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The location of the first spill. Photo / Taupo District Council

NEW ZEALAND

Wastewater pipe broken, spilling sewage into Lake Taupō

16 Jul, 2019 2:41pm
2 minutes to read

The second smaller leak followed an initial 800,000l spill on July 2.

The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter arrives to pick up two teenage boys rescued from near the summit of Mt Tongariro in October 2016. Photo / Sarah Cate

NEW ZEALAND

He found two lost teens on icy face. That was the easy part

10 Jul, 2019 2:59pm
9 minutes to read

When Terry Blumhardt was asked to find teens stranded on an icy face, he was on his own.

Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen of Taupō Police is moving on after 38 years in the force. Photo / Laurilee McMichael

NEW ZEALAND

No regrets: Policeman's 38 years on the thin blue line

8 Jul, 2019 2:58pm
7 minutes to read

Taupō crime prevention manager Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen wraps up a 38-year career.

Contractors clean up a sewage outflow from a broken pipe at Taupo.

NEW ZEALAND

'Business as usual' in Taupō as cleanup continues after wastewater spill

4 Jul, 2019 6:33pm
4 minutes to read

Taupō schools and businesses operating normally following 800,000 litre wastewater spill.

Taupō residents were asked to refrain from flushing or putting water into the wastewater system. Photo / Taupō District Council

NEW ZEALAND

'Very disturbing': Tūwharetoa board on Lake Taupō spill

2 Jul, 2019 9:25pm
2 minutes to read

The Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board will be calling for a full investigation.

Where do monarch butterflies spend the winter? Photo / File

PREMIUM

A right royal fuss over Taupō district's monarch butterflies

2 Jul, 2019 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

Do monarch butterflies have a special winter hideaway in the local district?

Sarjeant Gallery Trust chairwoman Nicola Williams. Photo / File

ROTORUA DAILY POST

New Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit says project 'extremely gratifying'

3 Jun, 2019 5:06am
2 minutes to read

Nicola Williams has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

A long-fin eel being weighed and measured prior to being released so that she can migrate. Photo / Laurilee McMichael

THE COUNTRY

Bringing back eels to Central North Island

31 May, 2019 3:00pm
6 minutes to read

Ngāti Hikairo couple John and Lena Morgan are restoring long-fin eels to their area.

Arteen Mosaferi with his younger brother Radeen Mosaferi. The pair died and their parents were injured after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a truck on the Desert Rd. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Driver remorseful, says lawyer, but family says it's 'too little, too late'

29 May, 2019 3:56pm
4 minutes to read

A truck driver who caused a crash that killed two children has been sentenced.

Taupo farmer Barney Stone, pictured with heading dog Queen (left) and huntaway Bella, has been involved in dog trials for 65 years. Photo / Laurilee McMichael

THE COUNTRY

The secrets of dog trials: A man out standing in his field

21 May, 2019 4:45pm
8 minutes to read

When you've owned 1000 dogs, the ones that stand out are really special.

Taupo district mayor David Trewavas says he tries to be the mayor for all people in the district. Photo / Laurilee McMichael

NEW ZEALAND

Taupō mayor seeks third term after transplant

15 May, 2019 9:33am
4 minutes to read

Despite undergoing kidney transplant earlier this year, mayor to have crack at third term.

NEW ZEALAND

Obituary: Ian Gillard's distinguished career

30 Apr, 2019 1:00pm
6 minutes to read

Ian Murray Gillard, who died recently, was former Deputy Chief of Air Staff in the RNZAF.

A hunters' project aims to protect the whio. Photo / File

THE COUNTRY

Hunters' mission to save the whio

14 Mar, 2019 11:04am
4 minutes to read

Group raises funds and trap pests to help protect endangered blue duck.

Teresa Smith with her dogs Dram (left) and Zena says a humble stormwater gully in Acacia Bay has become a treasured spot to the people who visit it regularly. Photo / Laurilee McMichael

PREMIUM

A place of peace: Acacia Bay's special gully

14 Mar, 2019 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Here, people have found friendship, rest, beauty, poetry and connection.

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Editorial: A true picture of the community

22 Feb, 2019 12:30pm
3 minutes to read

There were young, old, Māori, Pakeha, rangatahi & retired people, all there for one reason

Joan De Petra (left) and Cristina Duff of Tūrangi Angels Netball Club say the condition of the cracked and uneven Tūrangi netball courts is so bad that some teams refuse to play on them.

NEW ZEALAND

The rundown town demanding a better deal

22 Feb, 2019 12:00pm
7 minutes to read

Residents complain about uneven footpaths, untrimmed trees. and shoddy buildings.

