Recent stories
We are pleased to bring you the latest from around the Taupō & Tūrangi communities. Reporting local, supporting local.
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Mountains and rivers define communities in iwis’ proposal
A group of central North Island iwi has unveiled a proposal to reorganise local government around the region's mountains, river catchments and the communities connected to them.
The big bang of 1996
When Ruapehu erupted on September 23, 1995, Korty Wilson wasn't afraid.
A blast from the past
Two events are being held to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1995-96 Ruapehu eruptions.
Eyes on the action
People living in New Zealand’s volcanic hot spots can rest a lot easier thanks to a lifetime of work by volcanologist Brad Scott.
Coroner rules on climbing death
A first-time mountaineer had a deadly fall on Mt Ruapehu, after her group pressed on in dangerous conditions that nobody questioned, a coroner has found.
Injured and alone
It had all the elements of a tense drama – a signal for help from a hunter somewhere in remote bush, perhaps lost, maybe injured, and the weather closing in with Cyclone Vaianu threatening to wreak havoc.
A trip up the Old Coach Rd
We emerged from our cosy cocoons, aka bus and van, just as a little splash of blue appeared in the sky and the mist curtain lifted.
Proposals sought for Chateau
The government is seeking proposals from operators to restore and operate the historic Chateau Tongariro hotel in the Central North Island at the base of Mt Ruapehu.
Hard summer after Tongariro wildfires
In early November, a wall of smoke loomed large over the tourism-dependent, central North Island town of Waimarino.
Hotel proposal for Chateau
Ruapehu's mayor says the government should consider a proposal from an unnamed investor to return Chateau Tongariro to its former status as a hotel.
Ruapehu businesses feel the heat
The latest fire at Tongariro National Park was contained on Tuesday afternoon, but local tourism businesses are already seeing a large number of people cancelling future trips because they are scared to visit the area.
$10.8 million for cycle trails
Two Central North Island cycle trails have been given Government funding, bringing the trail from Mt Ruapehu to the West Coast almost to completion.
What we’ve learnt since the last big Mt Ruapehu eruption
Thirty years ago on Tuesday, Mount Ruapehu exploded in spectacular fashion, triggering headlines overseas and a somewhat haphazard emergency response at home.
Chateau conversation continues as public storm builds
Ruapehu's mayor has delivered a plea to politicians to save the famous Chateau Tongariro.
Is it falling or flying?
Sitting on the edge of a plane door, 5km in the air, with a guy called Gareth strapped to my back, I’m thinking ‘How the flying fox did I get myself into this situation?’
Off-piste skiers caught in avalanche
A group of skiers are "extremely lucky" to have evaded injury after an avalanche on Mt Ruapehu, the NZ Mountain Safety Council says.
Full mountain skiing arrives at Ruapehu
Tūroa Ski Area is opening the High Noon Express chairlift this Saturday, marking the first weekend of the 2025 ski season with top-to-bottom skiing on Mt Ruapehu.
At peace with nature
Life is a series of changing seasons and Matariki and the winter solstice is a perfect time to remember those and what has passed, celebrate what we have and reflect on the future.
Whakapapa ski field’s future decided
The Department of Conservation’s Director-General, Penny Nelson, has granted Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) a 10-year concession to operate Whakapapa ski field.
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