Hamiltonians with an interest in the city’s history and the stories of early citizens and influencers can join two tours of Hamilton’s heritage cemeteries this weekend.

The city has two heritage cemeteries – Hamilton West (Tristram St, near FMG Stadium Waikato) and Hamilton East (Hungerford Cres, near Hamilton Gardens – which are the final resting places for many historic Hamilton figures with interesting life stories.

The tours are on Saturday 23 March:

- Hamilton East Cemetery, at 9.30am (approximately two hours).

- Hamilton West Cemetery, at 1.30pm (approximately 90 minutes).

Michelle Rivers, Hamilton City Council’s Cemeteries Manager, says the tours are opportunities for genealogists, history buffs and people with enthusiasm for the city’s past to learn more from experienced local historian Lyne Williams.

“Lyn has held these tours before and they’re very well received,” Ms Rivers says.

“Lyn has done a huge amount of work in investigating the stories of the people she talks about and has a great deal of knowledge to share.”

People discussed in the tours include former mayors and politicians, influential business people and pioneers, and veterans who served in several wars.

Ms Rivers says the tours have usually attracted between 30 and 40 people, but more are welcome.

The tours are free, and anyone attending is urged to wear sturdy comfortable shoes, come dressed for the weather, and bring a bottle of water.

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