Recent stories
We are pleased to bring you the latest from around the Taupō & Tūrangi communities. Reporting local, supporting local.
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Time running out for wild horses
Homes are being sought for 250 wild horses to avoid the need for more drastic measures. The Kaimanawa horses are a heritage herd that lives in the Moawhango Ecological Zone, most of which is in the Waiouru Military Training Area.

Pet of the week - double the fun
CARE Rescue Cattery is running an Adoptathon this coming weekend where you can meet 16 of our beautiful, affectionate kittens just like Smokey.

Catfish in the firing line
“Lures or bait, to be fair it doesn't really matter how they catch them so long as they catch them.”

Unlucky tree gets the chop
A protected oak tree in Tūrangi has been recommended for removal after it was accidentally over-pruned last year. The large red oak in Taupahi Road was severely pruned instead of just having two overhanging branches trimmed as requested.

Something for every senior person
Running for over 20 years, the annual Seniors’ Expo at the Great Lake Centre showcases a range of organisations, services, interests and opportunities available to older adults in the Taupō area.

A helping hand when it’s needed
The One Taupō Trust, formed in 2015, helps families who need to travel to access specialist medical treatment.

Apologies after ‘precious’ trees accidentally felled
A contractor who accidentally removed 16 popular poplar trees on Kinloch Rd has apologised and says they will replace them with the largest specimens they can find.

Supercars return for fan favourite
All 24 Supercars will return to the streets of Taupō for the pre-event Track to Town journey. Thousands of fans lined the streets to welcome the drivers to the inaugural event in 2024. On April 10, the full fleet of Repco Supercars Championship will be making their way from the Taupō International Motorsport Park to Taupō's CBD by the lake.

Planting days about to get underway
As daylight saving draws to a close and cooler autumn temperatures set in, Greening Taupō is ready to launch its planting calendar for 2025. Each year, Greening Taupō, Kids Greening Taupō and Project Tongariro plant about 30,000 native trees, inviting individuals, families, groups, and businesses to get involved.
Developer seeks 84 sections
Seven Oaks Kinloch has advertised a new subdivision proposal for Kinloch, seeking to develop 84 residential sized lots, roads and reserves in several stages.

The million-dollar mission
Taupō’s Budget House is expanding its services this year to include corporate workshops to help employees manage their money better.

Acacia Bay set to grow
A large block of land in Acacia Bay suitable for residential development is on the market.

Teens take on early morning challenge
The first Cactus programme of 2025 is well underway.

Busy start for rescue chopper
It’s been a busy start to the year for the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter.

The fine art of fishy business
Tūrangi has a few local legends but when it comes to environmental awareness and a bit of “skulduggery” one name pops to the top of any Google search.

Coffin Club looking for new members
“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

Telling the story of He Whare Hono
The carvings within the He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa are a celebration of Tūwharetoa’s cultural identity.

Big day out for emergency services
Emergency Services Day returned to Taupō this weekend.
Groups compete for council funds
“(It’s) heartening that there are so many organisations doing amazing work across a broad spectrum… and disheartening because I wish we had more money that we could put towards supporting them.”

New Tūwharetoa and Council building open for business
Ngāti Tūwharetoa entities and Taupō District Council will move into their new building on Horomatangi St on Monday.