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November 2025

Food

Discover Hamilton’s Newest Urban Cafe Gem: Hood Street Bistro Under New Ownership

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Two months ago, Gurpreet Singh took over a charming café in the heart of Hamilton Central, and today, Hood Street Bistro is quickly becoming a favourite stop for locals, tourists, and art lovers alike.  Located on the corner of Hood Street and Victoria Street, the vibrant café is perfectly located within Hamilton’s growing cultural precinct, making it an ideal destination for anyone exploring the city. Just a short stroll from the Waikato Museum Hood Street Bistro has become a popular place for museum visitors looking to unwind after an exhibition. Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee before immersing yourself in local history or stopping in for lunch after a cultural experience, the cafe’s inviting atmosphere and thoughtfully crafted menu make the visit complete. “We’re proud to be part of the artistic and creative flow that runs through this part of the city, and we love seeing museum-goers turn into regulars,” says Gurpreet Singh. Directly across the road is the popular art gallery, adding even more richness to the neighbourhood. Many guests drop by after browsing the latest exhibitions, making Hood Street Bistro a natural extension of their creative journey. This close connection to the local arts scene aligns beautifully with the cafe’s mission: to offer high-quality food, coffee, and service with creativity, care, and character. Excitement is also building with the upcoming opening of the Waikato Regional Theatre, which will bring even more energy, foot traffic, and cultural activity to Hamilton Central. Hood Street Bistro is ready to welcome theatre enthusiasts with pre-show drinks, post-show desserts, and a cosy environment to gather, talk, and enjoy the night. Whether you’re here for art, culture, or cuisine, Hood Street Bistro, led by Gurpreet Singh, is your new go-to spot in Hamilton Central, where creativity and community meet over great food and coffee. Contact Hood Street Bistro  07 834 4365 https://www.hoodstreetbistro.co.nz Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

News

Auckland Summer Events at Go Media Stadium and Eden Park with Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites

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Located in the heart of Auckland’s vibrant Newmarket district, Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites offers the perfect base for guests wanting to enjoy the city’s summer line-up of sport, music and cultural experiences. With Go Media Stadium and Eden Park just a short drive away, you are well placed to make the most of Auckland’s major summer events. Sporting Highlights Concerts and Cultural Events Why Stay at Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites Make the most of Auckland’s vibrant summer by staying at Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites, where comfort meets convenience and the city’s best events are right within easy reach. Contact Best Western Newmarket info@abf.net.nz 09 520 5509 https://www.bestwesternnewmarket.co.nz Contact Media PA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Travel

Pacific Resort Aitutaki Named South Pacific Property of the Year at the 2025 HM Awards

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Pacific Resort Aitutaki Wins South Pacific Property of the Year at the 2025 HM Awards Pacific Resort Hotel Group proudly celebrates Pacific Resort Aitutaki, named South Pacific Property of the Year at the 2025 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, held in Auckland on 31 October. Now in their 23rd year, the HM Awards celebrate outstanding achievement across the hotel and accommodation industry in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. The prestigious event brought together over 200 industry leaders to recognise excellence across more than 45 categories. The award highlights Pacific Resort Aitutaki’s ongoing commitment to authentic Cook Islands hospitality, refined luxury, and sustainable island experiences. Nestled along the shores of Aitutaki Lagoon, the five-star, adults-only resort is a proud member of the exclusive Virtuoso collection. “We’re honoured to be recognised among the best in the region,” said Marcus Niszow, CEO of Pacific Resort Hotel Group. “This award is a testament not only to our exceptional team in Aitutaki but also to our wider Pacific Resort Hotel Group family, whose passion and dedication create unforgettable experiences for our guests.” This award joins PRHG’s impressive list of international accolades, including recognition from TripAdvisor, the World Travel Awards, and the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards. As a result, PRHG continues to inspire travellers to experience the timeless beauty of the Cook Islands through its award-winning resorts, where authentic Polynesian warmth, natural elegance, and sustainable luxury come together to create unforgettable stays.

Health

Fit IQ A Part NZ Business Connect – A Destination for Innovation, Health, and Movement

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NZ Business Connect is proud to have Fit IQ as part of its network. Based in Hamilton, Fit IQ is redefining health and wellness through smart, immersive gym solutions. Established in 2009 by Richard Harris, Fit IQ has grown over many years, drawing on Richard’s 30 years of experience in sports and exercise. From early involvement in not-for-profit sports development to witnessing the rapid expansion of commercial fitness in the 2010s, Richard has experienced the industry’s trends and innovations firsthand. Fit IQ’s marquee offering, the Imbody Digital Gym, was inspired by a collaboration with Canadian company Fitstats Technologies in 2015. This partnership brought a scientific approach to tracking workload and recovery, forming the foundation of Fit IQ’s personalised fitness philosophy. The platform is designed to make exercise accessible, engaging, and effective for all, whether at home, in corporate environments, or within aged care facilities. The Imbody Digital Gym features an immersive 43” screen, over 140 classes and 300 movements, a 100-kilo bi-lateral weight system, and requires less than 1sqm of space. This footprint-efficient, “no excuses” solution allows individuals and families to prioritise regular movement and health. Fit IQ also champions social impact through its Together We Move platform, encouraging more activity with friends and family. Fit IQ’s target market includes health practitioners such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists, corporate wellness programmes, homeowners aged 35+ with incomes above $120k, property developers, and aged care providers. The business combines industry experience, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on wellness, culture, and engagement to remove barriers to exercise. Richard Harris believes health starts at home, and that small, consistent routines make a meaningful difference. Fit IQ’s philosophy is simple: you control your health through the choices you make, and a smart gym is an investment in your wellbeing. Users like former All Black and amateur boxer Liam Messam demonstrate the platform’s flexibility, allowing even the busiest individuals to maintain fitness. NZ Business Connect is pleased to have Fit IQ as part of its network and looks forward to seeing their ongoing impact on health, movement, and wellness in New Zealand. Contact Fit IQ:801 Victoria Street, Hamilton 3210, New Zealand +64 021852772Email: richard@fitiq.info https://fitiq.nz Contact NZ Business Connect 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Travel

