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
Double unhappy for Taupō fireworks
The cost of putting on events looks like it will hit both of Taupō’s fireworks shows this year. The cancellation by the Taupō District Council of the town’s annual Big Bang New Year’s Eve fireworks display was last week being put down to costs and environmental concerns.
A hole in one, times four
They have been handing out prize money left right and centre at Lake Taupo Golf Challenge, with four people taking the top prize of $10,000 so far this year. The latest winner was Bruce Taylor from Taranaki who only hit 20 of his 50 balls before the $10,000 shot.
What happens in the park
How the district’s many parks and reserves are managed is under review. The Taupō District Council is reviewing its reserve management plans and is asking people to tell them how they use these public spaces.
A trip I’ll never forget
At just 17 years old, I had the incredible opportunity to represent New Zealand on tour in South Africa with the New Zealand Ladies Polocrosse team (in June). It was an experience I’ll never forget, and one that I’ll be proud of and cherish for the rest of my life.
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.
Top notch racing for Taupō’s first listed race
The biggest race at Taupō Racing Club didn’t disappoint on Sunday with a dramatic, come-from-behind win in the listed $100,000 Chittick Family Fillies Classic. It may have been snowing on the nearby mountains, with a chilly wind whipping across the course, but that didn’t deter hundreds of punters keen to see Taupō’s richest race unfold.
The Taonga Returns
The Paparata Farms King Country Rams have brought the Bill Osborne Taonga back to King Country after a thrilling 45–41 victory over Horowhenua-Kapiti in Levin on Saturday. Having surrendered the taonga to the same team last season, the Rams produced an impressive opening performance in the Heartland Championship to reclaim it.
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.
Key Person Insurance
What happens to your business if the person who makes it work suddenly can't? Most businesses insure their buildings, vehicles, machinery, stock and other assets. But one of the most valuable assets can walk through the door every morning — the people behind the business.
100km chase through Taupō District
Police are asking for the public’s help following the arrest of a gang member who allegedly fled Police then stole a vehicle in Taupō today.
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.
Creating stability where there’s instability
When the economic outlook becomes uncertain, the businesses that stay flexible are often the ones best positioned to take advantage of the recovery. The months ahead could bring plenty of noise. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are creating pressure on fuel, freight and inflation, while interest-rate uncertainty continues to influence business confidence.
At sea with ‘Pete the Fish’
Tūrangi’s Peter Deakin has spent more than 40 years at sea — from deck boy to deep-sea fisherman to rounding Cape Horn on the Endeavour. Now he's written it all down.
Peter was just 10 years old when he talked his way onto a Yorkshire cobble in Bridlington.
No point ducking for cover
The Department of Conservation is going to new heights to check on the Whio (Blue Duck) population in the Tongariro area.
Rangers are using thermal drones to find threatened whio .
DOC has been doing surveys for deer over the past couple of years, using drones equipped with thermal and standard camera equipment.
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.
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