Rob van Duivenboden, Pamu Farms' Taupo-based environment manager will talk about the company's environmental initiatives at the Lakes and Waterways meeting in Taupo next Thursday evening. Photo / Supplied

THE COUNTRY

Pamu takes more environmental approach to farming

14 Feb, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Pamu Farms is quietly moving away from intensification on its farms north of Taupo.

Michael Drake has been playing the St Andrew's Anglican Church organ for 50 years. Photo / Lesley Cotterill

ROTORUA DAILY POST

The day I played God Save the Queen for the Queen

12 Dec, 2018 2:00pm
6 minutes to read

Taupo church organist of 50 years describes the most high-stakes service he ever played at

Peter Marshall in the Whangamata Stream Scenic Reserve at Kinloch with the poisoned kahikatea trees. Photo / Laurilee McMichael

NEW ZEALAND

Poisoned trees 'eco-terrorism'

12 Dec, 2018 1:57pm
2 minutes to read

Drill marks found in trunks of 30 to 40 kahikatea trees.

The fire involved three commercial properties inside one building. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Two charged with arson after Taupō blaze

30 Nov, 2018 6:02pm
4 minutes to read

As many as 50 firefighters were called to the fire that spread across three shops.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Andy McGregor (left) presents a District Commander's Certificate of Appreciation to Taupo Police Constable Ben Jones. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Cop honoured for saving man from fire that killed mum and baby

28 Nov, 2018 2:55pm
4 minutes to read

The severely-burned man lit the fire to kill his ex-partner.

The 22-year-old spent two days lost in bush before walking out this morning. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Man who was missing for two days in bush will be okay, police say

25 Oct, 2018 12:33pm
2 minutes to read

Scott McPherson 'suffering a bit' after two days lost in bush near Taupō.

Environmental scientist Dr Mike Joy is coming to Taupo's Lakes and Waterways Action Group's meeting next week to talk about freshwater issues.

THE COUNTRY

Optimism difficult in future of NZ freshwater

11 Oct, 2018 1:00pm
5 minutes to read

The government is promising a noticeable improvement in water quality within five years.

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Argentinian woman's Māori language journey

14 Sep, 2018 9:00am
4 minutes to read

She thinks in Spanish so has to convert the words in her head to English, then to Māori.

Angela Steele has been performing the lead role of Elle Woods on stage at the Schneider Theatre at Artistry, Bloomington, Minnesota, in Legally Blonde: The Musical. Photo / Devon Cox

Former Taupo child star hits US stage

6 Sep, 2018 1:00pm
4 minutes to read

Taupo stage star set to appear in Legally Blonde musical in Minnesota.

The tourists were driving on Atirau Rd in Turangi when a car in front of them stopped and two men approached them. Photo / Google

NEW ZEALAND

Colombian tourists robbed in Turangi

20 Aug, 2018 1:29pm
3 minutes to read

Men with facial tattoos, partly concealed by bandannas, threaten and rob young students.

Off-duty medical staff provided assistance to St John at the scene of the bus crash on Ohakune Mountain Rd on Saturday. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

More medical staff than needed at Tūroa bus crash scene

30 Jul, 2018 4:20pm
3 minutes to read

A number of medical and ski patrol staff who were on the mountain provided extra help.

A rescuer helps Scott (left) to a rescue helicopter. The 21-year-old doubted he would survive the night Mt Ruapehu after slipping on ice. Photo / Greenlea Rescue Helicopter

NEW ZEALAND

Tramper: 'I didn't think I was going to make it'

16 Jul, 2018 3:12pm
5 minutes to read

'I went through some pretty heavy thoughts...it was extremely overwhelming.'

NEW ZEALAND

Woman rescued from water at Huka Falls

17 Jun, 2018 4:00pm
2 minutes to read

Police have received reports of a woman in the water at Huka Falls, near Taupō.

Andrew Brian McAllister died last year after smoking synthetic cannabis. Photo/supplied

NEW ZEALAND

First synthetic cannabis-related coroner's inquest reveals details of deadly drug

28 May, 2018 2:27pm
7 minutes to read

The first inquest into synthetic cannabis-related deaths has been heard in Taupo.

The waterfall on the Waihaha river can be seen from the 13km Waihaha track.

TRAVEL

Taupō Great Lake Trail not to be missed

14 May, 2018 4:00am
4 minutes to read

Laurilee McMichael takes on the Great Lakes Trail with her family.

