The Waikato Times is one of New Zealand's oldest newspapers, and is New Zealand's largest regional daily newspaper. It was first published on 2 May 1872 as the Waikato Times and Thames Valley Gazette. It was first published in Ngaruawahia but moved to Hamilton in 1875. The newspaper covers a region south of Auckland to Taupo and reaches on average 97,000 readers every day.
The Waikato Times has been supportive of Hamilton music over a number of years, publishing a large number of articles on bands and venues. It has also published regular snippets colums on upcoming performances, CD releases, and so on, with authors including by Adam Hyde and Scott Newth and photographers including Kent Blechynden. It is also responsible for publishing Hamilton Press, which also carries regular articles on Hamilton bands.