Recent stories
We are pleased to bring you the latest from around the Taupō & Tūrangi communities. Reporting local, supporting local.
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Mayor signs off with a smile
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 the Pink Walk hero
Jilly Stanaway has plenty of reasons to put her time and energy into the annual Taupō Pink Walk fundraiser.
Mayor apologises ‘in advance’ for hearing loss
Taupō’s new mayor John Funnell says he may not be able to attend some events because of his hearing loss.
Votes counted with one change
All votes are now counted in the Taupō District Council elections with one change from the preliminary results.
Teaching and medical staff to go on strike
Primary and secondary school teachers, nurses and other health workers in Taupō are planning to join a mega strike next Thursday (October 23).
TDC releases first affordable houses
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.
Shining a light on the cuckoo
Research is starting soon on the long-tailed cuckoo (koekoeā) in the central North Island.
Tight race for final council seats
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 elects a new Mayor
Taupō has a new mayor with John Funnell ahead by a comfortable margin with most votes counted.
Taking on the challenge
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.
House for Hospice gets a roof
Lake Taupō Hospice ceo talks to those working on the house that will be auctioned off to raise funds. Photo: Dan Hutchinson
Councillors sign off with fond memories
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.
Māori Wards panel discussion
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.
Ngāti Tūwharetoa announces new paramount chief
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.
Sneaky stickers rankle candidates
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 all downhill from here
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 begin journey to farewell Sir Tumu Te Heuheu
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.
Winter Festival funds distributed
The 10th annual Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupō Winter Festival has been hailed a huge success again this year, not only delivering a vibrant programme enjoyed by thousands, but also generating funds that are now going back into the community.
Celebrating 10 years of planting
Kids Greening Taupō’s 10th birthday on Saturday (September 20) at Spa Park was an opportunity for those who helped establish the organisation and those running it now to muse on how it had survived and its success today.
A ‘quiet leader with immense mana’
Tributes continue to flow for Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, acknowledging his quiet nature and focus on the future.
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