Previous Events

EVENTS

Waikato Young Professionals exists to create meaningful networking opportunities, whether social, professional, or somewhere in between for people in the first seven years of their careers, regardless of industry.

Our events are designed to help you build connections, develop new skills, and feel part of a supportive local community. Led by a team of nine dedicated volunteers, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming space for all young professionals.

Below, you’ll find a selection of our past events, which span everything from social catch-ups and educational panels to wellbeing workshops and physical activities.

WYP PUB QUIZ 2025

PRESENTED BY BRAUN BOND & LOMAS

Back by popular demand, the WYP Pub Quiz returned for 2025 and sold out once again! Held at The Cook, the night delivered big energy, good laughs, and plenty of friendly competition.

Teams of young professionals went head-to-head on everything from pop culture to science, with The Cook’s quizmaster keeping the pace sharp and the vibes high. Spot prizes, bar tabs, and ultimate bragging rights were all up for grabs.

Big thanks to Braun Bond & Lomas for making the night possible and to everyone who brought their brains and banter. Same time next year?

WYP x THE GOOD DAY MATRIX

Step it Up, Fire it Up, Focus!

This workshop event was designed to help young professionals set goals, build momentum, and stay on track. Fueled by delicious overnight oats from Oat Bros, we explored what it means to grow personally, lead with clarity, and build careers with real purpose.

The event included three overarching themes:

Step It Up covered goal setting
Fire It Up focused on movement and motivation; and
Focus shared tools for staying productive.

A practical and engaging way to connect and reset with others!

WYP PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

Our first-ever sports tournament was a smash hit! The Waikato Young Professionals Pickleball Tournament brought together players of all skill levels for an evening of fast-paced action, friendly competition, and great networking. Whether participants were seasoned players or first-timers, everyone enjoyed learning and connecting over one of the fastest-growing sports.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! A special thanks to our event sponsor, Fergusson Lockwood & Associates Ltd, for making it all possible!

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LAWN BOWLS

Our first event of 2025 brought together young professionals for an evening of social bowls and networking. Hosted in collaboration with Engineering New Zealand and Waikato Young Engineers, the event provided a relaxed setting for attendees to reconnect after the summer break and meet new faces from a range of industries.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to help kick off 2025!

FIRST HOME BUYERS WORKSHOP

Our first home buyers’ workshop, run in collaboration with iCLAW and My Mortgage, gave young professionals the tools and insights they need to confidently take that next step.

With expert advice from professionals in law, real estate, and finance, the session covered everything from mortgage tips to legal essentials. The interactive Q&A was a hit, with no topic off-limits from deposits to negotiations. Yo-Pros also walked away with a practical home-buying guide packed with checklists and contacts.

Big thanks to our partners at iCLAW and My Mortgage for helping bring this valuable event to life!

WYP GETS PICKLED

Cocktails, canapés, and great conversation -WYP Gets Pickled brought together young professionals for a relaxed evening at one of Hamilton’s best spots, Mr Pickles Bar & Eatery.

With a drink on arrival, bites flowing all evening, and a great crowd, this event was all about easy networking and good times. Whether people came to meet new faces or catch up with familiar ones, the atmosphere made it effortless.

Huge thanks to Mr Pickles for hosting us, and to our sponsors IT Partners, Lightwire, iCLAW, Braun Bond and Lomas, and PPS Fencing for making it happen!

INVESTMENT BASICS

This sold-out session with Craigs Investment Partners featured a lineup of seasoned financial experts who shared their knowledge on how to get started with investing. From breaking down the basics to offering real-world advice, the event gave aspiring investors the tools and confidence to begin their financial journey.

It was a great evening of learning, connecting, and getting inspired alongside likeminded young professionals

Thank you to everyone who joined us and a BIG thank you to Craigs Investment Partners for making it all happen!

OUR ANNUAL BALL

The WYP Ball is our biggest event of the year, and it all started in October 2023, when we hosted 125+ young professionals at the Wintec Atrium for an evening of networking, live music, and great energy. With two entertainment acts, multiple vendors, and a bold vision, our inaugural ball set the bar high.

It was a tremendous success; we brought it back in 2024 and plans are already underway for 2025.

This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors and of course the young professionals that continue to support our vision. Our sponsors contribution helps us secure an incredible venue, deliver great food and entertainment, and create a standout experience for the region’s young professionals.

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