Life is good in the Waikato.
With easy access to Auckland, Tauranga and surrounding areas in the region – it’s easy to commute to work, catch up with friends, and take children to child care, school and sports activities. In fact, 85 per cent of residents say they love living in the Waikato.
Location
Located at the heart of the upper North Island with easy access to New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, and the rest of New Zealand, Waikato people can enjoy the benefits of being part of a large population without the stress of big city living. Excellent roading and communications infrastructure make it easy to do business and keep in touch with family and friends.
Environment
The environment underpins our economy and is also our playground. Waikato has the most varied environment of any region in New Zealand - stunning coastlines, lush pastoral landscapes, forests, cave systems, mountains, the largest lake in Australasia, the longest river in New Zealand, geothermal activity, and internationally renowned wetlands – which means you can experience all the different elements of New Zealand’s great outdoors in a single day.
Economic Diversity
The region has one of New Zealand’s most diverse economies so job and career prospects are generally good, and further enhanced by the region’s world class education, science, research, health and other professional services
Culture and Connections
The region’s rich Māori and European heritage creates a unique regional identity. People are warm and welcoming, with around 70 per cent of Waikato people saying they know they can call on others when they need a hand. There are countless opportunities to gather as a community thanks to a varied cultural and sporting events calendar.
The Waikato region is home to a vibrant artistic community.
This is evident in the number of events, museums and galleries throughout the region. From sculptors and painters to illustrators and fashion designers, creativity is flourishing in the region providing ample opportunity to enjoy the arts.
View a locals guide to the arts scene, or visit Creative Waikato's Facebook page.
Housing
There is a wide range of housing, from apartments to lifestyle blocks with room for a pony and other livestock.
News
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Creative Waikato seeking insights into arts, culture and creative sector
Creative Waikato is calling for people who work in the arts, culture or creative sector to share their insights through a survey, with participants in for a chance to win $200.
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Waikato to host Sustainability Summit in 2023
Following the launch of a world-first Bachelor of Climate Change degree, the University of Waikato has taken up the mantle of hosting the 4th Aotearoa New Zealand Sustainable Development Goals Summit in 2023.
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Pioneering Te Tohu Paetahi Māori language programme celebrates 30 years for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
The University of Waikato’s pioneering total immersion Māori language programme, Te Tohu Paetahi, is celebrating 30 years since its establishment with more than 1600 students supported on their te reo Māori journey.
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Funding now open for creative projects in Kirikiriroa
Creative Waikato is calling for applications from groups and individuals looking for cash to supercharge their next creative project.