In Brief: Two hours free parking returns to CBD

Wednesday, 1 July 2026

Free parking’s back

Hamiltonians and visitors can now park free for up to two hours on selected central city streets, giving them more time to shop, dine and visit local attractions without paying for on-street parking.

The change took effect on Wednesday and applies to eligible on-street parks, but motorists must register their vehicle number plate using the PayMyPark app, a Touch n Go unit or a parking kiosk to receive the free parking.

Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe said the move, introduced ahead of the school holidays, would make it easier for people to enjoy everything the city centre has to offer.

Hākarimata steps closure

The popular Hākarimata Summit Track will be closed on Thursday and Friday, weather permitting, while the Department of Conservation carries out maintenance work to improve the track.

Drainage upgrades and resurfacing will be completed using heavy machinery, making the track unsafe for public access during the works.

DOC says the closure is temporary and the summit stairs will reopen once the maintenance is finished.

Arrests after serious assault

Four men were arrested after an alleged aggravated burglary in Hamilton on Tuesday ended with police intercepting their vehicle in South Auckland.

Police were called to an UIster St address around 10pm, where the suspects forced their way into a house, seriously assaulted one person and tried to steal the victim's motorcycle.

Inspector Scott Miller said the suspects fled in a vehicle bound for Auckland.

Officers tracked the vehicle along State Highway 1 and was spotted near Bombay before they followed it into Papakura, where it was eventually stopped.

No pursuit took place.

The men, aged 34, 35, 45 and 64, were due to appear in Manukau District Court on Wednesday charged with burglary with a weapon.

The vehicle was impounded for six months after failing to stop for police, Miller said.