After that rainy weather, aren’t you happy the sun’s back? Really feeling for our neighbours on the coast who experienced extreme weather over the past week. ❤️

After heading to the civic opening last Monday, I was double-lucky to head to the public opening show at the new BNZ Theatre on Victoria St. TEEKS was amazing, and the audience was rowdy - Hamiltonians sure were excited. 😅 Watch my video recap >

And our dinner clubbers also had a great night on Friday! 🍽️ Nearly 100 dined with strangers across Hamilton in groups of six. 95% of diners said they would do it again, and 2/3 diners left with at least one new contact. Keep an eye out for our next dinner night, and join the dinner club so you’re notified first! 👀

Finally, thanks to those who reached out saying they were keen to contribute to the upcoming quarterly snail-mail!! I’ll be in touch soon.

Alrighty, let’s get to it! Enjoy, my friends.

Want more? Check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Join our Dinner Club. Contribute to keep this thriving. Partner with us.

My friend Sarah is very handy with a drone and has photographed more than a few homes from the sky for real estate. She’s offered to do something special for Hello Hamilton subscribers: shoot a one-of-a-kind aerial photo of your home. 📸

Think about it - your place from the sky, beautifully shot. Frame it, put it on the mantelpiece, point at it when guests come over and say, “Yeah, that’s our place.” Or gift it to the homeowner in your household and earn yourself some serious brownie points.

There’d be a fee to cover Sarah’s time (talent + flying robot), and we could even take care of printing and framing if you want it to arrive ready to hang. 😎

While I’m sure it’s residents are pretty photogenic, I reckon your home deserves a portrait too. Vote below if you’d be keen!

🕺 Motorama | Thu 29th January - Thu 5th February at Chartwell Shopping Centre. In collaboration with the Yankee Haulers, Chartwell Shopping Centre is bringing the excitement of Motorama into the centre this summer, with a vibrant line-up of classic cars, live rock ’n’ roll dancing and a kids colouring competition. Info.  

Art in the Making | Fri 30th 9:00 - 11:30am at Arts for Health. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their abilities, this hands-on class lets you explore pencil, paint, clay, and more. Tickets.  

🐥 January Baby Cafe | Fri 30th 9:30 - 11:00am at Cafe Inc. Join for a catch-up over a cuppa. Info.  

📚 Page Turners Book Club | Fri 30th 10:00 - 11:30am at St Andrews Library. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just looking to make new connections, join the Page Turners Book Club. Share your great reads that make for good conversations. Info.  

Creative Spaces for Tweens | Fri 30th 12:30 - 2:00pm at Arts for Health. A creative space where tweens can connect, express, and thrive! Perfect for socialising and building supportive friendships, these arts therapy sessions combine meaningful, hands-on activities with wellbeing and transition support. Tickets.  

✍️ CV & Cover Letter Workshop | Fri 30th 3:00 - 5:00pm at Rototuna Library. If you are a job seeker looking for work, join this workshop with Workbridge to learn the purpose and value of a CV, identify key CV components, start building or improving your own CV and understand what Workbridge does. Register.  

🏑 Black Sticks Summer of Hockey - NZL v JPN | Fri 30th 6:30pm at Waikato Hockey. The Vantage Black Sticks men are back in action for the first time in over 2 years! Don't miss the action. Tickets.

Karaoke Night | Fri 30th 7:00pm at Patrons Brewing Co. Whether you’re a shower singer or a superstar, everyone’s welcome — come sing your heart out, enjoy great food and drinks, and start your weekend with good vibes! Info.  

🤣 Alien Hunter | Fri 30th 7:30pm - 9:00pm at Playhouse Theatre. Get ready for a comedy show that’s truly out of this world. Friendlyjordies is diving deep into the UFO phenomenon. Tickets.  

Half/Time UK 2026 Fundraiser Tour | Fri 30th 8:00pm at Last Place. Half/Time are headed back to the UK at the end of April so they’re hitting the road for a fundraising tour across Te Ika-a-Māui. Tickets. 

Stories in the Garden | Sat 31st 10:00am at Garden Place. Come on a magical adventure under the trees in Garden Place Enjoy an hour of storytelling and games with Batman and Wonder Woman from Enchanted Entertainment. Info.  

