The Gallagher Chiefs made it to the grand final, and are facing the Hurricanes in Wellington this Saturday. I’ve heard some megafans are heading down for the game - I’ll be watching on TV. Will you be tuning in? 🤞🏼

Speaking of Saturday, it looks to be a busy day here in Hamilton! There’s heaps happening this week. I hope you have a chance to get out and about.

Let me make it easy for you 👀 I’ve got a couple of ticket giveaways for you this week - peep down near the end of the edition for your chance to win. Anyways, I’ll leave you to it. See you 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 online here >

This week, developer Templeton Group unveiled plans for a 25-storey, $100 million-plus skyscraper on the banks of the Waikato River in Hamilton.

Victoria Street Tower will be one of the most complex, most visible, and consequential developments Hamilton has ever seen. The designs look pretty impressive.

The tower is proposed to include:

The Mayor says Hamilton will need around 500 extra hotel rooms by 2030, with demand expected to rise as more events, visitors, and businesses come to the Waikato. The hope is that the development will help activate the riverfront, create jobs, and attract further investment.

The Waikato Times reports construction isn't expected to begin until September 2028, so there's still a long road ahead. It’s exciting to see projects that plan to uplift our CBD.

🎭 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. 

Rototuna Junior High Presents - Seussical! | Until Sat 20th at Rototuna Junior High School.
Join for a fun-filled performance the whole community can enjoy - full of music, energy, and plenty of surprises along the way.

✨ 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.

Pet Community House Garage Sale | Fri 19th 1:00 - 7:00pm at 8a Grandview Road.
Sausage sizzle, cold fizzy drinks, ice-blocks fundraiser and half price adoption on all animals that are available on the day.

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! 

🚧 Community Drop-in Sessions: Peachgrove Road Improvements | Sat 20th 10:00am at Hamilton Boys' High School.
Come and chat about a range of improvement options for Peachgrove Road between which sit outside of Hamilton Boys’ High School and Peachgrove Intermediate. 

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.

🌱 Community Planting Day | Sat 20th 1:00 - 4:00pm at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park.
Refreshments available, bring a spade, gloves, wet weather gear, sturdy footwear and drinking water. 

Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final Watch Party | Sat 20th 6:00pm at Zone Sports Bar.
Catch all the action live on the big screen, surrounded by fellow fans, an electric atmosphere, ice-cold drinks, and delicious food. 

💃 Rangatahi Matariki Ball | Sat 20th 6:00 - 9:00pm at Hamilton Gardens.
Youth aged 14-18, from all cultures and communities of Waikato, are invited to dress their best, bring their vibe, and join in an evening of dancing. 

🎭 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! 

Dragonboat Club Open Day | Sun 21st 9:00am at Innes Common.
Come for a fun, supportive paddle session, no experience needed. 

🏮 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. 

🏃 Run and Walk: Solstice 5km | Sun 21st 8:24pm at Fergus Bar and Kitchen.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a run or walk starting at exactly 8:24pm.

Find events happening next week further down this edition.

This Peachgrove Road corridor carries thousands of Hamiltonians each day and becomes heavily congested at peak times. If you've driven through the area at school drop-off or pick-up time, you'll know how busy it gets.

The schools and local residents have been raising safety concerns for years, and now the City Council is considering four possible solutions.

The options range from a major upgrade with new walking and cycling paths, safer crossings and significant parking changes, through to smaller improvements focused on crossings and safety, a new pedestrian crossing only, or simply better parking management and enforcement.

Community feedback will help determine the best solution. Have your say to help decide which approach is taken here >

Waltz of My Heart | Mon 22nd 11:00am at Hamilton Central Baptist Church.
Step into a world of sweeping melodies, soaring voices, and the graceful rhythm of the waltz in this unforgettable concert. 

Glow in the Dark Paint Party | Wed 24th 7:00pm at The Bank Bar.
Grab a drink in one hand, a brush in the other and get your creative juices flowing and your brush strokes going with ultra-violet lights.

🎵 ABBA | Wednesday and Thursday 7:30pm at Clarence St Theatre.
A 2-hour spectacular live concert that will take you through the songs, the life and magic that made ABBA one of the most successful bands of all time. 

Hamilton Sunset Markets | Thu 25th 4:30 - 8:00pm at Big Save Carpark.
A creative space for teams and foodies to connect over music and street eats. 

🧠 Believe it or Not Trivia Night | Thu 25th 7:00pm at Patrons Brewing Co.
Test your knowledge, have a laugh and win some prizes.

Fight, Flight, Focus - Understanding Your Mind Under Pressure | Thu 25th 7:00pm at Classics Museum.
An entertaining and uplifting evening exploring the fascinating, funny, and deeply human ways we think, react, and cope under pressure. 👇

🎶 Bleeders - As Sweet As Sin | Thu 25th 8:00pm at Last Place.
Tamaki Makaurau punk rock legends Bleeders celebrate 20 years of As Sweet As Sin.👇

CAD (Computer-aided design) Class | Fri 26th 11:00am at Rototuna Library.
A free class where you’ll learn what CAD design is, how to navigate the programmes used, and take your first steps to create your own 3D printing models. 

Winter Warmers: An Operatic Gala | Fri 26th 6:30 - 9:00pm at Gallagher Academy.
The 2026 TANZOS Studio Artists will present an evening of astonishing vocal talent.

🕺 Footloose – St Paul's Collegiate School Production | Fri 26th - Tue 30th at Southwell School.
A high-energy musical packed with unforgettable songs, electrifying dance, and a powerful story about standing up for what you believe in.

Whānau Wellbeing Day | Sat 27th 11:00am - 4:00pm at Te Whare Maui Events Centre.
This completely free community event brings together a wide range of service providers in one place, making it easier to access support, information, and connection.

👯 Beginner West Coast Swing Dance Workshop | Sat 27th 7:00pm at Hamilton City Netball Centre.
Learn the basics of West Coast Swing partner dancing in a fun, supportive environment. No partner or previous dance experience necessary. 

A Czech Gambit | Sat 27th June  - Sat 4th July 7:30pm at The Meteor.
A true story of a chess grandmaster played out like a chess game in real life.

🎭 Matilda The Musical | Sat 27th June - Sun 5th July at BNZ Theatre.
The Tony Award–winning musical celebrates the wild spirit of childhood, the limitless power of imagination, and the uplifting journey of a young girl determined to change her destiny.

The Wall Vol. 1 | Sat 27th 8:00pm at Last Place.
Featuring Job Site, Drop Off Point, The Break In and Run It Straight. 

🎤 Cherry Siesta | Sat 27th 8:00pm at Nivara Lounge.
Blending classic rock weight, early 2000s pop-punk energy, and modern Aussie/NZ.

🎸 Ben Catley (AUS) | Sun 28th 6:00pm at Last Place.
Returning for his 6th New Zealand tour from Western Australia, catch Ben’s mesmerising guitar show.

There’s so much happening in Hamilton this week! I hope you manage to get out there and enjoy it.

Have feedback about Hello Hamilton? I’d love to hear from you. Reply directly to this email at any time.

— Ben Woodgates and Sarah Blake