Additional treatment of Hamilton's drinking water is underway following monitoring of the water quality in the Waikato River hydro system that has shown the possibility of a blue-green algal bloom developing. The increase in blue green algae cell numbers has been particularly noticeable in the hydro lakes on the Waikato River. Hamilton City Council Works and Services General Manager, Sal... more...

Hamilton City Council is seeking public submissions from 17 December to 5 February in developing two policies for gambling establishments. Strategic planning and policy co-ordination committee chair Dave Macpherson says there are two proposed policies relating to the location of future gambling venues (Class 4 and TAB venues) and the number of 'pokies' the city should have. "Both policie... more...

Waikato Museum's Exscite is to be the home of Super Models from 20 December, though perhaps not the kind most first think of. Exhibitions manager Gary Collins says Super Models is an exhibition showcasing a range of models, including a 147cc V8 motor, model aircraft, locomotives, cranes and CAT bulldozers. "The show also includes models from the late Robert Muldoon's personal collection.... more...

Recipients of this year's Civic Awards are being announced on 12 December, 10am at the awards ceremony in the Civic Chambers. Civic events co-ordinator Fleur Yates says there were are large number of nominations this year, with 19 finalists receiving awards in one or more of the six categories of: Art and Culture; Education; Environment; Human Rights; People and Well-Being and; Sport. "Every... more...

Hamilton kids are encouraged to go wild in Hamilton City Libraries this summer in the latest reading programme. Advisory and education team leader Fiona Johnson says the Amazing Animal Safari (15 December-25 January) follows on from last year's successful Spy Search. "Amazing Animal Safari has the same high level of interaction and exciting reading assignments catering to 6-12-year-olds. Lik... more...

Hamilton City Libraries has a received an outstanding rating for its overall customer service in a recent customer satisfaction survey conducted by an independent researcher. Libraries director Faye Clark says an overall Customer Satisfaction Index rating of 90.3 is outstanding and something the libraries should be pleased with, however there is still plenty of work to do. "I am delighted wi... more...

Waikato Stadium has secured a classic league match-up with the Vodafone Warriors taking on the St George Illawarra Dragons on Thursday, 5 February next year. Waikato Stadium and Westpac Park Management Board Chair Peter Bos says the game is the stadium's foot in the door for rugby league. "We certainly hope that this is a significant step toward more rugby league fixtures at Waikato Stadium.... more...

Hamilton City Council and four other local councils are setting strict new requirements for new buildings to meet before receiving a code of compliance. Building control manager Phil Saunders says the requirements are a result of new developments in the area of building weather tightness and Council's need to protect homeowners and ratepayers. "From today, we will no longer issue a building ... more...

Winners in Hamilton's Civic Trust Awards have been released ahead of the official ceremony on Wednesday, 10 December 2003, at 2 pm in the Council Chambers. Trust President Maurice Boswell, says the awards began in 1975 and recognise improvements to Hamilton's environment. "There are a lot of individuals, organisations and groups that contribute to make Hamilton a great place in which to live... more...

Pukete Bridge's scheduled re-surfacing work will be done this Sunday, 7 December. Council contracts supervisor Martyn Smith says although the work will not require closing the bridge, delays are expected. "A stop/go system will operate on the bridge to manage traffic flows on Wairere Drive between Te Rapa Road and River Road so delays are expected, and I would encourage motorists to seek... more...