💦 Waikato River Float | Sat 31st 3:00pm at the Hamilton Rowing Club. It's the end of summer break and what better way to enjoy it than with a lazy float down the river! Info. 

🛹 Pop Up Skate Park | Sun 1st 10:00am - 6:00pm at Civic Park. Summer in the city is here! The Hamilton City Council is partnering with community groups across Hamilton Kirikiriroa to bring the central city to life with a vibrant lineup of activities for all ages. Info.  

The Ninja Run | Sun 1st 9:00am - 6:00pm at Claudelands Oval. NZ's most epic 2.5km inflatable obstacle course. Info.

🌸 Hamilton Dahlia Society 60th Jubilee Show | Sun 1st 11:00am - 4:00pm at Hamilton Gardens. Dahlia provide a wide range of colour and flower form and size in the summer garden. From pompom to decorative and the cactus types....which are your favorites? Info.  

Black Sticks Summer of Hockey - NZL v JPN | Sun 1st 4:30pm at Waikato Hockey. The Vantage Black Sticks men are back in action for the first time in over 2 years! Don't miss the action. Tickets.

Community Wall Art Celebration | Mon 2nd 10:30am - 12:00pm at St Andrews Library. Join to celebrate the completion of the Community Wall of Art. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the collective efforts of library staff and community members who came together to craft contemporary tukutuku panels. Info.  

🌈 Club Kahukura | Tue 3rd 6:00 - 9:00pm at YWCA. Exploring gender and sexuality? Wanting to join the Rainbow community but not sure how? Join to learn about terminology and history of rainbow communities, as well as talk through the fears and joys of coming out and more. Register.  

🧠 Tuesday Quiz Night | Tue 3rd 6:30 - 8:30pm at Smith and Mckenzie Steak House. Believe It or Not Quiz Night – Every Tuesday at 6:30pm! Bring a team of 2–8 and come to Smith & McKenzie Steak House for a fun night of trivia, great food, drink specials, and prizes. Info.  

Sophie Ellis-Bextor | Tue 3rd 7:30pm at BNZ Theatre. British chart-topper Sophie Ellis-Bextor is bringing her glossy disco pop to Aotearoa in February 2026. Tickets.  

🎭 Triplethreat | Wed 4th 4:00pm at Clarence St Theatre. Skills based weekly classes, covering every aspect of musical theatre performance. These exciting classes are open to all students who want more concentrated training in their performing arts skills. Ages groups 9-12 and 13-18. Tickets.

Photography Workshop Online - Beginners | Wed 4th 6:30 - 8:30pm on an online workshop. From basics to more technical aspects aimed to improve your photography experience, this beginners workshop will help kick start your photography. Ideal for students, pre-tertiary study or anyone wanting to improve their photo skills. Tickets.  

😂 HaHaHamilton Comedy Lounge | Wed 4th 7:30 - 10:00pm at Nivara Lounge. Come to the first HaHaHamilton Comedy Lounge for 2026. With MC Shaun O'Neill, Bobby Ghe, Flynn Beetham, Katrina McGuinness, Scott McGregor, Shelley Ann Moore, Callum Wagstaff and more. Tickets.   

Games Night | Thu 5th 5:00 - 7:00pm at Central Library. A night for board game fans to come together and play! Every Thursday night from 5pm at both Central and Chartwell Libraries. Info.  

Quiz Night | Thu 5th 6:30 - 8:30pm at The Keg Room & Eatery. Every Thursday is quiz night at one of Hamilton's best venues. Kicking off at 6.30pm, the quiz offers five rounds of big-screen trivia that's not too hard, not too easy, but includes content that relates to you and your crew! Info.  

🏉 Fiji Hamilton 7s | Friday and Saturday 8:00am at FMG Stadium. Bula Vinaka, and get ready for the FIJI HAMILTON SEVENS NZ rugby tournament! Fn unmissable weekend of non-stop rugby action in the heart of Hamilton. Tickets.  

