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
Rams charge into the season
The Paparata Farm King Country Rams begin their 2026 Heartland Championship campaign on Saturday, August 15, when they travel to Levin to take on Horowhenua-Kapiti.
Coach Aarin Dunster will take his Heartland squad into the opening encounter, fresh and keen after just one warm-up match.
There’s something in the air
It’s back to the future for a local radio station in Taupō with a new face at the helm of Lake FM and Timeless Taupō.
In his mid-30’s Jesse is already something of a veteran in the radio industry having started announcing for Whakatane’s 1XX in 2008.
‘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.
Calm after the Storm
Storm is looking for a forever home after losing a leg to a gunshot wound.
The Taupō branch of Care NZ stepped in to save his life when his owners couldn't afford the surgery.
Geothermal boosts profit
Contact Energy has reported a record net profit of $423 million, driven by the acquisition of Manawa Energy and higher renewable generation, as it looks to future electricity demand with a proposed data centre development in Taranaki.
‘Hands off Taupō’ says council
The Taupō District Council is asking Central Government for more time to consider amalgamation options but has stated a clear preference for small-scale rather than regional arrangements.
Golden retrievers’ day in the sun
There’s gold in them thar hills and it’s the doggie kind.
Golden retriever meets have become a global phenomenon in recent years and Taupō’s Lynda Gulbransen is making it happen right here in Taupō.
The ‘mack daddy’ of prizes
A Taupō couple who won $1million in Lotto on the weekend say they will pay off the mortgage and buy a ute that has cup holders.
The pair, who wish to remain anonymous, are regular players who have been playing their own numbers for more than 20 years. In last Wednesday’s draw, they won some bonus lines.
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.
Working with the trees
Tama Blackburn sees himself as a weaver, bringing together the many strands of passion and care for the Pureora Forest Park and surrounding areas, to produce something everyone is proud of.
Tama, 41, is DOC’s Project Co-Lead for Pureora, a relatively new role in the department’s Maniapoto team.
High up in the search results
Richie Stokes has clocked up four decades with Taupō Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR).
He joined the group in January 1986, bringing a strong hunting and outdoors background that helped strengthen search and rescue capability across the central North Island.
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.
Insights with Infinance by Brian Coogan
For many New Zealanders, a new ute or work vehicle isn't a luxury—it's an essential business tool. Whether you're a farmer, contractor, tradesperson or small business owner, the right vehicle can improve productivity, reliability and safety. But before signing on the dotted line, it's worth taking a step back and looking at the bigger financial picture.
Local body musical chairs
Taupō mayor John Funnell is concerned debt-laden Waikato councils are eyeing up the district as a potential “cash cow”.
The Taupō District Council meets today to finalise its response to the Government’s Head Start process having been caught up in a late Western Waikato proposal.
Power shortage imminent
Transpower has issued a warning that there might be an energy shortfall on Friday morning.
It has put out a customer advice notice, which says a national energy shortfall or low residual generation had been identified on Friday from 7.30am until 8.30am.
Trewavas family to hold private funeral
The funeral for former mayor David Trewavas will be a “private celebration” with a larger memorial service possible at a later date.
Central NI councils left in limbo
Taupō District Council’s decision not to submit an amalgamation proposal has had a knock-on effect for other councils in the wider area.
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