Taupō's Greenlea rescue helicopter in action. Opponents of the proposed model for air ambulance helicopter services say the National Ambulance Sector Office's proposal is full of holes. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

NASO rescue helicopter model 'sloppily prepared'

10 May, 2018 1:37pm
5 minutes to read

Advocates and doctors say NASO's new model for air ambulance services is full of flaws.

The swamp in front at its fullest was nicknamed Lake Nukuhau.

THE COUNTRY

Taupō's 'Lake Nukuhau' swamp spreads to highest level yet

10 May, 2018 12:44pm
4 minutes to read

The swamp in front of a property is Taupo has grown to its highest level.

Greenlea Rescue Helicopter pilot Pete Masters says the difficult terrain and proximity to Taupo proved decisive in saving a hunter who had been shot in the chest. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Shot hunter minutes from death

3 May, 2018 2:50pm
3 minutes to read

Gravely injured hunter was winched from heavy bush needing blood immediately.

The protest march leaves the Taupo Fire Station, accompanied by an estimated crowd of 1200 people. Photo / Laurilee McMichael

NEW ZEALAND

Thousands protest changes to rescue chopper

16 Apr, 2018 5:49pm
4 minutes to read

A protest against cutting Taupo's Greenlea rescue helicopter attracted 1200 people.

Taupo residents turn out to support the Greenlea rescue helicopter base, which faces the axe under a national restructure. Photo / Laurilee McMichael

NEW ZEALAND

Closure of rescue helicopter service opposed

16 Apr, 2018 12:48pm
Quick Read

Residents brave heavy rain to support the continued air rescue operations at Taupo.

Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter pilot Liam Brettkelly said changes could affect the Tauranga base, which could end up covering Taupo and Rotorua. Photo/file

Rescue helicopter shake up

5 Apr, 2018 12:50pm
Quick Read

Proposed changes could affect the Tauranga rescue helicopter base.

The Bay Trust rescue helicopter may be at risk. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Rotorua and Taupo rescue helicopters could be scrapped

5 Apr, 2018 7:31am
4 minutes to read

Fears lives could be lost if Rotorua and Taupo rescue helicopters are scrapped.

The Greenlea rescue helicopter at work on Mt Ruapehu. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Mayor: Lives will be lost if Taupo rescue chopper goes

3 Apr, 2018 6:26pm
5 minutes to read

Under a new proposal, Taupo would no longer have a rescue helicopter.

Forest and Bird chief conservation adviser Kevin Hackwell.

THE COUNTRY

Kevin Hackwell: Pest free NZ not just a dream

15 Mar, 2018 4:00pm
5 minutes to read

New Zealand can be pest free by 2050, says Kevin Hackwell of Forest and Bird.

The three men were safe and well in a local supermarket while police and Coastguard were still out searching on Lake Taupo. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Police furious at lake search for men shopping at Pak 'n Save

14 Mar, 2018 2:40pm
4 minutes to read

Men caught in rough conditions on Lake Taupo made it to shore then failed to tell police.

The homemade contraption made it across 41km of lake. Photo / Taupo & Turangi Weekender

NEW ZEALAND

The picnic table that traversed Lake Taupo

28 Feb, 2018 7:49pm
2 minutes to read

The journey has made $2500 for charity so far.

Philip the goat likes to go fishing on the Waitahanui River near Taupō with his owner Theresa.

THE COUNTRY

Taking your goat out fishing quite a catch

22 Feb, 2018 2:16pm
2 minutes to read

Philip the goat is an aspiring angler in the Waitahanui.

Brent Christoffersen, 32, who had been drinking heavily, accidentally drowned in the Waikato River after jumping or falling from this jetty. Photo/File

NEW ZEALAND

Drowned man was 'legless', Coroner told

13 Feb, 2018 6:29pm
3 minutes to read

Coroner's inquest into death of Masterton man Brent Christoffersen near Taupo.

Anxiety Girl, aka Roxy, is a serious Taupo dog with a range of quirks. Photo/Taupo & Turangi Weekender

NEW ZEALAND

Anxious, blanket-obsessed dog lights up the internet

8 Feb, 2018 6:36am
4 minutes to read

Taupo dog Anxiety Girl is a hit online because of her quirky ways.

A sign on the Taupo lakefront warning of the toxic algae. Photo/Laurilee McMichael

NEW ZEALAND

Heat keeps lake's toxic algae bloom

8 Dec, 2017 3:39pm
4 minutes to read

Lake Taupo's toxic algae bloom is expected to stay around while hot weather continues.

People are being advised not to swim in Lake Taupo due to potentially toxic algae. Photo/file

NEW ZEALAND

Toxic algae bloom in Lake Taupo

8 Dec, 2017 1:22pm
4 minutes to read

Scientists have been warning for years that Lake Taupo was threatened by human activities.

