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February 2026

Property

Why Capital Value Is Only Part of the Story in Hamilton Real Estate with Gurinder Singh of LM Realty

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LM Realty, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008) Is Capital Value the True Measure? One of the most common questions Gurinder Singh Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (REAA 2008) of LM Realty hears from homeowners is whether properties in Hamilton are selling above or below Capital Value. While it is a natural point of reference, Gurinder says the answer is rarely straightforward. Why Suburb and Strategy Matter Hamilton is made up of 35 diverse suburbs, each with its own market dynamics. Sales results can vary widely depending on location, property condition, presentation and, crucially, pricing strategy. In today’s market, Capital Value is just one piece of the puzzle, not a definitive measure of what a home will achieve. What Sets Strong Sales Apart Some properties are attracting strong competition and selling quickly, while others require patience and adjustment. Gurinder explains that this difference often comes down to how well a home aligns with current buyer expectations. Homes that are well presented and realistically priced tend to perform far better than those relying solely on past valuations. The Impact of the Wider Economy Adding another layer of complexity is the broader economic environment. As 2026 begins, inflation has moved back into focus. Annual inflation rose to 3.1 percent in the December 2025 quarter, sitting above the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s target range. This has increased pressure on the Reserve Bank to consider lifting the Official Cash Rate sooner than previously anticipated. Shifting Sentiment for Buyers and Sellers Such shifts can influence both buyer and vendor sentiment. Buyers may become more cautious, while sellers may need to adjust their expectations to meet the market where it is. Gurinder believes this makes tailored, suburb-specific advice more important than ever. A Personal Approach to Every Property Every property has its own story, and no two sales are the same. Gurinder’s approach centres on understanding the unique factors influencing each home and providing clear, honest guidance. For homeowners wanting clarity around their property’s value and positioning, a personalised conversation can make all the difference in achieving the right result. “Capital Value can be a useful reference point, but it doesn’t define what a home will sell for,” says Gurinder. “Every suburb, and every property, tells a different story. The homes that perform best are usually the ones priced and presented for today’s buyers, not yesterday’s market.” Contact Gurinder: Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (REAA 2008) gurinder.s@lmrealty.co.nz 021 491 424 https://www.lmrealty.co.nz/gurinder Proof in the Pudding: “A home holds two treasures: the life you live and the wealth you build.”  Contact MediaPA phillip@mediapa.co.nz 027 458 7724

Social Giving

JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Proud to Sponsor the Frankton McDonald’s Colour Run

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At JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, we have always believed that a business is only as strong as the community that supports it. Our success is not just measured by technical excellence or quality workmanship. It is also about social responsibility, connection, and giving back to the people and organisations that make our region what it is. “I have always believed that a business is only as strong as the community that supports it. For us at JSR, success is not just about technical excellence. It is about social responsibility and giving back,” says Jujhar Randhawa, CEO of JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning. That is why JSR is incredibly proud to sponsor the upcoming Frankton McDonald’s Colour Run and Walk, taking place at Hamilton Lake. This vibrant community event brings people together through music, movement, and colour, while supporting a cause that makes a real difference close to home. The Frankton McDonald’s Colour Run raises vital funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities, an organisation that provides accommodation, support, and care for families with seriously ill or injured children. During some of life’s most challenging moments, Ronald McDonald House offers families a place to stay together, close to the medical care their children need. Supporting this charity aligns strongly with JSR’s values and our commitment to community wellbeing. Events like the Colour Run are about more than fundraising. They create opportunities for people of all ages to come together, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate community spirit. Hosting the event at Hamilton Lake adds to the sense of connection, turning a familiar local space into a hub of energy, colour, and shared purpose. JSR is proud to stand alongside local businesses, families, and volunteers who are helping make this event possible. Being involved in initiatives that promote health, inclusion, and community support is an important part of who we are as a business. If you are in the Waikato on Sunday, 15 February, we would love to see you at Innes Common. Come along, get colourful, and support an incredible cause. Together, with Ronald McDonald House Charities and the wider community, JSR is proud to help make a positive impact where it matters most. Contact JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Today! 0800 JSR RAC Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Business

Are You Dying From the Heat? Take Control With JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Hamilton