🎉 Waitangi Day Festival 2026 | Fri 6th 10:00am - 5:00pm at Waikato Museum. The annual Waitangi Day Festival brings together whaanau, performers, makers, and creators to celebrate culture, creativity, and the stories of the region. Info.  

Authentic Irish Folk and Ballads | Fri 6th 5:30 - 8:30pm at Biddy Mulligans. Seanachie will be playing authentic Irish folk & ballads, beautiful instrumentals, and toe tapping tunes. Info.  

The Op Shop Car Boot Sale | Sat 7th 9:00am - 1:00pm at 15 Ruakura Road. There will be lots happening on site, including a sausage sizzle, barista coffee, and a bouncy castle for the kids! Info.  

🌿 Plant Sale | Sat 7th 10:00am - 2:00pm at Hamilton Gardens. Friends of Hamilton Gardens' monthly plant sale. Great range of plants at great prices. Info. 

🎥 Waitangi Film Screening: Whina | Sat 7th 12:30 - 4:00pm at Waikato Museum. Experience the inspiring story of Dame Whina Cooper, whose leadership, courage, and compassion shaped Aotearoa. A free film screening as part of the Museum’s extended Waitangi Day Festival. Book.   

A Gluten Free Night Out | Sat 7th 5:00 - 8:00pm at The Barn, Claudelands. Enjoy delicious food from a wide range of passionate gluten free foodies - from pizza, to tacos, to donuts, gelato, and more!  Whilst enjoying your dinner you'll be serenaded with the beautiful sounds of acoustic music, and the kids can play with the giant outdoor games! Info.  

EarthDiverse Term 1 Courses | Sun 8th February - Fri 3rd April at EarthDiverse Centre. EarthDiverse is pleased to announce its 2026 Term 1 Adult & Community Education courses beginning the week of Sunday 8 February. They are currently offering over 40 courses this term in History and Languages. Tickets.  

🎵 Waikato Ukulele Jam | Sun 8th 11:00am at Hamilton Cosmopolitan Club. Hamilton Cossie Ukes are hosting the next Waikato Ukulele Jam, kicking off at 1 pm, with the song sheets projected on the screen. There’ll be a coffee/tea break halfway through. Info. 

💰 Hamilton mayoral candidates forked out more than $100,000 as they vied to win the top seat at the council table. Now Mayor Tim Macindoe accounted for half this amount, shelling out $51.3k on expenses. Returning councillor Sarah Thomson was the second highest spender, and also received the second highest number of votes, with $38.9k total spend. Read.

📫 Hamilton is set to lose four NZ Post counters as part of a nationwide retail shakeup: Silverdale, Melville, Bader and Waikato University. These changes can be made after an update of Government rules reset the minimum post store requirements for the first time since the 1980s. Read.

🎤 If Sir Dave Dobbyn had any doubt about the affection Kirikiriroa holds for him, it was quickly erased at the BNZ Theatre last weekend. Between songs, cries of “We love you Dave!” rang out through the crystal-clear auditorium, accolades he accepted with a wry smile and a simple, heartfelt reply: “Well, I love you too.” Read.

🧠 A 9-year-old Hamilton girl who moved to New Zealand less than a year ago has become the youngest person to pass an NCEA exam usually sat by 17-year-olds. Year 4 student Zhongfei Chen, English name Victoria, passed a NCEA Level 3 English external in 2025, with NZQA confirming she is likely the youngest student to reach the milestone since NCEA began. Read.

🎼 A new legacy fund is set to support Waikato’s world-class opera training programme and help it continue producing top-tier talent. The University of Waikato-based school, established in 2022 and already boasting graduates finding international success, will now be backed by the TANZOS Dame Malvina Major Legacy Fund, hosted by Momentum Waikato. Read.

🍗 Tills were ringing inside the BNZ Theatre precinct as around 1200 people arrived for opening night, delivering an immediate boost to the four new hospitality venues located in the theatre. Hamilton Hotel general manager and co-owner Jonathan Knapp described the opening night as “super buzzy”. Read.

Thanks for reading Hello Hamilton today!

As always, please direct reply to this email if you have any suggestions for what you would like to see in future editions of Hello Hamilton. I’m all ears!

— Ben and Sarah