The group was rescued by Coastguard Turangi at 11.15pm last night 4km northeast of the lakeside settlement of Kuratau at the south-western end of the lake. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Midnight Lake Taupo rescue: Warning on inflatables

4 Dec, 2017 5:19pm
4 minutes to read

Four men rescued after getting blown out onto Lake Taupo in their cheap inflatable rafts.

Megan Hodgkinson, 15, used to be able to walk with poles but her worsening cerebral palsy has confined her to a wheelchair.

NEW ZEALAND

Help Megan reach her dream

24 Nov, 2017 10:30am
4 minutes to read

While Melissa Hodgkinson is talking about her 15-year-old daughter Megan, she cries.

Tauhara College was in lockdown while police located the student on the school fields. Photo/Google

NEW ZEALAND

Armed callout to Taupo school

6 Nov, 2017 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

School calls police after two students were allegedly threatened with pistol.

At bottom left, the kayaker was stuck on a ledge at the Huka Falls below an observation platform on the other side of the river. Photo/Rosie Cronin

NEW ZEALAND

Huka Falls kayaker had done it before

24 Oct, 2017 1:41pm
2 minutes to read

Woman paddler had tackled the waterway before, but this time was different.

The wreckage of two motor vehicles involved in a crash on State Highway 1 north of Taupo, killing four people and injuring a further eight. Photo / John van der Ven

NEW ZEALAND

Horror crash inquiry to take months

19 Oct, 2017 9:34am
4 minutes to read

Early inquiries into crash which killed four rules out passing lane as a factor.

There are fears the sticky algae lake snow could spread from Lake Wanaka to Taupo. Photo / ODT

THE COUNTRY

Watch for lake snow

19 Oct, 2017 4:30am
3 minutes to read

Lake snow is a sticky, biological material made up of groups of algae that form colonies.

Taupō Hospital Inpatient Unit's new clinical nurse manager Alice Street.

THE COUNTRY

Nursing in rural settings different type of challenge

5 Oct, 2017 8:52am
3 minutes to read

A new clinical nurse manager of Taupo Hospital's Inpatient Unit has extensive experience.

Richard Ebbett's body was found at the crater lake on Mt Ruapehu on Saturday. Photo/Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Skier who died on Ruapehu 'pushed the limits'

2 Oct, 2017 2:10pm
3 minutes to read

Close friend talks of an adventurer with an amazing sense of positivity.

Eight vehicles were involved after a truck crashed in traffic waiting at a stop/go sign. Photo/File

NEW ZEALAND

Truck rear-ends queue of traffic

25 Sep, 2017 4:16pm
3 minutes to read

Eight vehicles involved after truck crashes in traffic waiting at a stop/go sign.

Jubilant searchers high five each other after delivering the snowboarder to St John Ambulance for assessment. Photo/Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation

NEW ZEALAND

'We saved his life for sure'

18 Sep, 2017 1:23pm
3 minutes to read

Man sustained broken rib and hypothermia after cliff plunge and hours in the snow.

Connor Sullivan is reunited with his pet lamb Milkshake after she escaped onto Poihipi Rd last Friday.

THE COUNTRY

Boy reunited with adventurous pet lamb Milkshake

7 Sep, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The power of social media helped reunite a boy and his pet lamb Milkshake.

Midwife Eileen Quinton was the matron at the Turangi Maternity Hospital during the 1970s and 1980s delivered up to three generations of some local families.

Former midwife and maternity hospital matron dies

30 Aug, 2017 1:15pm
3 minutes to read

Eileen Quinton was a Turangi midwife and former matron of the Turangi Maternity Hospital.

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association calls the Taupo District Council's proposed freedom camping bylaw

BUSINESS

Freedom camping stand-off headed for court

24 Aug, 2017 12:03pm
4 minutes to read

NZMCA calls proposed freedom camping bylaw "unreasonable and prohibitive".

A worker recycling e-waste from electronics at South Waikato Achievement Trust in Tokoroa. Taupo trust DNA wants to provide similar employment opportunities for adults with challenges.

Group aims to find work for people with challenges

24 Aug, 2017 12:01pm
3 minutes to read

Trust's aim to find meaningful employment for people with challenges.

St John emergency medical technician Brendon Feck and emergency medical assistant Kate Wills are two of the 10 new St John staff who work between Taupo and Turangi. Photo/ Laurilee McMichael

New system improves Turangi ambulance response

23 Aug, 2017 2:15pm
3 minutes to read

Government funding to double crew all ambulances has improved response.