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Hot, sticky nights and overheated days can make summer feel unbearable. If you are constantly uncomfortable in your own home, it may be time to take control of the heat with JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning. Effective cooling does more than improve comfort. It can help you sleep better, stay healthier, and enjoy your home again. Better Sleep Starts With Better Temperature Control Excess heat is one of the biggest causes of poor sleep during summer. When your bedroom stays too warm, your body struggles to cool down, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. A well cooled home helps regulate your body temperature, allowing you to reach deeper, more restorative sleep. Better sleep means improved focus, mood, and energy throughout the day. Reduce the Risk of Dehydration and Heat Stress Prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration, particularly for children, older adults, and those with existing health conditions. When your home stays cool, your body does not need to work as hard to regulate temperature. This helps reduce fluid loss and lowers the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stress during extreme weather. Fewer Insects and Parasites Indoors Warm, humid environments attract insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. These pests are not just annoying. They can also carry bacteria and parasites into your home. Keeping indoor temperatures controlled and humidity levels lower makes your home less inviting to insects, helping create a cleaner and healthier living space. Take Back Control of Your Comfort Modern cooling solutions allow you to manage indoor temperatures efficiently without relying on fans or open windows. This gives you consistent comfort throughout the day and night, even during heatwaves. With expert advice and tailored solutions from JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, you can enjoy a cooler home, better sleep, and improved wellbeing all summer long. Contact JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Today! 0800 JSR RAC Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Accommodation

Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites: A Comfortable Base for All Seasons in Auckland

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No matter the season, finding accommodation that feels easy, reliable and well located makes all the difference when travelling to Auckland. Best Western Newmarket offers a comfortable base year-round for visitors who want convenience, connectivity and comfort close to the Auckland CBD, without the intensity of staying right in the city centre. Winter in Auckland is often driven by purpose rather than leisure. From medical appointments at Auckland Hospital to university visits at the University of Auckland or AUT, winter travel is about being close to where you need to be. Staying in Newmarket places guests within easy reach of major transport routes, Auckland Domain and key health and education facilities. After a busy day, returning to a warm, comfortable room in a quiet but central neighbourhood is a welcome advantage. Spring brings a busier calendar. School events, graduations, family visits and weekend getaways fill the city. Newmarket is well known for its shopping and dining, with Westfield Newmarket, boutique stores and popular cafés all close by. Guests can enjoy the energy of the area while still being moments from green spaces such as Cornwall Park and Mt Eden, ideal for spring walks and downtime between commitments. Summer in Auckland means movement and events. From concerts at Spark Arena to matches at Eden Park, graduation ceremonies and seasonal shopping trips, travellers need accommodation that allows them to move easily around the city. Newmarket provides excellent access to the Auckland CBD, motorways and public transport, while avoiding peak summer congestion found in waterfront areas. Across winter, spring and summer, the appeal of staying in Newmarket remains consistent. Comfortable rooms, practical amenities and a location that suits business travellers, families, visiting students and short-stay guests alike make it a dependable choice. Being close to shopping, hospitals, universities, parks and major venues means fewer compromises and smoother travel. For visitors looking for accommodation that works in every season and for every reason, Best Western Newmarket continues to provide a reliable, comfortable and centrally located base for exploring Auckland at any time of year. Contact Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites info@abf.net.nz 0508 899 699 https://www.bestwesternnewmarket.co.nz Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Social Giving

Powered by Our Community: Thank You to the Sponsors Behind the Frankton McDonald’s Colour Run/Walk

