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First Watch
First Watch’s Waikato story started when Bob Stokes co-founded CTEK with a vision to revolutionize the industrial automation industry. With over 35 years of experience in the IT, automation, and control sectors, he saw firsthand the critical role that technology plays in driving business success.
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Rüdi’s Bakery
Something exciting is coming to the food scene in Hamilton. Rüdi’s, a micro-bakery which specialises in sourdough bread and artisan pastry will open the doors to its first permanent flagship bakery and retail space this winter.
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Duck Island
Duck Island, the ice cream that originated as an item on the dessert menu at an award-winning Hamilton restaurant, has made a name for itself on the national food stage.
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Fieldays
New Zealand’s National Fieldays is an annual agricultural event that takes place in the Waikato region. The four-day event is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, attracting around 130,000 visitors annually.
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The Ōtorohanga Livestock Carrier making moo-ves on social media to attract fresh talent
The Ōtorohanga Transport Ltd Group began in 1963 when the Barker and Dow families formed Otorohanga Transport Ltd (OTL). Jim and Bev Barker, and Dennis and Cynthia Dow, developed the business and collaborated with other local carriers servicing the livestock cartage market.
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.jpg?sfvrsn=ccc42053_1&mode=crop&width=770&height=462&format=jpeg&quality=85 "EC8 Team Pic - Christopher Staal (Right)")
Hamilton technology to automate measuring and cutting of plasterboard a ‘world first’
A Hamilton startup, EC8, has created a world first in the building industry by developing automation technology to measure and cut plasterboard.
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Ngāruawāhia studio helps agriculture businesses design better customer experiences
Emma Campbell founded Bo Studio in 2022, working with agri-businesses to create digital and service-based experiences on 120 acres in Ngāruawāhia.
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Smart Waikato
Young people need education and support to develop connections with employers and transition into careers. What’s at stake? Their chance of advancing to better-paid jobs throughout their career, which will have an impact on their overall wellbeing.
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Saito
Saito is one of the largest 100% New Zealand owned label and tag businesses in the country, providing their products and services across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
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AgriSea
Paeroa-based AgriSea is a family-owned business pioneering the sustainable use of seaweed to make a range of products for the health of soil, animals, and people. Clare and Tane Bradley, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Innovation Officer respectively, are the second generation to run the company which has been in operation for more than 25 years.
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The local entrepreneur's journey impacting lives across Aotearoa
Launched in 2021, by entrepreneur Dairne Burnes (Daz), The Good Day Matrix is a platform offering free wellbeing services online for individuals and paid-for corporate wellbeing services for organisations in Aotearoa.
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Late Night Lounge Celebrates One Year Since Opening
Ernest, Hamilton's newest late night lounge, brings a touch of elegance and a more adult drinking environment to the local scene.
Have a story to share?
The Waikato is full of people and businesses doing great things. Their stories help build our understanding of the strength of the Waikato and the benefits of living, studying, visiting or doing business here.