Resting proudly on the corner of Hood Street and Victoria Street, the aptly named cafe/restaurant, ‘Hood St Bistro’, beckons you inside with its references to hot orange, neon signage. Just as it too sits on this particular intersection, its food demonstrates a propensity towards being particular when it comes to imparting only the best of Southern American flavours to its customers.

So, how do I know this, you may be asking?
Originally, I had entered the cafe/restaurant in search of a quick drink to quench my thirst, considering a well-crafted hot chocolate with a friend. As the sun settled its warm rays on the curvature of the cafe’s exquisite arched windows, the notion of a hot chocolate disappeared along with the fading light. My friend’s order of a Pinot gris, a welcome invitation to change the flavour of our meeting from a quick ‘catch-up’ to dinner instead. This invitation was sped along by seductive aromas wafting tantalisingly from the kitchen.

The moment the menu was placed in my eager hands, I knew what I wanted. There was no other choice for me but the Bacon-wrapped Eye fillet steak with Argentinian prawns, Mashed potatoes, Green beans, Garlic butter sauce and Red wine jus. Presentation perfect, I tried hard to steady the pace at which I ate, but the creamy goodness of garlic flavour oozing over mashed potatoes, intermingled with tender green beans and eye fillet steak cooked to perfection drizzled in red wine jus made it a battle hard to win. Just when I thought all my taste buds had reached their most heightened state of saturation, I plucked an Argentinian prawn from atop my steak. As the crunchy fresh bite oozed salty sea goodness, the flavour overtook me! I mused over why I had never tasted prawns that fresh before (even at seaside restaurants in New Zealand) and gently swore to myself I would never walk past this restaurant again!

This is a cafe/restaurant not to miss! It’s so good, I’ve already planned my next meal there!
I invite you too to sample Hood St Bistro’s delectable food of the highest calibre, an absolute credit to the
chef and the team that works so hard to cultivate amazing food, a great drinks selection and such a warm
and inviting atmosphere.

Hood St Bistro, 109 Victoria Street, 07 834 4365, www.hoodstreetbistro.co.nz

Media Release 20 October 2023.

MIL OSI

Inspired by the challenge to strengthen the heart of Hamilton’s Rototuna neighbourhood, Chow:Hill’s design, undertaken in partnership with Designwell and AECOM, has woven the rich cultural heritage of the local whenua into the contemporary aesthetic of the building. Chow:Hill was also able to work collaboratively with Hamilton City Council as its client and Te Haa o te Whenua o Kirikiriroa and Ngaati Wairere from early Concept Design to develop meaningful and considered design narratives.

Phillip Kempster, Chow:Hill Senior Principal and Senior Architectural Technician, said the integrated design reflects the natural environment of Rototuna’s wetlands, but has been combined with modern design practices to create a community asset fit for future use.

“Connection has been a central design principle of this project. We wanted to connect the site’s history with modern day development of the new Rototuna town centre, and we wanted to connect the interior of the building with the exterior landscape, encouraging users of the facility to spend time both indoors and out,” explains Kempster.

Sam Thomas, Chow:Hill Principal and Registered Architect, said the construction material chosen for the library enabled that connection to come to fruition.

“The use of Corten steel in the library’s entranceway was chosen for its compatibility with the building’s natural timber look which evokes a feeling of warmth,” Thomas explains. “The folded acoustic ceiling is also a key design element as it reflects the patterns more commonly found in weaving and the building’s high ceiling has created a large, open, space which maximises natural light.”

The area’s former wetland status also manifests itself in the design of the library’s interior. “Te Kete Aronui is the basket of knowledge, and within the library there are islands of books and wayfinding techniques that mimic wetland walkways. We wanted to preserve the heritage of the site and bring the outdoors in,” Thomas said.

Chow:Hill’s design of the outdoor space, which includes bike and car parks, a playground, skatepark, and village square, also reflects the cultural heritage of the landscape.

“Last year, we celebrated our 30th year in business and, although our work isn’t only in Hamilton, it’s been a privilege to design Te Kete Aronui Rototuna Library for the community in which Chow:Hill first began,” said Kempster.

Media Release 21 July 2023

MIL OSI

Cows can’t jump over the moon but Kiwi ninjas might be able to.

Ninja Jumped Over the Moon is an epic, nationwide exercise and fund-raising challenge to be held over a 24 hour period from 20-21 January 2023 during which the organisers hope to bounce a total height of 357,000 kilometres on trampolines, burn 30 million calories and raise $1M+ for the KidsCan charity.

Ninja Valley, a 10,000 cubic metre indoor playground in Hamilton, is hosting the event and hopes to register and mobilise more than 5,000 residential trampolines across New Zealand to participate in the 24 hour challenge. Teams and individuals can register themselves on the Raisely campaign page, set their own goals and set about seeking sponsorship and donations from their own networks, neighbourhoods, family and friends.

“It is an absolutely monumental challenge”, says Ninja Valley co-founder Grant Beuzeval. “357,000 kilometres into the air will require 100,000 hours of bouncing and 30 million calories of energy but the multiple benefits are equally as inspirational”.