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With event day fast approaching, excitement is building for the Frankton McDonald’s Colour Run/Walk, made possible by the generous support of local and national sponsors and partners who have come together to back this community fundraiser. Set to light up Innes Common at Hamilton Lake on Sunday 15 February 2026, the event will run from 10am to 2pm, with gates opening at 9am for early check-in, filling the lakefront with colour, music and connection. This 4km run and walk is designed for all ages and abilities, bringing families, friends and workplaces together in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Every step taken and every ticket sold helps support families when they need it most. Full event details, tickets and donations are available at www.HamiltonColourRun.co.nz. The Businesses Making This Event Possible Community events don’t happen on goodwill alone, and this one is no exception. We’re incredibly grateful to the businesses who have stepped up to support this kaupapa. At the forefront is Platinum Sponsor McDonald’s Restaurants Limited, whose long-standing commitment to family wellbeing and community connection underpins the heart of this event. Our Gold level Sponsors – JP & Associates, After, Omega Finance, Aman Bali & Co, The Bottle-O Te Rapa and No.1 Motels – have played a vital role in bringing the Colour Run/Walk to life. We also acknowledge Blackfox Creative for providing creative direction across the event’s marketing and website. Colour, Energy and Interaction on the Course Participants can expect plenty of action along the route thanks to our Colour Station Sponsors, who will be out there creating memorable moments: We also thank our Silver Sponsors – BNZ, Lorna Jane, Glenview School and Parry Group of Restaurants – for backing this community fundraiser. Supporting the Event from the Ground Up A number of partners are working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs safely and smoothly on the day. Our thanks go to: We also acknowledge MediaPA for their role in helping share the story of this event across the wider community. Join Us and Be Part of the Colour As the countdown continues, now is the time to get involved. Whether you’re running, walking, volunteering or donating, your support makes a real difference for RMHC and the families they care for. The Frankton McDonald’s Colour Run/Walk is a celebration of what can happen when a community comes together. To every sponsor, partner, supporter and participant, thank you for helping make Hamilton Lake shine. 👉 Tickets & donations: www.HamiltonColourRun.co.nz FRANKTON McDONALD’S COLOUR RUN / WALK📍 Innes Common, Hamilton Lake🗓 Sunday 15 February 2026⏰ 10am–2pm (gates open 9am) Live music, face painting, photo booth fun, giant bubbles, splashes of colour and water, coffee, food trucks, kids’ activities, and emergency services displays will all be part of the day.

Media

NZ Business Connect Founder Phillip Quay One of Three Speakers at Waikato’s Premier Business Networking Event – LinkedIn Local Hamilton

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Join Hamilton’s leading business networking event on February 25 and hear from award winning media expert Phillip Quay, pictured, who will be joined by Waikato Times editor Jonathan MacKenzie along with business owner, entrepreneur and politician Himanshu (Ash) Parmar. LinkedIn Local Hamilton is a top rated Waikato business networking event designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to build authentic connections. This relaxed, social networking experience brings together Hamilton professionals, Waikato business leaders, and local entrepreneurs for meaningful conversations – without sales pressure. LinkedIn Local Hamilton returns in 2026 to celebrate nine years of connecting professionals across the region. The next event – The Changing Face Of Media – will be hosted by Ebbett on 25 February at their brand new car showroom at The Base – a modern venue designed to elevate the experience for attendees. Daniel Hopper’s Story: Building Something Exceptional from the StartOne of the most important chapters in the LinkedIn Local Hamilton story is the vision and leadership of Daniel Hopper, a well known Hamilton business figure who founded the event and set its direction from day one. Rather than following the traditional networking formula, he designed LinkedIn Local Hamilton to be relaxed, human, and community driven. The focus was on real conversations, genuine connections, and bringing people together in a way that felt authentic and inclusive. Right from the outset, Daniel secured high profile speakers and strong community support. In its first year, LinkedIn Local Hamilton quickly gained momentum and was widely regarded as one of the largest LinkedIn Local events of its type in the world. What started as a local initiative rapidly became a standout example of how powerful people first networking could be. Daniel’s leadership helped establish a clear message: this was not about transactional networking, but about creating a space where professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders could build meaningful relationships. That foundation continues to shape the event today. His story is a reminder of something crucial:‘A networking event grows when influential people believe in it – and share it’. Daniel’s vision laid the groundwork for LinkedIn Local Hamilton’s ongoing success, helping it attract high calibre speakers, engaged audiences, and a reputation that now extends well beyond the Waikato. Key Speaker: Phillip Quay – Hamilton’s Leading Media, PR & Digital Marketing ExpertPhillip Quay, a highly respected and award winning Hamilton journalist, PR strategist, and digital marketing specialist, is also the founder of the fast-growing business networking group NZ Business Connect. Phillip Quay is known across New Zealand for his expertise in:• Digital marketing and social media strategy• Public relations and online branding• Business storytelling and media communication• Online visibility and Google ranking growth• Global PR and international media assignments As the founder of MediaPA and NZ Business Connect, Phillip has helped more than 200 New Zealand businesses grow their online presence through strategic PR, SEO driven content, and social media integration. Phillip has delivered keynote presentations at major national conferences and is recognised as a leading voice in New Zealand digital marketing, social media education, and business communication events. This event is ideal for anyone wanting to:• Grow their Waikato business network• Connect with Hamilton entrepreneurs and professionals• Learn from a top New Zealand media expert• Build authentic business relationships• Improve their digital marketing and PR knowledge Enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and genuine networking in a friendly environment, and kick off 2026 with the people who drive Hamilton forward. Contact Phillip Quay / MediaPAPhone: 0274 587 724Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nzWebsite: www.mediapa.co.nzFacebook: facebook.com/MediaPA

