WHAT’S ON: Taupō Choral Society is turning 50!

13 Aug

Founded in 1976, its first concert was held in Taupō-Nui-a-Tia College’s hall performing Handel’s Messiah and has continued to perform for the next 50 years.

Taupō Choral are once again singing excerpts from Handel’s Messiah in our special 50th Jubilee concert, Taupō Choral Solid Gold, to be held on November 15, 2026, while the second half of this concert will be selections from the many concerts past.

Taupō Choral Solid Gold is extra special as we have guest Musical Director, and our patron, David Hamilton, coming to whip us into shape, along with guest soloist soprano, Morag Aitchison. David is a well-known composer, conductor, and teacher whose mother was a founding member of Taupō Choral.

He will also present a new commission for the choir to sing in honour of the event.

Rehearsals for this celebration are on Wednesdays at St Pauls Church, Rifle Range Road at 7.15pm.

We are on the lookout for extra singers so if you are a past member, want to join or just want to be part of this special celebration, then we invite you to join us.

Experience with singing in a choir is helpful but not necessary. Message us through our Facebook page or contact us on: taupochoralsociety@gmail.com

Other events

August 15: Two new exhibitions at Taupō Museum bring together five artists working in very different ways, but all connected by a single, timeless material: wood. The Language of Wood features Taupō artists Angela Zajonskowski, Jodie Appleton, and Sally-Ann Davies, while Responses in Wood presents a solo exhibition by local artist Jan Ubels. Though separate shows, both explore the creative possibilities and stories held within timber.

August 20: Tourism and hospitality in the Taupō district will come under the spotlight at Hui a Tāpoi — a new industry-wide event spearheaded by Destination Great Lake Taupō (DGLT). Tātou Tātou Tourism Summit — open to all local tourism and hospitality businesses — will feature speakers, workshops and an operator-marketplace.  Keynote speakers will include representatives from Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Hospitality New Zealand and Hamilton Airport.

August 26: Small Plates Speed Dates First events, for those age 48-60 is on Wednesday, August 26 at 6.30pm at Cobb & Co. Each event is limited to between 16 and 32 guests, with a clear age bracket for each evening. Tickets are intended to include entry to the event, eight small plates, one welcome drink, hosted conversation rounds, and post-event matching. Head to https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/tours-festivals/2026/small-plates-speed-dates for more information

Regular events

First Sunday of the Month: Ukulele Jamming/Strummers at the Cossie Club, 2-4pm.  Don't play but love to sing? We have song books for you. Join us for a fun time singing music from 60's, 70's and 80's. All welcome. Contact Cherry on 021 0250 6068

Second Monday of the Month: Taupō 60'S Up Movement meets at Taupō Bowling Club on Ferry Road. Come and join our group of men and women for companionship and listen to an interesting speaker while enjoying morning tea. We offer visits to places of interest, lunch and movie outings or you might like to join our ten-pin bowling team. Entry fee $5, Annual sub $30 for new members. Please contact Betty 07 376 9443 

Second Saturday of the month: The Community Marketplace. Shop, swap and sell. Taupō’s local market for second-hand finds, slow fashion, produce, crafts and upcycled goods. Waipahihi Community Hall, 96 Richmond Ave, 10am-2pm.

Every Monday: Seniors’ Social Connection Group is at Rotary House from 10am–1.30pm.  A social hub for seniors who play board games, card games, Housie, read, knit, do puzzles etc. Cost is $10 and includes morning tea and a light finger food lunch.

Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am-2pm: Become a Member at Active Arts Taupō. Love painting, pottery or mixed media? Join our vibrant creative community at 5 Redoubt Road. Connect, create and grow alongside local artists.

Every Thursday: The Taupō Scottish Country Dance Group meets every Thursday at St Pauls Uniting Church from 1.45–3.45pm. First session free, then $5. Meet people, maintain fitness, dance to enjoy Scottish music. Contact Margaret on greenmargaret26@gmail.com or 021 142 7590.

Sundays: Market Central, 9am-1pm Northcroft Reserve on Taupō’s beautiful lakefront. Live music, huge variety of food, 90+ stalls, games for the kids

Sundays: If you love to sing, have free time to take part in weekday concerts and can stay on your feet for a 30-minute performance, the AA65 choir would love you to join our group. We practise at 4pm every Sunday at Rotary House and sing at different venues every second month.

Send details of your event to news@tauponews.co.nz for a free listing in our weekly What’s On section. Publication is dependent on space. Send a brief summary of 50 words, a photo if you have one and a longer summary in case we have room.