“We love the idea of the nation coming together in the name of exercise and charity, gathering around neighbourhood trampolines with deck chairs, the BBQ/kai and maybe a tent pitched on the lawn for a sleepover while one person remains bouncing at all times. That sounds like a lot of fun at the backend of the school holidays”, added Beuzeval.

KidsCan was selected as the beneficiary charity based on their exemplary work in providing the 1 in 5 Kiwi kids affected by poverty the essentials they need to learn. Ninja Valley is aligned with the KidsCan belief that education is a child’s ticket out of poverty and gives them the opportunity for a better future.

“This is a really fun way to make a real difference to children in hardship, who are who are having a particularly tough time right now as the cost-of-living soars,” says KidsCan CEO and founder Julie Chapman. “We’re very grateful to Ninja Valley and to all the kind Kiwis who take part in this event. The food, shoes, jackets and health items we provide are needed now more than ever.”

Ninja Valley will host and livestream broadcast the event from its headquarters in Hamilton with continuous updates about the distance jumped and the funds raised.

Event details:

Event Name: Ninja Jumped Over the Moon
Registration: https://ninja-jumped-over-the-moon.raisely.com/
Start date & time: 5pm, Friday 20th January 2023
End date and time: 5pm, Saturday 21st January 2023
Organiser: Ninja Valley Limited, Hamilton www.ninjavalley.co.nz
Contact: Grant Beuzeval, Co-founder/Director, Ninja Valley Limited
Contact email: moon@ninjavalley.co.nz
Facebook page: @ninjamoonjump (https://www.facebook.com/ninjamoonjump)
Instagram page: @ninjamoonchallenge (https://www.instagram.com/ninjamoonchallenge/)
Distance to the moon: In 2023, the moon will be at its closest to the Earth on 22nd January – a mere 356,569 kilometres away.

Media Release 19 December 2022.

MIL OSI

Aware Group, a global provider of emerging technology solutions based in Hamilton, has just launched its newest product. Aware AI for Pathways is a turnkey hardware and software solution that uses Artificial Intelligence to classify and count micromobility traffic such as bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, and pedestrians. It does so with more features and at a significantly lower cost than current solutions. It helps cities and campuses understand the usage of their pathways, allowing them to make data-driven investments, helping them monitor the impact of crucial decisions, and overall reducing their costs.

Existing methods for data collection in outdoor environments all have a variety of problems that make them ineffective and inefficient: infrared sensors have poor performance in wet conditions and misclassify some types of traffic; pressure sensors lack the ability to track cyclists and cannot be used for footpaths; and inductive loops misclassify traffic based on the material of vehicles and are completely unable to track pedestrians. The #1 problem with all of these, however, is that they are all much more expensive than they need to be.

At a much lower cost, Aware AI for Pathways uses a custom computer vision model to turn video footage from urban cameras into data. This is then presented through an interactive, near-real-time dashboard. The reports can also be integrated into a customer’s existing systems or presented as a queryable datastore.

The Pathways Counters count continuously by leveraging our AI technology. The devices reported over 95% accuracy when tested in poor weather conditions, including the correct identification of people using umbrellas. Multi-directional counting is also supported.

Unlike other computer vision offerings, the AI model processes footage on the edge. This means the devices do not send images off the device, just data. Thus, the privacy of those in view of the camera is completely maintained.

Devices are solar-powered, compact, and leverage cellular connectivity. They’re designed for easy installation and low maintenance, meaning both low upfront and low ongoing costs. They are attached to existing poles and buildings and do not require any hardwire connection.

Pathways Counters can measure multiple zones from a single position (i.e., a cycleway, footpath, and staircase), meaning they can replace up to three traditional devices in some situations. This could translate into a savings of up to $27,500 every time traditional hardware needs renewal.

Customers can use the data Aware AI for Pathways provides to inform city planning, track foot traffic in front of businesses, monitor the impact of disruptions such as roadworks, count what modes of traffic are most common, unlock valuable insights to support decision making, and much more.

In creating Aware AI for Pathways, we worked with Hamilton City Council to launch the product for the first time and see what value it provides customers. “Aware AI for Pathways has enabled Council to deploy a higher number of devices, covering a greater area of the city, to provide useful data on a wider range of road users,” said John Kinghorn, Hamilton City Council’s Transport Systems Engineer. “This data will be very beneficial for a range of our city’s transportation projects and initiatives moving forward.”

Aware AI for Pathways provides a multitude of benefits that customers just can’t find with other solutions. The technology we use allows customers many use cases that can change how their organisation runs. Solutions Manager Jeffrey Brown, who was also the product lead for Aware AI for Pathways, said that “Computer vision technology has evolved to the point where it can produce really remarkable results, but very few people are making use of it – this is how we’ve managed to make such huge improvements with Aware AI for Pathways.”

At as little as one-third of the cost of traditional sensors, switching to Aware AI for Pathways would be extremely beneficial for any city or campus, regardless of scale. It is more effective and provides more features and benefits than any other sensor type.

