Waikato businesses have eased their way into 2026 with a series of “looking forward” functions and celebrations.
Waikato Business News was there for some of them.
From roots to research
When Hannah Rogers wanders through Waikato University’s shade house, she moves with the quiet confidence of someone who has spent years listening to plants.
In Waikato University’s fernery, from left chancellor Susan Hassall, Professor Bruce Clarkson from the School of Science, George Mason Charitable Trust Trustee Barry Upson, University of Waikato Foundation Chair Dr Andrew Smith, trustees Elise Smith and Brian Milestone and PhD student Hannah Rogers. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Professor Bruce Clarkson from the School of Science, George Mason Charitable Trust Trustees Elise Smith, Barry Upson (seated), Brian Milestone, vice chancellor Neil Quigley, University of Waikato Foundation Chair Dr Andrew Smith (seated), chancellor Susan Hassall and Director of Fundraising Nicole Bassett. Photo: Supplied
Colour Run/Walk
Frankton McDonald’s held a colour run/walk at Innes Common in Hamilton. Photos: Marcelo Mieres.
McDonald’s Frankton and Centre Place franchisees Pooja and PJ Goel
Tama Potaka, MP Hamilton West, left with McDonald’s Frankton and Centre Place franchisees Pooja and PJ Goel with Jay Randhawa (JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning).
St John paramedics Daimin Sammons, left and Cindie Davies.
Omega Financial Services financial advisors Paddy Lubana left and Kulvir Kankara.
Business briefing
Act deputy leader Brooke van Velden was guest speaker at Waikato Chamber of Commerce’s business briefing last week. Photos: Mary Anne Gill
See: Business confidence edges back
Also there for the business briefing were, from left: Connor Brady (Pivotal People Ltd), Josh Nyika (McLuskie Dalziel Lawyers), Andrea Twaddle (DTI Lawyers) and Karina McLuskie (McLuskie Dalziel Lawyers).
Pictured with Brooke van Velden, centre was Theresa Grainger (The Lean Hub) and Raewyn McPhillips (Prime Strategies Waikato).
Waikato University Management School – Economic Forum
During the Public vs Private Healthcare session at the New Zealand Economics Forum 2026, from left Jonathan Coleman, Rob Campbell, Paula Lorgelly and facilitator Luke Malpass. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Economist Brad Olsen provides his feedback at the New Zealand Economics Forum 2026. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Keynote speaker Iain Rennie, secretary and chief executive at The Treasury. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The Business of Meth at Waikato University Management School’s New Zealand Economics Forum 2026. From left Steven Joyce, Jarrod Gilbert, Hinemoa Elder and Gran McCallum. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The Next Big Shock – a topic at Waikato University Management School’s Economics Forum. From left, Josie Pagani, Keriana Brooking, James Beard, Bryce Davies and Martin Lally. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Catching up with her needlepoint at the New Zealand Economics Forum 2026 was Kylee Houpapa from the NZPPTA, Wellington. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Family wetlands event
World Wetlands Day was celebrated at Ōhaupō’s Rotopiko wetlands last month in a family-centred event co-ordinated by the National Wetland Trust and bringing together Landcare Trust, DOC, Waikato Regional Council, Waipā District Council, Go Eco, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and the Te Awamutu Rotary Club. Photos: Viv Posselt
See: Wetlands celebrated
Te Awamutu Rotary’s Gill Johnston flanked by Pokuru couple Carmen and Norm van Straalen enjoying the Rotopiko wetlands event.
Ringi Morgan-Fifield, who is a volunteer guide with Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, talked about the benefits of rongoā, or Māori herbal medicine found in the wetlands
Ecologist Adam Purcell with his children Olivia and Oscar at the World Wetlands Day event, where they picked out temporary tattoos from Go Eco man Paul Murray.
Zipporah Ploeg from the National Landcare Trust points out a completed piupiu, a traditional Māori skirt made from woven flax.
Feeling blue
Blue Pacific Minerals is a New Zealand owned natural minerals business in Tokoroa. As the country’s only dedicated zeolite processor, the company transforms locally sourced minerals into high-value solutions used across agriculture, environmental management, animal health, and plant and soil applications. The team hosted a Waikato Chamber BA4 last month. Photos: Marcelo Mieres.
Teuila Maggof (Waikato Pacific Business Network), left and Bruce Martin (Holster Engineering Co (2003) Ltd).
Paul Tidmarsh (Blue Pacific Minerals) left with Westpac New Zealand’s Nicky Wallace and Nicholas Dawson.
Calder Stewart area manager Kelvin O’Connell, left with McLeod Waikato customer relationship manager Tony Jump.
Sean Johnson (Johnson’s Development Ltd), left and Roseanne Jefferies (Kiwibank).