Make Memories on the Mountain: Workplace Christmas Functions at The Cardrona Horse Treks, 4×4 ATVs & Motorbikes

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Looking for a Christmas function that your team will still be talking about well into the new year? Skip the usual dinner booking and take your workplace celebration to new heights with The Cardrona Horse Treks, 4×4 ATVs & Motorbikes. Nestled in the breathtaking Cardrona Valley between Queenstown and Wānaka, this is a one-of-a-kind way to mark the end of a busy year. The Two-Hour “Mountain Experience”The Cardrona’s Mountain Experience is the perfect blend of adventure and team bonding. Over two exhilarating hours, your group will journey through rugged alpine terrain, explore scenic high-country trails, and discover panoramic views across the Southern Alps. Along the way, your friendly and entertaining guides will keep the energy high and make sure everyone feels part of the adventure. There’s even time to capture the ultimate team photo against a spectacular mountain backdrop. Something for EveryoneNo matter your team’s confidence level, everyone can join in the fun. Up to 11 riders can take the handlebars of self-drive 4WD quad bikes for a thrilling off-road experience. Meanwhile, up to 9 people can relax as passengers in off-road buggies, driven by expert guides, perfect for those who prefer to enjoy the scenery without getting behind the wheel. It’s a fantastic mix of adrenaline and accessibility, ensuring every member of your team can take part. Celebrate Afterwards in StyleWhen the adventure wraps up, continue the festivities nearby. Enjoy a celebratory meal and local spirits at the Cardrona Distillery (www.cardronadistillery.co.nz), or unwind with hearty food and classic Kiwi hospitality at the iconic Cardrona Hotel (www.cardronahotel.co.nz). Make this year’s Christmas function unforgettable, full of laughter, adventure, and memories that last long after the decorations are packed away. For availability and pricing, email Kel at info@thecardrona.co.nz. The Cardrona Horse Treks, 4×4 ATVs & Motorbikes is where your Christmas celebration becomes an adventure. Contact The Cardrona Horse Riding & 4×4 ATVs Today! info@thecardrona.co.nz +64 3 443 1228 Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Rural

Cutting Nitrate Leaching the Smart Way: Dr Gordon Rajendram’s Carbon Strategy

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As New Zealand’s pastoral sector grapples with ever tighter environmental thresholds around nitrate leaching, the science of soil carbon is emerging as a critical frontier. Dr Gordon Rajendram emphasises that rather than simply reducing nitrogen inputs, the key lies in redesigning the soil nitrogen cycle through enhanced carbon management. In grazed pastures, he notes, urine patches supply nitrogen at levels the plant microbe system cannot immediately assimilate, generating surplus nitrate vulnerable to leaching. By incorporating carbon rich amendments such as humates and biochar, Dr Rajendram explains, farmers can shift nitrogen into more stable forms. Carbon inputs strengthen microbial immobilisation, essentially giving soil microbes something to feed on so that nitrogen stays bound in organic forms rather than rapidly converting to nitrate. The effect is twofold: less nitrate escapes into groundwater, and more nitrogen remains available for plant uptake, boosting productivity. International research strongly supports this route. For instance, meta analysis work shows that biochar applications cut nitrous oxide emissions by around 54 percent on average. Lysimeter trials in New Zealand have gone further, recording reductions in nitrate leaching of 75 percent or more under ryegrass and clover systems when significant carbon amendments were applied. Dr Rajendram thus argues the challenge is not only finding the right products, but calibrating them for farm scale practicality: frequency, rate, and integration with grazing and fertiliser regimes. He counsels farmers to view soil carbon amendments as part of a broader system change. For example, pairing humates at around 10 kg/ha with each fertiliser pass, currently being trialled by some Taupō area dairy farms, is one promising model. Over time the build up of stable carbon enhances the soil’s sink capacity for nitrogen, making the system more resilient under high stocking and fertiliser loads. Dr Rajendram notes that this is just one effective strategy among several available to address nitrogen leaching. Different farm systems and soil types may require varied combinations of approaches, including changes to grazing management, fertiliser timing, and the introduction of cover crops or alternative pasture species. For farmers facing regulatory constraints, this science based approach offers a pathway that is both sustainable and productive. As Dr Rajendram says: “We can trap more nitrogen in the soil where plants can use it, or let microbes convert it harmlessly to N₂, rather than losing it to waterways.” The shift, he insists, will require better measurement, smarter amendments and a willingness to think long term. The payoff? Lower environmental footprint and improved nutrient efficiency, a win for farm profitability and catchment health alike. For more information and references, visit gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz. References Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram 021 466 077 | rajendram@xtra.co.nz www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

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