Recent Stories
We are pleased to bring you the latest from around the Taupō & Tūrangi communities. Reporting local, supporting local.
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A celebration of customer service
Taupō's Stella Awards are back, with 47 finalists set to be narrowed down to 11 winners including a public vote category for the first time. The awards recognise businesses across the Taupō District that deliver outstanding customer experience at every point in the process — from the first social media scroll to the time the customer walks out the door.
NZ extraordinary past
A second book by Taupō writer, Tom Clarke, has just been released. Entitled Great Tales of Aotearoa, it is the second in a series of books by the writer recounting forgotten or unknown stories from pioneering New Zealand and significant events from the early 20th century. Tom is a former journalist and before turning to writing non-fiction books, spent five decades working in broadcasting and media across TV, radio, print journalism, PR, marketing, and business management.
Tasty event takes top honours
Treats of Taupō won Food, Beverage or Lifestyle Event of the Year at the New Zealand Event Awards.
Treats of Taupō debuted in 2024 and was held again at the end of September 2025.
‘Superb’ music treats Midday Concert goers
Taupō music lovers had a rare treat on Friday when the New Zealand String Quartet performed at the monthly lunchtime concert at St Andrews.
The programme, designed to be readily approachable, consisted of a collection of works by Henry Purcell, Anthony Ritchie, Fanny Mendelssohn (the elder sister of the more famous Felix), Benjamin Britten, Antonin Dvorak, and three folk dances from the Danish String Quartet.
WHAT’S ON: Taupō Choral Society is turning 50!
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.
A global sensation
The Global Games New Zealand Junior Rugby Festival has been named Sports Event of the Year and Sustainable Event Initiative of the Year at the New Zealand Event Awards.
Global Games founder Tyrone Campbell says the awards mark the realisation of an idea that first took shape while travelling overseas nearly two decades ago.
Bringing back the Moon walk
The new manager at Craters of the Moon is encouraging locals to come back for another look at the geothermal park in Wairakei. It’s fitting that Pip Dixon has a background in emergency response management, tourism management and regional council work in Hawkes Bay.
The best in the business
Taupō's Stella Awards are back, with 47 finalists announced this week and a public vote introduced for the first time.
Organiser Julie McLeod says the awards recognise businesses that deliver outstanding customer experience at every point in the process — from the first social media scroll to the time the customer walks out the door.
Spotlight on Taupō tourism
Destination Great Lake Taupō is hosting a tourism and hospitality summit later this month. The Tātou Tātou Tourism Summit on August 20 is open to all local tourism and hospitality businesses.
What’s On…
WHAT’S ON…Join the Midday Concert on August 7 at St Andrew's Church, 91 Tītīraupenga Street to celebrate the art of storytelling through music with the New Zealand String Quartet.
Play hard, stay humble
Taupō’s newest rugby club has gone from relative easy beats to an unstoppable force in just seven years.
Taupō Marist Rugby Club’s premier team won the 2025 KCRU Waitomo Group Meads Shield on Saturday.
A frenzy of winter events
Taupō came to life over Matariki Weekend.
What’s On…
The Taupō Quiltmakers Club will proudly present A Quilting Affair, a vibrant exhibition showcasing the remarkable talents of local quilters while highlighting the club's commitment to supporting the community through the art of quilting.
Eight dates in one night
A new singles event concept is being launched this month, offering a relaxed and grown-up alternative to traditional speed dating.
Log off and switch hobbies
Taupō's annual Hobby Expo is back this weekend, with more than 60 exhibitors heading to the Taupō Event Centre across Saturday and Sunday.
Free Le Creuset cooking demonstration, live in-store at Chef’s Complements on Saturday, from 11am onwards, 11 Gascoigne Street.
Grab a bargain straight out of the boot at The Community Marketplace on Saturday, Waipahihi Community Hall, 96 Richmond Ave, 10am-2pm
The Music of Magic and Machines
When she was coming up with a title for the Taupō Concert Band’s evening showcase during the Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupō Winter Festival, conductor Monique Vossen says a theme soon became apparent.
Quality local talent on show
Last year Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupō Winter Festival event organiser Nicola de Lautour called for Taupō performers to take up slots in this year’s festival.
Light Hub returns to high beam
The much-loved Dropzone Light Hub will once again illuminate the heart of the Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupō Winter Festival, celebrating its 11th year as one of the festival's signature attractions.
The Hobby Expo is on from July 11-12 at the Taupo Event Centre.
An Exhibition of crafts and models by various clubs, both local and from around the North Island.
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