Tamahere, Hamilton

4 days ago

A Minecraft Movie in our mining town: Blockbuster film’s scenes shot in ‘Huntlywood’

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

It’s mostly set in a bizarre cubic wonderland, but there’s a little bit of Huntly in the latest big budget blockbuster hitting cinema screens this week.

A Minecraft Movie stars Hollywood A-listers Jack Black, Jason Momoa and Emma Myers and is based on the massively popular video game created… View more
It’s mostly set in a bizarre cubic wonderland, but there’s a little bit of Huntly in the latest big budget blockbuster hitting cinema screens this week.

A Minecraft Movie stars Hollywood A-listers Jack Black, Jason Momoa and Emma Myers and is based on the massively popular video game created in 2011.

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4 days ago

Watts points to a brighter future for solar energy

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Soon to be New Zealand’s largest solar farm, the first sod has been turned at the Tauhei Solar site near Te Aroha, a project that promises jobs for locals and sustainable energy for the nation.

Beneath Mt Te Aroha, and on ancestral land belonging to Ngāti Haua and Ngāti Tumutumu, around 80 … View more
Soon to be New Zealand’s largest solar farm, the first sod has been turned at the Tauhei Solar site near Te Aroha, a project that promises jobs for locals and sustainable energy for the nation.

Beneath Mt Te Aroha, and on ancestral land belonging to Ngāti Haua and Ngāti Tumutumu, around 80 people witnessed the start of construction on Wednesday, including Minister for Energy Simon Watts, the projects directors and Matamata-Piako mayor Adrienne Wilcock.

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4 days ago

Doctor backs Waikato Medical School to get GP numbers up

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

With the doctor drain not slowing down a Waikato GP is backing the proposed Waikato University Medical school to help stem the flow.

In a report for the The New Zealand Initiative out on Thursday morning, Hamilton-based Dr Prabani Wood encourages more investment in primary care, with an aim for … View more
With the doctor drain not slowing down a Waikato GP is backing the proposed Waikato University Medical school to help stem the flow.

In a report for the The New Zealand Initiative out on Thursday morning, Hamilton-based Dr Prabani Wood encourages more investment in primary care, with an aim for a flow on effect to the country’s hospitals.

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4 days ago

Central Hamilton riverside development deal goes unconditional

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

A 25-storey development by Templeton Group - combining a 218 bed hotel, apartments and dining precinct - is set to become Hamilton’s tallest building.

Auckland-headquartered Templeton and the city council announced on Thursday they’ve struck an unconditional deal with the city for the land … View more
A 25-storey development by Templeton Group - combining a 218 bed hotel, apartments and dining precinct - is set to become Hamilton’s tallest building.

Auckland-headquartered Templeton and the city council announced on Thursday they’ve struck an unconditional deal with the city for the land next to Victoria on the River and promised to create an Auckland Viaduct-style hospitality precinct linking to the river.

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5 days ago

Waikato’s five biggest Kāinga Ora debtors have their debts slashed to 12 weeks’ rent

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Waikato’s largest Kāinga Ora debtor owes more than $33,000, has been in rent arrears for five years of a seven-year tenancy and is set to have their debt reduced to just 12 weeks’ of rent.

The Waikato Times can reveal they aren’t the only Waikato-based Kāinga Ora debtor set to get their … View more
Waikato’s largest Kāinga Ora debtor owes more than $33,000, has been in rent arrears for five years of a seven-year tenancy and is set to have their debt reduced to just 12 weeks’ of rent.

The Waikato Times can reveal they aren’t the only Waikato-based Kāinga Ora debtor set to get their rent arrears bill slashed, with the bills for the top-five largest rent debtors all being cut to 12 weeks’ rent.

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6 days ago

Poll: Have you tried the Grumpy Baker's food?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Hamilton’s Grumpy Baker is expanding into cakes.

The popular bakery has opened a new production kitchen next door to its original location, marking a major milestone in just four years of business.

