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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Culinary Cambridge is back for 2020
Music to the ears of food lovers everywhere - Culinary Cambridge is back for 2020 – with a few additions! Save the date September 11th-20th 2020.
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Mark Hamilton was forced to rethink his work when on lockdown
On Wednesday 25 March 2020, photographer Mark Hamilton locked his Hamilton city studio and drove home to Pukekawa in the North Waikato with his partner Robyn, one camera and one lens. It was the evening before Covid-19 Alert Level 4, when New Zealanders went home to stay home, and fight a pandemic.
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Funding boost for Hamilton creative scene through COVID-19 and beyond
Hamilton City’s creative scene has received a $58,000 boost thanks to the Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) Hamilton City’s latest funding round.
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New Ramp Podcast series connects creatives in extraordinary times
Wintec School of Media Arts’ highly anticipated Ramp Festival is thrilled to announce a new Podcast series, Ramp Connects.
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How Anna is getting paid to study sport
When 20-year-old Wintec sport student Anna Blackburn got the call to say her study fees were going to be covered thanks to a scholarship, she thought someone was playing a practical joke.
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1,000 free care packages for Waikato families
K’aute Pasifika have delivered over 1,000 free care packages including food and other household essentials to families in the Waikato since lockdown.
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Waikato Eateries Open in Level Three
As the country moves to Level Three next Tuesday some local eateries will begin to trade. While they may not be flinging open their doors, (all transactions must be contactless) this is a much needed lifeline for many.
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Scooping Duck Island goodness
The popular Hamilton Artisan ice cream maker is launching its ‘click and collect’ and delivery service as the country moves into the Level 3 stage of the national lockdown.