Local schools are some of the happy recipients of this year's Envirofund allocation round, despite fierce competition for the $50,000 on offer. Councillor Brian Impson, who helps administer the fund, says it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine who should receive funding, but the schools are putting in excellent proposals. "Local schools are really making the most of the oppor... more...

Local artist Mark Curtis has completed the latest art installation at Waikato Museum by laying down a 'carpet' of glitter. Art curator John Hurrell says Curtis' installation Ultra Glister [28 June-3 August] features a carpet of sparkling glitter arranged over the museum floor and is an extension and refinement of something Curtis exhibited last year. "Mark lectures in Graphic Design as p... more...

Stage one of the Rotoroa Esplanade extension project will be opened on Saturday 28 June. Parks and gardens manager Bill Featherstone says stage one of the three-stage walkway project connects the car park beside the children's playground, and a Lake Crescent access way opposite Hibiscus Avenue. "This walkway extension is about 800m long and will be open to all from Saturday. Stages two a... more...

Council is urging dog owners to pay registrations before the due date of 30 June, to avoid long queues and penalties. Business support manager Les Wills says of the more than 8000 registration accounts sent out, only about 2500 have been paid. "The easiest thing to do is send a cheque, provided the amount is correct. Our front-counter lines are growing during lunch times and payment by c... more...

Water pipe flushing to prevent or reduce instances of 'brown water' is to begin next week. Council's utilities works supervisor George Kimura says the flushing programme is in response to an investigation after a series of 'brown water' incidents last year. "Expert consultants have completed a study on the city's 'brown water' risks around the Hillcrest and Glenview areas. They have reco... more...

Tickets to the Trust Waikato Matariki Concert at the Waikato Museum have been snapped up over the weekend. Museum director Kate Vusoniwailala says the great response is likely due to the concert's quality and the desire to celebrate Matariki. "Matariki is a special time in the Maori calendar and it is good to see Tainui youth in particular keen to celebrate it. Naturally it helps that Tr... more...

Waikato Museum is to host a combined celebration for Matariki (Maori New Year) and the opening of its latest major exhibition Ngaa Purapura o Tainui ? Seeds of Tainui on Thursday [19 June]. Museum director Kate Vusoniwailala says Trust Waikato has supported the initiative with a grant towards a youth concert scheduled to follow the Powhiri, which will open the exhibition. "Trust Waikato ... more...

Hamilton's event strategy is injecting many millions of dollars of new money into the city according to recent economic impact assessments. The assessments carried out on four key events show they brought a combined benefit in excess of $7 million to Hamilton. Economic development committee chair Ewan Wilson says such a high return on an investment of approximately $250,000 proves Counci... more...

Hamilton City Council is seeking feedback on how Hamiltonians feel about their city and Council in the Annual Residents Survey, beginning Monday [9 June]. Strategic general manager Michael Theelen says the survey is now in its 19th year and is Council's main barometer for gauging community satisfaction with the services and facilities it provides. "Council measures its performance agains... more...