Getting started with Aware AI for Pathways is simple, with full rollout taking less than four weeks. There is also the option to trial the technology on up to three locations prior to purchasing. Customers can go to https://www.awaregroup.com/aware-ai-for-pathways/ to start better utilising their pathways.

Media Release 2 December 2021

Media Contact
Max Templeton, Aware Group
max.templeton@awaregroup.com
+64 7 282 1191
https://www.awaregroup.com/

MIL OSI

The Trends International Design Awards (TIDAs) is a coveted event by Trends, a resource for home design ideas through print, digital, and online media. The team at Design Builders Waikato was not only thrilled to be a part of the event but to win an award for their large family home build with spectacular views over the Waikato River.

Design Builders CEO Andrew Price said the team was ecstatic to be recognised among New Zealand’s best when it came to the design and build process of unique homes.

“The Design Builders Waikato team worked extremely hard on this project, including Jeff Marra and his team, and our in-house design team and interior designer, Emma Fenwick and Paula Waterhouse. We can’t wait for people to see it in person at the open viewings.”

The award-winning show home was designed with New York loft living in mind, but also with the surroundings of both the Waikato River and natural riverside fauna. The design and build team worked with the clients to construct a large family home that offered northern sun, outdoor flow, and innovative use of large open spaces.

They also had to work through challenges such as geotechnical restrictions and steep embankments, but the result was a two-storey home with clever engineered foundations and exquisite styling from top to bottom.

The ground floor of 22 Riverpoint Glade consists of a master wing with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, a double-height kitchen, living and dining area, and colonial bars for authenticity. On the second floor, homeowners can benefit from three bedrooms, a second living area, a study nook, and seamless flow from one storey to the next.

The Design Builders Waikato team also left no stone unturned in creating perfection on the home’s exterior. Recycled brick, cedar, and trough metal were used to carry on the unique New York loft-style theme, while there is also an outdoor entertainment area with a built-in fireplace, cabinetry, and a beautiful Waikato River backdrop.

See the award-winning home in the flesh at 22 Riverpoint Glade, Hamilton. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 pm – 4 pm. Contact Jeff Marra on 027 488 00 44 or email jeff.marra@designbuilders.co.nz for a private viewing appointment.

If you would like to know more about Design Builders, visit www.designbuilders.co.nz, use the online contact form, phone 0800 456 456, or visit their YouTube channel here.

About Design Builders
Design Builders is a multi-award-winning company with over a quarter of a century of expertise in the designing and building of homes in New Zealand. The experienced team prides itself on designing and building homes that are as unique as their owners. From the initial sketch to the handing over of the keys, you can rely on Design Builders to offer the full package to the highest of standards.

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Media Release on 19 November 2020

Media Contact
Home Builders 22 Riverpoint Glade, Hamilton
Jeff Marra, Design Builders
Email: jeff.marra@designbuilders.co.nz
Phone: 027 488 00 44
Website: https://www.designbuilders.co.nz/
Video: https://youtu.be/4_-ZiSKkLKc

MIL OSI

The team at Design Builders has been working hard behind the scenes to make sure they abide by all Government COVID-19 regulations. Their goal, alongside inspiring you by stunning modern homes, the latest architectural ideas, and their craftmanshop, is keening you safe, is keeping you safe.

As a result, they have health and safety measures in place at all show homes during Alert Level 2. You can rest assured that while you’re dreaming of your next home build design, you’re kept safe.

According to Design Builders’ spokesperson Morgan Price, there will be a few requirements for anyone visiting the showhomes in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

“We ask that all visitors practice social distancing, provide their contact details on arrival, and use the provided hand sanitiser when signing in. We also request that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness refrain from visiting the show homes until they are better.”

The Design Builders team will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have and wipe down surfaces regularly.

“We can’t wait to show you around some of our finest show homes. Even at Alert Level 2, Creating your dream home is possible.”

Waikato – 22 Riverpoint Glade, Hamilton
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday – 1pm to 4pm.
Contact Jeff Marra on 027 488 0044 or email jeff.marra@designbuilders.co.nz

Bay of Plenty – 13 Serenity Drive, Omokoroa
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday – 12pm to 4pm.
Contact Sam Perrin on 027 757 7170 or email sam.perrin@designbuilders.co.nz

If you would like to know more about Design Builders, visit www.designbuilders.co.nz, use the online contact form, phone 0800 456 456, or visit their YouTube channel here.

About Design Builders
Design Builders is a multi-award-winning company with over a quarter of a century of expertise in the designing and building of homes in New Zealand. The experienced team prides itself on designing and building homes that are as unique as their owners. From the initial sketch to the handing over of the keys, you can rely on Design Builders to offer the full package to the highest of standards.

Media Release on 7 September 2020

Media Contact
Jeff Marra, Design Builders
Email: jeff.marra@designbuilders.co.nz
Website: https://www.designbuilders.co.nz/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIWIh1XPWI4&feature=emb_title

MIL OSI