Hamilton Heroes

Soda invites you to celebrate some of the visionaries who’ve shaped Kirikiriroa’s culture, creativity and architectural landscape.

Join us to hear from three trailblazers who have played a vital role in building the identity of our city:

• Matt Stark (Stark Property)

• Charlotte Chuen (DTI Lawyers / Co-founder of Boon & Hamilton Arts Trust); and

• Darrel Hadley (Good George Brewing)

Each speaker will talk for 10 minutes followed by a panel discussion, audience Q&A and networking.

Date:  Thursday 4 December 2025

Time:  4-6pm

Location:  Events Room 1, Gallagher Hub, Wintec City Campus, Hamilton

Cost:  This is a free event but tickets are limited so make sure you register for your ticket

About the Speakers

Matt Stark

Matt Stark is a property developer and co-founder of Stark Property, known for transforming the city’s urban landscape through design-led, community-focused developments. Since launching the company with his wife, Jaimee, he has played a key role in revitalising the CBD with projects that connect people, celebrate the river, and support long-term economic growth.

Driven by a vision to reimagine Hamilton’s city centre, Matt is passionate about creating places that foster engagement, vibrancy, and pride. His developments blend architectural innovation with a deep commitment to placemaking, positioning Hamilton as a city that embraces its natural assets and future potential.

Charlotte Chuen

Charlotte Chuen is an experienced commercial lawyer and founding director at DTI Lawyers with a strong focus on supporting organisations to operate with legal clarity and strategic insight.

Beyond her legal career, Charlotte is the co-founder of the Boon & Hamilton Arts Trust, a charitable organisation dedicated to enriching communities through public art and creative experiences. Under her leadership, the Trust has played a pivotal role in fostering cultural connection and activating spaces through art, making creativity more accessible across the Waikato region.

Charlotte also spearheaded a proposal to Council to handover Hamilton’s Meteor Theatre to community ownership, and for the subsequent 13 years worked on the charitable trust created to operate the theatre to build the activity and reputation of the Meteor as a vibrant accessible space for the community to share creative experiences.

Darrel Hadley

Darrel Hadley is the co-founder of Good George Brewing, a pioneering force in New Zealand’s craft beer and hospitality industry. With over two decades of experience in hospitality including launching and operating some of the Waikato’s most iconic venues, Darrel channelled his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for exceptional beer and cider to co-found Good George in 2012, transforming a deconsecrated church in Hamilton’s Frankton into a thriving brewery and community hub.

Under Darrel’s leadership, Good George has become synonymous with quality, creativity, and innovation, producing award-winning beers, ciders, and spirits that have garnered acclaim nationally and internationally.