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
A message from the Mayor
Newly-elected Taupō District Mayor John Funnell took up the mayoralty in October after a career as a rescue helicopter pilot and business owner. He shares his reflections on his first two months.
Christmas ‘angels’ hard at work
The ‘Awhina Christmas Angels’ have been hard at work this week sorting hundreds of donated Christmas presents to give to children all over the district.
Tūrangi spared rooftop mayhem
Threatened black-billed gulls are again nesting on the rooftops in Tūrangi town centre, but the town shouldn't see a return of previous disruptions.
Service with a smile
People are getting a little more than fast food when they turn up to the drive through at McDonalds Taupō these days.
Learning with a twist
The opening of a new Northern Health School (Te Kura Awhina Ora o te Raki) classroom in Taupō marks a significant milestone for the local unit, says teacher and unit leader Maaike Clapcott.
Tauhara student leaders look ahead to 2026
Tauhara College’s head students for 2026, Maya Williams and Harrison Pool and deputies Angela Schur and Isaiah Apiti feel it is good to already have the support of students, evidenced by winning through the selection process.
Head students ready to help out
Taupō-nui-a-Tia College’s head students for 2026, Leroy Walker and Samara Thatcher and deputies Will Mortimer and Adah Williams are glad to have got through the selection process.
‘Belief’ builds $10 million fund
A vision that began with a conversation nearly two decades ago has now grown into a $10 million success story
The healing power of trout fishing
A global trout-fishing movement for those undergoing treatment or living with cancer is providing relief for Kiwi men.
The house built with love
The community came, it built a house and now Hospice is $220,000 better off.
Rescuers seek night vision superpower
Superpowers are not cheap but the crew of Greenlea Rescue Helicopter really want to see in the dark.
Top students set sights on the future
Tauhara College dux for 2025 Mikayla Turley was “definitely surprised” to get the top student award.
Spreading the word about wet wipes
Dave Cade – otherwise known as Didymo Dave – has a new message to spread.
Budding scientist beats the odds
This year’s dux at Taupō-nui-a-Tia College has overcome a major obstacle to gain the top award.
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.
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