Waikato Business News

26/12/2025

Work-integrated learning is becoming an increasingly important part of university curricula as industries look to employ graduates who are confident, adaptable and able to contribute from day one. At the University of Waikato, applied learning experiences are embedded across all undergraduate programmes and ensure students develop academic knowledge and practical workplace capability. In Tauranga, our city campus and strong relationships with local businesses provide students with access to high-quality work placement opportunities in an integrated way.
The University of Waikato
University of Waikato - Tauranga

Work-integrated learning is becoming an increasingly important part of university curricula as industries look to employ graduates who are confident, adaptable and able to contribute from day one. At the University of Waikato, applied learning experiences are embedded across all undergraduate progra...

17/12/2025

Looking for something to do over the holidays? Check out the Te Awa River Ride which has The Rise artwork depicting a tui - created by Wānaka artist Nicolas Lupacchino. It is the sixth installation in the Cambridge precinct of the Te Awa River Ride Art Trail – a growing outdoor gallery designed to connect people with art, nature, and community.
https://wbn.co.nz/2025/12/17/tui-sculpture-takes-flight/

An emotional Mandy Hudson spoke of the collaboration between Te Awa Lifecare and local iwi at the unveiling of a five‑metre‑wingspan tūī sculpture on the Te Awa River Ride this week. The artwork, created by Wānaka artist Nicolas Lupacchino, is the sixth installation in the Cambridge precinct ...

16/12/2025

Congratulations to Louise Upston MP and Hamish Craig who got married at their home in Karapiro on the weekend.

Local Taupō MP Louise Upston married partner Hamish Craig on Saturday – at their Karāpiro home. The couple, who have been together for a decade, surprised friends who came to their house at 6pm by...

15/12/2025

Racing hub site revealed
Dairy land tagged for mega racing hub

Waikato Thoroughbred Racing has secured a conditional deal to buy 150 hectares south of Hamilton, marking the first major step toward relocating and modernising the region’s thoroughbred racing operations.

“If you asked me where the optimum site would be for a 100 year build to secure the future of thoroughbred racing in the Waikato, I doubt you could find a better site,” said chief executive Andrew Castles.

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12/11/2025

And the awards keep coming for Zealong Estate. Once a dairy farm, the property has now become one of the world's leading tea estates and we were in Gordonton to taste Waikato Sunrise and find out what more Gigi Crawford has up her sleeve for Zealong.
https://wbn.co.nz/2025/11/13/from-farm-to-fame/

Zealong Tea Estate is brewing more than just globally acclaimed teas on land that was once a dairy farm. Mary Anne Gill visits Gordonton in Waikato to uncover the innovation and international acclaim stirring beneath the land. Gigi Crawford has another plan up her sleeve. The Zealong Tea Estate chie...

29/10/2025

Geoff Taylor has been appointed Hamilton deputy mayor tonight. Good Local Media was there ....
https://wbn.co.nz/2025/10/29/taylor-named-deputy-mayor/

Fourth-term councillor Geoff Taylor has been appointed as Hamilton’s deputy mayor, returning to a position he held between 2019-22. Announcing the appointment, mayor Tim Macindoe noted that there had been keen interest in filling the role from some very talented councillors and he had been spoilt ...

29/10/2025

Second-term Thames-Coromandel councillor Warren Maher centre is the new Waikato Regional Council chair.
Councillors, including Waipa King Country's Garry Reymer, left, and Liz Stolwyk, right were sworn in today in Hamilton.
https://wbn.co.nz/2025/10/29/maher-elected-regional-chair/

Second-term Thames-Coromandel councillor Warren Maher is the new Waikato Regional Council chair. The Tairua electrical contractor was the only nomination and was unanimously elected in Hamilton today at the council’s inaugural meeting. The position pays $169,294 a year. More to come on deputy….....

21/10/2025

Investigations are underway which could see the Water Tower saved.
Read more

The future of Cambridge’s historic water tower could hinge on the results of new foundation testing which started this week. See: Cambridge water tower updates Waipā District Council is drilling and testing a ‘micro-pile’ next...

14/10/2025

Congratulations to Aksel Bech, new Waikato mayor. What's top of the agenda post celebration? https://wbn.co.nz/2025/10/14/bech-renews-water-debate/
Cambridge News NZ
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Water is back on the table at Waikato District Council following Aksel Bech’s decisive mayoral victory over incumbent Jacqui Church. Bech returns to the council where he previously served as deputy mayor before losing to Church three years ago. This time, he secured 12,148 votes – up from 6344 ....