Have you tried the Grumpy Baker's food? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you … View more
Hamilton’s Grumpy Baker is expanding into cakes.

The popular bakery has opened a new production kitchen next door to its original location, marking a major milestone in just four years of business.

Have you tried the Grumpy Baker's food? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Have you tried the Grumpy Baker's food?
  • 21.6% Yes
    21.6% Complete
  • 78.4% No
    78.4% Complete
37 votes
6 days ago

Poll: What are your thoughts on a 60kph speed limit?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

In a significant u-turn, a majority of people surveyed are now supporting a speed limit reduction on Wairere Drive that is part of consent conditions for a major new Pak’nSave supermarket in Te Rapa.

Wednesday’s city council traffic, speed limit and road closure hearings panel is due to hear… View more
In a significant u-turn, a majority of people surveyed are now supporting a speed limit reduction on Wairere Drive that is part of consent conditions for a major new Pak’nSave supermarket in Te Rapa.

Wednesday’s city council traffic, speed limit and road closure hearings panel is due to hear and consider verbal public submissions on the issue and prepare a report for consideration by the next full council meeting on 30 April.

What are your thoughts on a 60kph speed limit there? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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What are your thoughts on a 60kph speed limit?
  • 58.6% I support it.
    58.6% Complete
  • 13.8% Don't really mind either way.
    13.8% Complete
  • 27.6% I don't support it.
    27.6% Complete
58 votes
5 days ago

A time to be vigilant

The team from Netsafe

It's tax return time. Scammers are impersonating Inland Revenue (IR) - and even the Police to steal personal information and money.

They may contact you by email, text, or phone, claiming:
🔹 You're owed a tax refund and must provide your bank details to receive it.
🔹 You owe… View more
It's tax return time. Scammers are impersonating Inland Revenue (IR) - and even the Police to steal personal information and money.

They may contact you by email, text, or phone, claiming:
🔹 You're owed a tax refund and must provide your bank details to receive it.
🔹 You owe tax and need to pay immediately to avoid legal trouble.

How to stay safe:
✅ Don’t click on links in emails or texts - log in to your myIR account directly.
✅ Check the sender - official IRD emails always end in @ird.govt.nz.
✅ Be cautious with texts - IRD only sends messages from four-digit codes, not
regular phone numbers.

Learn more about protecting yourself from tax scams:
netsafe.org.nz...

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5 days ago

Poll: Do you think a historic heritage area in Claudelands should shrink?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

A second lot of legal action may be coming over designated historic heritage areas in Hamilton.

State housing agency Kāinga Ora has appealed to the Environment Court to shrink the size of the Claudelands area, saying it would get in the way of its work.

Now the Guardians of Claudelands … View more
A second lot of legal action may be coming over designated historic heritage areas in Hamilton.

State housing agency Kāinga Ora has appealed to the Environment Court to shrink the size of the Claudelands area, saying it would get in the way of its work.

Now the Guardians of Claudelands community group is looking at legal action in response.

Do you think a historic heritage area in Claudelands should shrink?

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Do you think a historic heritage area in Claudelands should shrink?
  • 10.5% Yes
    10.5% Complete
  • 78.9% No
    78.9% Complete
  • 10.5% What's a historic heritage area?
    10.5% Complete
38 votes
5 days ago

Poll: Do you think this will help boost the region's economy?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Waikato councils are keen to look at tolls on major roads, supercharge house building and create a special zone for “bioenergy innovation”.

The eye-catching initiatives were laid out in Waikato’s city and regional deal application to central government, and recently considered by Hauraki … View more
Waikato councils are keen to look at tolls on major roads, supercharge house building and create a special zone for “bioenergy innovation”.

The eye-catching initiatives were laid out in Waikato’s city and regional deal application to central government, and recently considered by Hauraki District councillors.

