Recent Stories
We are pleased to bring you the latest from around the Taupō & Tūrangi communities. Reporting local, supporting local.
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Artwork symbolises solar connections
Reupene Wall, a Māori carver with deep roots in the Pūrāpoto region, has completed his first commissioned artwork — an intricately carved tōtara piece created for the new Te Rāhui solar farm east of Taupō.
Landfill renewal at odds with iwi
Taupō District Council has lodged a consent to continue the landfill for 30 more years.
40 years of Taiopenga
As Taiopenga, the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Schools Kapa Haka Festival, commemorated its 40th anniversary during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2026, Local Democracy Reporting spoke with Te Ururoa Flavell, one of its original organisers.
50 homes for Waiouru base
A new land and housing deal between the New Zealand Defence Force and central North Island iwi Ngāti Rangi will see 50 homes built for military families at Waiouru.
Bouncing into the US
Taupō’s Lake City Squad is keeping its feet up ahead of a cultural korero between Māori and America’s Pechanga and Kumeyaay tribes.
Better than winning Lotto
A 16-year-dream became reality when Te Kapa o Te Rangiita ki Ōruanui hapū, a sub-tribe of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, reopened its marae north of Taupō recently, after being closed for two years.
Future of council under review
When Taupō Mayor John Funnell got the top job last year, he had no idea he would at some point be given three months to convince Wellington how and if his council should still exist.
Slow release for fertiliser revolution
A Taupō-based fertiliser company has developed an innovative slow-release product that reduces nitrogen use but is stuck in legislative limbo when it comes to crucial claims about its ability to reduce on-farm greenhouse gas emissions.
Waitangi Day with a Tūwharetoa flavour
Waitangi Day celebrations in Taupō will take the form of a day of remembrance and celebration at Riverside Park.
The heart and soul of business
When Marina Biddle opened here.for.it in July 2024, she made an unusual move in today’s business climate by opening a physical store, in the Tūrangi Mall.
Votes counted with one change
All votes are now counted in the Taupō District Council elections with one change from the preliminary results.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tūwharetoa in mourning at passing of Paramount Chief
The Paramount Chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa has passed away.
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