Community

The ‘Awhina Christmas Angels’ have been hard at work this week sorting hundreds of donated Christmas presents to give to children all over the district.

Threatened black-billed gulls are again nesting on the rooftops in Tūrangi town centre, but the town shouldn't see a return of previous disruptions. 

People are getting a little more than fast food when they turn up to the drive through at McDonalds Taupō these days.

The opening of a new Northern Health School (Te Kura Awhina Ora o te Raki) classroom in Taupō marks a significant milestone for the local unit, says teacher and unit leader Maaike Clapcott.

Tauhara College’s head students for 2026, Maya Williams and Harrison Pool and deputies Angela Schur and Isaiah Apiti feel it is good to already have the support of students, evidenced by winning through the selection process.

Taupō-nui-a-Tia College’s head students for 2026, Leroy Walker and Samara Thatcher and deputies Will Mortimer and Adah Williams are glad to have got through the selection process.

A vision that began with a conversation nearly two decades ago has now grown into a $10 million success story

A global trout-fishing movement for those undergoing treatment or living with cancer is providing relief for Kiwi men.

The community came, it built a house and now Hospice is $220,000 better off.

Superpowers are not cheap but the crew of Greenlea Rescue Helicopter really want to see in the dark.

Tauhara College dux for 2025 Mikayla Turley was “definitely surprised” to get the top student award.

Dave Cade – otherwise known as Didymo Dave – has a new message to spread.

This year’s dux at Taupō-nui-a-Tia College has overcome a major obstacle to gain the top award.

Outgoing Taupō Mayor David Trewavas is going to miss the meeting and greeting that goes with the job but says the council meetings were never his favourite part of the job.

Jilly Stanaway has plenty of reasons to put her time and energy into the annual Taupō Pink Walk fundraiser.

Taupō’s new mayor John Funnell says he may not be able to attend some events because of his hearing loss.

All votes are now counted in the Taupō District Council elections with one change from the preliminary results.

Primary and secondary school teachers, nurses and other health workers in Taupō are planning to join a mega strike next Thursday (October 23).

Homes to be built in the first stage of Taupō District Council’s innovative new residential development at Taupō South are now on the market.

Research is starting soon on the long-tailed cuckoo (koekoeā) in the central North Island.

The make-up of the Taupō District Council is still up in the air with very tight contests for three of the 12 councillor seats.

Taupō has a new mayor with John Funnell ahead by a comfortable margin with most votes counted.

Taupō & Tūrangi News is profiling groups that benefit from volunteering at the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge. Here we take a look at Animal Care Tūrangi.

Lake Taupō Hospice ceo talks to those working on the house that will be auctioned off to raise funds. Photo: Dan Hutchinson

A combined 30 years of service to the Taupō District Council and its communities came to an end yesterday as three councillors attended their final council meeting.

Whether the referendum on Taupō’s Te Papamārearea Māori Ward results in it continuing in 2028 or not, the need to encourage understanding and for a Māori voice in local affairs will not be going away. This was one of many takeaways from Monday night’s panel discussion at Waiora House featuring Kim Manunui, Traceylee Hooton, Wahine Murch and Rhieve Grey, chaired by Ben Westerman.

After four days of mourning, the Ariki (Paramount Chief) of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Sir Tumu te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, was laid to rest on Monday, at Little Waihi. Following his interment, Te Rangimaheu te Heuheu Tūkino IX, the firstborn son of Sir Tumu, was installed as Ariki in a simple ceremony.

Two incumbent Taupō District councillors believe the campaign in this year’s local elections has taken a turn for the worse and are urging voters to make their own minds up.

It’s the most fun you can have on four wheels and it’s rolling up fast on the calendar.

Rangatahi are busy putting their go-karts together, while adults scheme up new ways to foil their opponents in the upcoming Blue Light Trolley Derby at Spa Park on November 15.

Manuhiri from around the motu will begin making their way to Tapeka marae at Waihī on the southern shores of Lake Taupō on Friday for the tangihanga of Sir Tumu Te Heuheu.