Do you think this will help boost the region's economy? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think this will help boost the region's economy?
  • 26.7% Yes
    26.7% Complete
  • 73.3% No
    73.3% Complete
30 votes
7 days ago

Poll: Do you think we need another major player in the supermarket sector?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

This is not a drill. Nicola Willis is on a mission. The finance minister and still relatively new “economic growth” minister has lobbed a huge bomb into the groceries sector: the threat of de-mergers.

In ordinary parlance, Woolies and Foodstuffs might be compelled to sell of some of their … View more
This is not a drill. Nicola Willis is on a mission. The finance minister and still relatively new “economic growth” minister has lobbed a huge bomb into the groceries sector: the threat of de-mergers.

In ordinary parlance, Woolies and Foodstuffs might be compelled to sell of some of their supermarket brands or split up their wholesale and retail operations.

Do you think we need another major player in the supermarket sector? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think we need another major player in the supermarket sector?
  • 82.5% Yes
    82.5% Complete
  • 10.5% No
    10.5% Complete
  • 7% Not sure
    7% Complete
57 votes
6 days ago

Fire bosses looking at fourth city station

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Call-out rates for Hamilton’s three fire stations have leapt with city fire bosses now looking at adding a fourth station to keep up with the city’s “fast-growing” population and industrial growth.

Firefighters have been receiving an average of eight call-outs a day, up from six four … View more
Call-out rates for Hamilton’s three fire stations have leapt with city fire bosses now looking at adding a fourth station to keep up with the city’s “fast-growing” population and industrial growth.

Firefighters have been receiving an average of eight call-outs a day, up from six four years ago - a rise that was discussed with city councillors during a briefing from Fire and Emergency NZ’s Hamilton assistant commander Matt Leonard and senior adviser risk reduction George Jensen.

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6 days ago

Desex your pets and contain them, say those dealing with an oversupply of unwanted canines

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

After seeing 25 dogs, including puppies, put down in a day, Hamilton’s Animal Control boss went into her office and cried.

It was also the day Susan Stanford also decided “enough is enough”. With the centre bursting at the seams and adoption numbers down, Stanford has had enough of … View more
After seeing 25 dogs, including puppies, put down in a day, Hamilton’s Animal Control boss went into her office and cried.

It was also the day Susan Stanford also decided “enough is enough”. With the centre bursting at the seams and adoption numbers down, Stanford has had enough of irresponsible dog owners who don’t desex or contain their pets.

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6 days ago

How to have an epic retirement

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

Retirement is a transformative stage of life, offering the freedom to embark on new adventures, explore fresh interests, and find fulfilment in ways that may have been put on hold during the busy years of work and family life. It’s a time to focus on what truly brings you joy.

With its … View more
Retirement is a transformative stage of life, offering the freedom to embark on new adventures, explore fresh interests, and find fulfilment in ways that may have been put on hold during the busy years of work and family life. It’s a time to focus on what truly brings you joy.

With its beautiful landscapes, outdoor lifestyle, and relaxed culture, New Zealand is the perfect place to make the most of your retirement. And at Ryman Healthcare, you can enjoy top-quality independent living options and exceptional care within a vibrant, supportive community of like-minded people.

Click read more for the full story.

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10 days ago

Poll: Would a new supermarket help NZ?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Nicola Willis will this weekend announce decisions taken by Cabinet to incentivise and encourage a third supermarket player alongside FoodStuffs and Progressive (Woolworths).

Do you think having a third supermarket chain will bring competition and lower grocery prices, or will the existing … View more
Nicola Willis will this weekend announce decisions taken by Cabinet to incentivise and encourage a third supermarket player alongside FoodStuffs and Progressive (Woolworths).

Do you think having a third supermarket chain will bring competition and lower grocery prices, or will the existing giants still dominate?

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Would a new supermarket help NZ?
  • 61.5% Yes, it will help
    61.5% Complete
  • 35.8% No, I doubt it'll make a difference
    35.8% Complete
  • 2.7% Depends - I'll share below
    2.7% Complete
2411 votes
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