Recent stories
We are pleased to bring you the latest from around the Taupō & Tūrangi communities. Reporting local, supporting local.
If you have news to share contact news@tauponews.co.nz

Woolworths opens to much fanfare
It’s now down to the business of shopping after hundreds gathered for the opening of Taupō’s new Woolworths on Thursday last week, nearly 64 years after the original Woolworths Taupō store opened.

Waitahanui, pretty as a picture
Taupō turned on another stunning Monday; perfect for our walk along a section of lake shore and the Waitahanui River.

Candidates front up to the public
More than 300 residents were treated to some clangers and further evidence that a couple of candidates need to do more homework at the second major meet the mayoral hopefuls and Taupō Ward candidates on Monday night at the Great Lake Centre.

A rugby weekend not to be missed
It’s a big rugby weekend for Taupō with hundreds of younger players in town for the annual Heartland Under 16’s Carnival and the King Country Rams playing their only Taupō game of the Bunnings Heartland Rugby Championship.

Community fund opens
Non-profit organisations are being invited to consider the Mercury community fund. The fund, open from September 15 to October 15, is seeking applications from eligible individuals, charitable or non-profit organisations.
Te Hapori Ora – The Village of Wellbeing
supporting the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge as a volunteer group has become something meaningful for Te Hapori Ora, says Brendon (Hākuwai) Eriksen-Downs, chief executive of Te Hapori Ora - The Village of Wellbeing.

Creative Taupō launches rebrand
One of Taupō District Council’s major strategic partnership initiatives which was awarded funding earlier this year is set to go public with its aim of supporting and growing the arts sector in the district.

A rapid ascent to the finals
Tongariro River Rafting is a finalist in two categories of the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards.
Taupō artworks go public
Four Taupō artworks have been added to the National Register of 20th Century Public Art.

Key Person Insurance
In business, people are often the most valuable asset.
Starlight prepares to shine again
Taupō’s new cinema is taking shape and could be ready in as little as three months.
Site chosen for ‘supercritical’ geothermal exploration
A site at Rotokawa, north of Taupō has been chosen for the country’s first supercritical geothermal exploration well.
Taupō’s big day of music
The Taupō School of Music’s Big Music Day is back again - this time with a naval twist.
Interest rates down, listings up
The number of house listings has risen and the real estate sector is expecting more activity as buyers feel more confident amid falling interest rates.

Foodie Heaven right here in Taupō
Embra owner and chef Phill Blackburne creates another dish as part of the degustation tour in 2024.

Packaging insurance
As there are many facets to insurance it’s easy to get bewildered about what you need and don’t need and what’s even available out there. That’s where your licensed insurance adviser is qualified to provide the cut through you need.

Everyone is invited
Taupō Museum latest exhibition Inclusive opens on Saturday, September 6.

Learning new skills as an adult
Grownups shouldn’t stop learning and that’s what the Festival of Adult Learning Ahurei Ākonga is all about.
Calling all sports people
People have just over two weeks to get their nominations in for the Taupō District Sports Awards.
100 years of solidarity
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ), originally the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, was fouinded in 1925 by a group of 16 women who sought community and friendship, addressing the isolation and hardship faced by women in rural settings.
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