Surrogate parenthoods in Aotearoa New Zealand are an altruistic arrangement. Sometimes they occur via in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), or traditional surrogacy in which the surrogate mother’s egg is used. The latter was the case with a same-sex male couple in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, who generously agreed to share to their story of having their daughter via surrogacy.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

Photographic artist Mark Hamilton, who also happens to hail from Kirikiriroa Hamilton, first picked up a camera in his late 20s, before studying the craft at Wintec. With two decades experience, he is now producing a vast range of powerful, atmospheric work – including but not limited to scenes of Kirikiriroa, theatre production photography, portraiture, and interpretive photography based on characters from Bob Dylan songs. His studio is in the Garden House Building, and WTS producer Gary Farrow made his way up there to get an insight into Mark's photos.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

Shadan Conradie is a confidence coach, based in Matamata as she runs her business Inna Moment. As the name suggests, it’s about inner confidence – something which may be even harder to gain and retain than confidence in social situations. WTS producer Gary Farrow drove out to Matamata to gave a chat with her.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

Conscious consumption is an important idea that we need to be more mindful about in this day and age. And here in the Waikato, Nicola Turner from Mainstream Green is going to particular lengths to spread strategies on how we can live sustainably. WTS producer Gary Farrow visited her in Cambridge.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

Model trains can be a time consuming and expensive hobby, while at the same time having the potential to be very enriching and immersive. WTS producer Gary Farrow popped down to Günther’s house in St Andrews, Kirikiriroa Hamilton, to be shown around the model train layouts at his home.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

Pukeiāhua is a piece of land near Ngaruawahia which is sacred to local hapū, Ngāti Tamainupō and mana whenua. It contains rua, foodpits, that are of great cultural and historical significance. But it’s all threatened by a proposed subdivision, so a group going by the name Protect Pukeiāhua is occupying the site. They have also just launched an ambitious crowdfunding campaign to work towards buying the land. Kimai Huirama welcomed me to Pukeiāhua to hear the story of the whenua.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

The Hamilton Theosophical Society’s mission, it says, is to serve humanity by cultivating a deep understanding and realisation of the commonality between the various religious and spiritual belief systems, and henceforth find the Ageless Wisdom, spiritual self-transformation and the Unity of Life. Does that sound challenging? You’re not alone. Lia Kortas-Snellen, a member of the Hamilton Lodge of the Theosophical Society, met up with WTS producer Gary Farrow to explain how and why she got involved in this area of study.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

Waikato TimeBank is a reciprocal community where members share skills, knowledge, talents and time with each other. It provides a welcome alternative to the financial system. That might sound like a challenging concept to some – transactions in a community that don’t involve money. WTS producer Gary Farrow spoke to a couple of TimeBank users and advocates - Tania Ashman and Camilla Carty-Melis - to learn about the not-for-profit community cooperative.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

Sunday the 2nd of May was Aotearoa’s National Alpaca Day, and the Cornerstone Alpaca Stud near Gordonton was open to the wider public in celebration. WTF producer Gary Farrow went along to grab some comment from camelids.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

Grrrl Fest places a spotlight on female and gender non-binary artists and talent in Kirikiriroa Hamilton. WTS producer Gary Farrow spoke with one of the organisers, Kat Waswo.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.