Travel

Romance in the Hills: The Perfect Date with The Cardrona Horse Treks, 4×4 ATVs & Motorbikes

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The Cardrona Horse Treks, 4×4 ATVs & Motorbikes offers a different kind of date night for Valentines day, one that swaps tables and screens for wide skies, shared adventure and unforgettable moments. Set in the heart of the Cardrona Valley, it is a place where couples can choose how they want to connect, whether that means slowing the pace on horseback or leaning into the thrill of the high country on a quad bike. For couples who love connection and calm, a horse trek offers something quietly powerful. There is a natural rhythm to riding together, moving at the same pace, breathing in the alpine air and letting conversation drift as easily as the landscape. Crossing rivers, climbing gentle hills and taking in sweeping views creates space to slow down and truly be present with each other. It is intimate without trying too hard, romantic in a way that feels effortless and real. If your idea of the perfect date leans more towards energy and excitement, a 4×4 quad bike adventure delivers shared adrenaline and laughter in equal measure. Navigating high country terrain, opening up on long tracks and tackling the landscape together turns the date into a story you will retell long after the dust has settled. It is playful, thrilling and full of those moments where you glance at each other and grin, knowing this is far better than dinner and a movie. The beauty of The Cardrona experience is that there is no wrong choice, only the one that suits your shared spirit. Whether you lean towards hooves or horsepower, the landscape has a way of bringing people closer, framed by mountains, rivers and endless sky. For couples wanting something truly special, there is the option to make the experience even more personal. Choose to upgrade any advertised horse trek or quad bike tour to an exclusive private couples tour for additional $200 & Kel will organise the best two horses/ bikes & an exceptional guide to make the experience even more special & romantic! It is your adventure, your pace and your moment, shaped around what makes your time together meaningful. At The Cardrona Horse Treks, 4×4 ATVs & Motorbikes, the perfect date is not about what you do, but how it makes you feel, and those feelings tend to stay with you long after the ride is over. See tour options at;WWW.THECARDRONA.CO.NZ 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

Business

NZ Business Connect Welcomes Emblems New Zealand – Promotional Products with Purpose

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NZ Business Connect is pleased to welcome Emblems New Zealand, a Hamilton-based business with more than three decades of experience in promotional products, awards, and recognition solutions, built on strong relationships, thoughtful design, and a deep connection to the community. Emblems New Zealand was established in 1989 by Rob and Joy Gillard as a small engraving and medal business. From the outset, the focus was on quality workmanship and reliable service, values that continue to underpin the business today. Hamilton City Council became Emblems’ very first customer and remains a valued client, reflecting the long-standing partnerships the business is known for. As demand grew, Emblems expanded its capabilities beyond medals and engraving into custom trophies, awards, signage, and promotional products. The business quickly gained recognition for its ability to deliver both standard and highly bespoke solutions, attracting high-profile organisations such as Athletics New Zealand, World Netball, and major national sporting events, while still maintaining a strong commitment to local schools, clubs, and community groups. In 1999, Rob’s daughter Penni and her husband Sandy joined the business, bringing fresh energy and a shared passion for design and customer service. After years of hands-on involvement and learning every part of the operation, Penni and Sandy purchased Emblems in 2016, continuing its evolution while preserving the family values the business was founded on. Today, Emblems specialises in promotional products, corporate and sporting awards, trophies, medals, badges, signage, and engraving services. Known for flexibility and creative problem-solving, the team works closely with clients to design products that are fit for purpose, distinctive, and aligned with the occasion they represent. From simple recognition items to complex, sculpted awards, Emblems prides itself on delivering solutions rather than off-the-shelf answers. Community involvement remains central to the business. Emblems is actively involved in social giving and is a strong supporter of powerchair football at both club and national level, providing support that helps athletes and organisations gain recognition and visibility. This commitment reflects the company’s belief in inclusivity, opportunity, and giving back to the communities that support it. Now part of the NZ Business Connect network, Emblems New Zealand brings a legacy of craftsmanship, a people-first approach, and a genuine passion for recognising achievement in all its forms. Contact Emblems New Zealand: sales@emblems.co.nz 0800 362 536 https://emblems.co.nz/ Contact NZ Business Connect: 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

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