👋🏼 Hello Hamilton

Who’s looking forward to the long weekend? Let’s hope for some good weather ☀️

FYI: As our legendary bin collectors are working through the holiday, Hamilton’s kerbside bin services will not be impacted by the Auckland Anniversary Day public holiday on Monday. Put your bins out as normal next week.

I’m Ben from Hamilton East 👋🏼 and today we’re covering things to do in the Tron this week, the live music lineup over the long weekend, and news headlines you can’t miss. First time reading Hello Hamilton? Join over 2,587 Hamiltonians here.

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🎟️ What’s on in the Tron?

Here’s how to stay busy this week, with events across Hamilton!

Basic Raranga (Maaori Weaving) Workshop | Thursday 10:30am-12:30pm at Glenview Library. Learn about harakeke (flax) and how to weave simple items while following tikanga (traditional customs). Info.

Creative Waikato’s community day | Thursday 5:00-7:00pm in Fairfield. An event for whaanau (family) and tamariki (children), featuring professional artists, lots of fun, laughs, and food. Info.

Life Drawing | Friday 12:20–2:45pm at St Peter's Cathedral in the CBD. Join the longest running Untutored Life Drawing group in Hamilton to study human anatomy and gesture of short and long poses. You know you want to try it. Tickets.

One Direction Party | Friday 10:00pm at The Bank Bar in the CBD. Nothing but songs from One Direction and the boys all night long. Tickets.

Global Game Jam | Friday - Sunday at the University of Waikato. Participants make video games or board games around a theme announced at the start—the goal is a complete a playable game by the end. Tickets.

2025 4 & Rotary Nationals aka 'The Nats' | Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm at Claudelands. NZ's celebration of automotive culture, featuring Show & Shine, Unveils, Exhibitors, RC Drifting, Lowrider & NZ Vicla Nationals, and more. Info.

Circus in the Centre | Saturday 12:00-2:30pm at Garden Place in the CBD. The lawn at Garden Place is turning into a lively circus zone, offering family-friendly sessions where kids and whaanau can explore circus skills in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Info.

Comedian Sarah Millican | Saturday 8:00–9:15pm at Claudelands. Sarah’s brand-new stand-up show is coming to the Tron. Tickets.

Gourmet In the Gardens | Sunday 4:00-8:00pm at Hamilton Gardens. Come along with the whole family and listen to the local live music while dining from the lineup of local food trucks. Hopefully the weather stays nice! Info.

Hamilton Farmers' Market | Sunday 8:00am–12:00noon at Claudelands (Gate 3). Your authentic farmers' market from our local farmers and producers direct to you. Info.

Yarn 'n' Yack | Tuesday 2:00-3:00pm at Hillcrest Library. Bring your knitting, crochet or stitching project, and enjoy the company of fellow craft enthusiasts. Info.

Quiz Night | Tuesday 6:40pm at Lucky Finns Bar & Restaurant. Bring your A-game, test your trivia skills, and enjoy a great night with friends, food, and fantastic vibes! Info.

Paint and Wine: Van Gogh Sunflowers | Tuesday 7:30-9:30pm at Good Neighbour in Rototuna. The concept is simple: take a brush in one hand, a drink in the other and paint a masterpiece! Don’t worry though - no previous painting experience necessary. Tickets.

Lego Club | Wednesday 3:30-4:30pm at Glenview Library. LEGO Club encourages children to learn while having fun—LEGO will be provided, just bring your creative thinking hat. Info.

Hamilton Lake Scavenger Hunt | All week at Hamilton Lake. This exciting quest will have you searching for hidden treasures and uncovering the secrets of our city's history and culture. Tickets.

Sculpture Park: Treasures in the Landscape | All week at Waitakaruru Arboretum. A selection of 30 sculptures displayed within the captivating landscape of The Sculpture Park & Arboretum. Info.

Ngā Ara Auaha 2024: Creative Practice Student Showcase | All week at Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts. Ngā Ara Auaha is an annual student showcase, exhibiting the creative works of University of Waikato students. Info.

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

🎶 Live music lineup

Wanna get your groove on in the Tron? Here’s some live music across Hamilton this week.

Nivara Lounge | Robots in Love & The Dawks | Thursday 09:00pm.

Nivara Lounge | Pineja | Friday 8:00pm. Tickets.

Last Place | Hemordroid, Hoick, and Two Skinner | Friday doors 8:00pm. Info.

Amuse Bar at Sky City | Stevie J & Wendels | Friday 8:00pm -12:00am.

The Factory | Spawnbreezie Josh Wawa, Fia, General Fiyah, Conkarah, Wayno | Friday 9:00pm. Tickets.

Biddy Mulligan’s | Persons of Interest | Friday 9:30pm

Nivara Lounge | Stevie Ray Vaughan with Friends Tribute | Saturday, doors 6:00pm. Tickets.

Last Place | PLAGUEDITCH, PINKI MASCARA, and EXIT SIGN | Saturday, doors 6:00pm. Tickets.

Amuse Bar at Sky City | Hands Off | Saturday 8:30pm-12:30am.

Billy Mulligan’s | The Gaffers | Saturday night.

Amuse Bar at Sky City | Gemma Celeste | Sunday 6:00-9:00pm.

House on Hood | George FM Summer Tour (QUIX, Benny Boy, Tizza, TwoFöld. Danni, Disco Biscuit) | Sunday, doors 9:00pm. Tickets.

Amuse Bar at Sky City | David Shanhun | Monday 3:00-6:00pm.

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

👀 Hamilton happenings

Don’t be that guy who doesn’t know what everyone’s talking about. Here are some headlines you may have missed!

After 24 years of public service, Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate will not seek re-election this year. Former Deputy Mayor Geoff Taylor, current Councillor Ewan Wilson, and former National MP and current Councillor Tim Macindoe are considering running for the mayoralty in the October local elections. Read.

Hamilton road works hit year’s busiest patch. Across the city, road crews are making the most of the warm weather and longer days to reseal 28km of roads and rebuild six roads. 14km has been completed so far. The October-March construction season is budgeted to cost about $15 million, with 51% funded by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Read.

NZ’s first Pickleball facility opens in Hamilton. The sport with the novelty name is gaining popularity and a Hamilton family has decided to set up the country’s first dedicated facility in Te Rapa. Selling 300 memberships within eight weeks of opening Topspin, the business idea is proving to be feasible for owner Ruben Waihi and he is stoked the community is loving the sport. Watch.

Change of Health Minister may derail plans for a third New Zealand medical school based at Waikato University. On Sunday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon took Shane Reti off the health portfolio and gave it to former Minister of Transport Simeon Brown. Asked about the future of the medical school, Luxon said the Government was “still working our way through that process, as you know the detailed business case will have more to say”. Read.

Hamilton's industrial strength boosts e-motorbike company FTN Motion. The e-motorbike company moved its business from Wellington to Te Rapa last year, saving about $100,000 a year in rent. Hamilton’s biggest advantage for FTN Motion is the proximity to Auckland and Tauranga ports. “You get all the benefits of Auckland without having to pay that rent,“ the co-founder says. Read.

Hamilton-based philanthropists Heather and Rod Claycomb have given $220,000 in seed funding to social enterprises. Another $230,000 has been invested into an endowment fund to create revenue for their charity’s work. The pair have helped over 200,000 people in 10 countries with their charity, All Good Ventures. Read.

Thanks for reading Hello Hamilton today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who is also excited for Auckland Anniversary long weekend ☀️

Have any suggestions for what you would like to see in future editions? Reply to this email ([email protected]) and let me know! I’d love to hear from you.

See you next Thursday.

— Ben