Roses launched
Two new roses – St Marcellin Champagnat and Lady Judi Gallagher – will be released this month by Hamilton’s Amoré Roses. Profits from the sale of Lady Judi the rose go to the Anglican Cathedral Restoration while the St Marcellin Champagnat rose profits go to the Catholic Marist Brothers.
Free surgeries
Braemar Hospital
Braemar Charitable Trust will provide free surgeries for up to 70 people this month as part of its long-running Community Surgery Programme. The trust owns Hamilton’s Braemar Hospital, and with the help of donated time from surgeons and anaesthetists, it funds free community surgeries for people in need.
Pay me please
Mel Curwood
Mel Curwood, a business support specialist based in the Waikato, is questioning why many business owners continue to provide a large volume of their services before receiving payment.
In her role in partnership with EC Credit Control, her job is to work with businesses to make sure that they have the correct and robust processes and tools in place to mitigate the risk of non-payment.
She says it requires a shift in their mindset and being upfront and communicating their expectations around payment.
Raglan signs up
Waikato Chamber of Commerce and the Raglan Business Chamber have formed a groundbreaking partnership through a shared membership model. The collaboration, which began on October 1, aims to offer Raglan Chamber members access to the Waikato Chamber’s services, fostering stronger connections, resources, and advocacy support for local businesses.
Awards open
Entries for the Waipā Networks Business Awards have opened. The prestigious awards recognise the accomplishments, contributions, and diversity in the local business community across Waipā. They also acknowledge and celebrate the leaders and employees who propel them.
Support needed
Huntly Food Rescue Remedy (Huntly Community Advice Trust and Social Services) operations manager Tania Varnham supports the New Zealand Food Network’s Food Security call for the government to take action and uplift the sector. “We struggle to provide meat, fruit and veggies; we are now having to fundraise, increasing our volunteers’ workload even more. We have had to decline repeat recipients.”
Christmas is coming
The tree in Garden Place is 27 metres tall to the tip of the star.
New Zealand’s tallest Christmas tree will light up in Garden Place on Saturday November 30 while the Christmas Parade will be on Sunday December 8. The parade and giant Christmas tree are organised by the Hamilton Christmas Charitable Trust. Organisers are looking for volunteers, float entries, performers and more to help create another magical series of Christmas events for Hamilton and the wider Waikato.
The highlight of the parade the arrival of the jolly man himself, Santa Claus! Photo: www.shot360.co.nz
Waipā tourism lauded
The diverse and natural wonders of Waipā have been singled out by a global travel report which names the Waikato Region as one of 2025’s top 10 trending destinations worldwide. US-based Expedia Group gave the shout out to Waipā in its Unpack ’25 report, which reveals the 10 destinations that international travellers most want to discover in 2025. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is highlighted as a particular drawcard for global adventurers looking for an unforgettable visit to Waipā, a ‘detour destination’, where it is less-crowded and offering a more unique experience than the tried-and-true hotspots.
Home Show thrives
Day three of Waikato Home & Garden Show, Hamilton. Photo: Stephen Barker
Waikato Home and Garden Show director Rebecca Hannah says there was an upward trend in consumer confidence – with numbers through the door very strong – at last month’s 40th anniversary show in Hamilton.
Tours on
Boon Tour
Hamilton Arts Trust’s Boon street art tours in the city are back, led by knowledgeable local guides, and provide an engaging insight into the stories behind some of the murals that adorn Hamilton streets and hidden alleyways.
Organ Day
Organ donation recipients across the country will come together for ‘Thank You Day’, on November 30. Organised by Organ Donation New Zealand, it is a day of appreciation dedicated to all those who make organ donation possible. Last year, with the support of their whānau, 64 deceased people donated organs following their death, leading to more than 200 people receiving lifesaving kidney, liver, lung, heart or pancreas transplants.
