Facade | Thu 23rd 5:00pm at Edward White Architects.
Learn about this standout example of architectural innovation and technical integration. 

😂 Joel's Lair Of Laughs | Thu 23rd 8:00pm at Nivara Lounge.
Help Joel Vinsen choose which jokes will escape his lair…

🎵 Synth Obscura Presents: Keep It Unreal | Fri 24th 7:00pm at Nivara Lounge.
A night of electronic and synthwave music!

Hoick Album Release Tour | Fri 24th 8:00pm at Last Place.
HOICK have released their debut album with their very own unique brand of audio pollution to the world. 

❤️ Anzac Day Dawn Service & Civil Service | Sat 25th 6:00am & 10:00am at Memorial Park.
Join Hamilton’s 111th year of commemorations at the dawn service.

🏐 AVIS Magic v Tactix | Sat 25th 7:00pm at Claudelands Events Centre.
The Avis Magic take on the Tactix live at Claudelands Arena in the ANZ Premiership! 

Kia Maumahara: Voices of Remembrance | Sat 25th 7:30pm at St Peters Cathedral.
A choral concert featuring NZ composers, with soloists, brass, organ, percussion and strings, in honour of ANZAC. 

🌿 City Nature Challenge | Sun 26th 10:00am at Jubilee Park.
This event is all about raising awareness of urban biodiversity through education, interactive stalls, and hands-on stations for tamariki and adults. 

World Jazz Day | Sun 26th 2:00 - 5:00pm at Made. Float on in to enjoy live jazz alongside a glass of pinot and all the culinary delights Made has to offer. 

See you out there! And see you at Reggie’s in a couple weeks?

— Ben Woodgates and Sarah Blake