Winter influenza in Taupō is ‘horrendous’ and creating record levels of demand for doctors, ambulance and hospital services.

Taupō's newest hotel is almost ready to open its doors.  After almost four years of renovation, developer Murray Jones is putting the finishing touches on a 30-room hotel above Finns Bistro and Beer Garden on Tūwharetoa St. The next stage of the development will involve three apartments above Cobb & Co, attached to the new hotel. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.