Business Owners
From a Nukuhau garage to a trusted Taupō business - CPR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning marks 10 years
A Taupō refrigeration business that began in a garage is marking a decade in operation, growing into a trusted 24/7 service provider for dairy farms and local businesses across the central North Island and BOP.
Founded in April 2016 by Nick Papa and his wife Ronnie Isgleas, CPR Refrigeration has built its reputation on technical expertise, reliability and a strong connection to the Taupō community.
Thirteen years ago, Nick, Ronnie and their daughter Valentina moved from Argentina to New Zealand in search of a better quality of life.
“We love small towns,” says Nick. “And we felt Taupō would be a great place to raise a teenage daughter. And we were right.”
Drawn in by the scenery, lifestyle and strong sense of community, the family put down roots in Nukuhau. It was from their garage on Herapeka Street that CPR Refrigeration was born – starting out with a second-hand Toyota Hilux, a phone, and a determination to do things properly.
Nick brings more than 20 years’ experience as a refrigeration engineer. Ronnie holds a degree in food engineering, a master’s in business management, and more than a decade of hands on experience in the New Zealand dairy industry.
“Our plan was always dairy refrigeration,” Nick says. “But you don’t just walk onto farms and expect work. You have to build trust.”
In the early years, CPR took on a mix of commercial and air conditioning work while steadily establishing itself in the dairy sector. Growth followed largely through word of mouth.
Today, CPR Refrigeration services around 130 dairy farms and commercial clients from Taupō through to Tokoroa, Mangakino, Whakamaru and surrounding areas, including the BOP. The business employs six staff and operates a true 24/7 service from its headquarters on Miro Street.
“Refrigeration doesn’t stop at 5pm,” Nick says. “And dairy farmers don’t work Monday to Friday, so neither do we.”
Understanding what’s at stake for farmers and processors has always guided the way CPR operates.
“Refrigeration is the final step before product quality is affected,” says Ronnie. “Temperature control and food safety are critical, and that shapes how we support our clients.”
While best known for its dairy work, CPR has also delivered major projects for Taupō organisations, including its involvement in the recent refurbishment of Huka Lodge.
“Being trusted with a project like that, in our own town, meant a lot,” Nick says. “We’re proud to support other Taupō businesses.”
Over time, CPR has deliberately stepped away from air conditioning to specialise in higher-level refrigeration work. The business has also invested in importing equipment directly from manufacturers, giving greater control over quality and pricing.
As CPR marks its 10th anniversary, Taupō remains central to everything they do.
“This is home,” says Ronnie. “We’ve built our life here, raised our family here, and grown our business here.”
Looking ahead, CPR Refrigeration expects continued demand as technology and environmental expectations evolve, but growth will remain measured.
“We want to grow in a way that keeps our standards high and our service strong,” Nick says. “That’s what’s got us here.”
Ten years on from a Nukuhau garage, CPR Refrigeration remains proudly Taupō-based, hands on, and always answering the phone - 24/7
Get in touch with Nick & Ronnie,
CPR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
022 684 9443
cprefrigeration.nz