Dan Hutchinson is Waikato - BOP Communities team leader and news director.
Dan Hutchinson has been a journalist since 1997 and has worked for daily newspapers, news websites and community newspapers in the North and South Island of New Zealand. He is Waikato news director and the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Communities team leader.
Fishing takes patience but the boat took five years
The little clinker boat has taken about two years of fulltime work to complete.
New hot pool complex being built at Taupō's Huka Prawn Park
The new facilites are for families and will complement the adults-only Wairakei Terraces.
Californian artist brings the moa back from extinction
The exhibition is a tribute to those who have been loved and lost.
Potential new $500m industry for Central North Island
Scientists have worked out how to create protein from microorganisms in geothermal gases.
Erosion found on both sides of Waikato River control gates
The banks on either side of the Lake Taupō bridge need stabilising.
Lake Taupō shrinks away as dry winter takes its toll
The lake is more than one metre lower than it was at the beginning of the year.
Tūrangi deaths: Woman identified, described as loving mum
Maxine Puhi was one of two people found dead in a Tūrangi home this week.
Homicide investigation launched after two deaths at Tūrangi property
An adjacent walkway is blocked off.
Line in the sand drawn over last Lake Taupō foreshore campground
Foreshore camping is under review at last remaining Lake Taupō water's edge site.
Taupō CBD open for business again after contractor hits gas pipe
Cordons were in place in an 800-metre radius from the affected area.
Vehicle takes scenic route, crashes into clifftop viewing platform
The lookout is popular with sightseers and hides a water treatment plant underneath.
Taupō florist delivers more than just flowers
When florist Sally Cox comes to visit you might just get a cup of tea with your flowers.
'Left for dead': E-scooter rider badly injured in hit-and-run
Rider's wife thankful for Good Samaritan who came to his aid.
Passers-by pull person from car after it crashes into Lake Taupō
“There was a group of young guys who went in and grabbed him straight out of the car.”
Council flogs off number one licence plate to pay the bills
'It was either this or that giant metal fish' - something had to go.
Kaimanawa muster: Wild west comes to Waiouru
The wild horse muster didn't go ahead last year because of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Taupō Supercars round looks set to be permanent fixture
Supercars Championship organisers say a second NZ round is not out of the question.
Pedestrian dies after being struck by car near Taupō Pak'nSave
Two other pedestrians and the driver have been transported to hospital.
Waikato River boaties banned from launching at popular Lake Taupō marina
Boaties have to comply with a strict cleaning regime before launching at this marina.
Family picks up the pieces after house destroyed by fire
"It's like being on holiday except you forgot to take everything."
Tongariro tramper died from medical event, not a fall police say
A rāhui was placed on the mountain as a result of the death of the tramper.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing closed after tramper dies
A person has died while traversing the Tongariro Crossing.
The gold that no one wants: Invasive species found in Taupō fun park
Biosecurity NZ finds highly invasive species after tip-off.
Regional routes marginal in some areas says airline boss
The airline says it has been subsidising routes since 2020.
Taupō schools in lockdown as armed police respond to incident
Schools in the Taupō suburb of Hilltop have been placed into lockdown.
Celtic cross discovered on ancient Kaimanawa wall near Lake Taupō
An amateur historian scraped off moss to discover a carved symbol.
Brutal schedule - man attempts to run the length of NZ and Australia
He's not sure it's ever been done before but he'll give it a crack.
Powerboat racers left high and dry by Lake Taupō ban
Boat racing on Lake Taupō has been banned to prevent the spread of gold clams.
Cyclist knocked off his bike, pecked by birds and chased by a helicopter
No challenge is too big for this tough-as-nails librarian.
Upston sets her sights on fixing child poverty
Taupō MP Louise Upston is comfortably winning her electorate for the sixth time.
Future of popular Lake Taupō reserve to be reviewed by council and iwi
A popular Lake Taupō camping spot is being reviewed to reflect its significance to iwi.
SH1 to close on two days for truck removal, 53km added to journey
SH1 south of Taupō will close yet again for a truck to be removed from Bulli Pt.
Fire fighters set social media ablaze with hilarious videos
Tūrangi's firefighters have become TikTok stars.
Winston Peters confident of National-Act-NZ First arrangement
Winston Peters says he can work with anyone - except Labour.
Tokoroa ram raids leave business owners frustrated
A Tokoroa service station owner had a rude awakening this morning thanks to ram raiders.
Autumn date announced for Taupō Supercars round
Dates and level of government spending to attract Supercars to Taupō has been revealed.
From chainsaw sculptures to sunsets: Now Merv's moving on
Caregiver, confidante and cameraman Merv Richdale is moving on.
Arrests made following alleged attempted robbery in Taupō
Police have arrested four men, four weeks after an alleged aggravated robbery in Taupō.
Early intervention could prevent up to 80 per cent of eye health problems
A Taupō woman is urging people to get their eyes checked.
'Better than cocaine', say all-seasons lake dippers
Swimmers love nothing better than a refreshing plunge in the coolest months.
Supercars set to supercharge Central North Island tourism
Supercars are coming to Taupō providing a big boost to the central North Island economy.
Life gets larger for young popstars
Young Taupō musicians will get their chance to take to the stage.
Heavy snow dump has Ruapehu skifield operators smiling
Skifield workers are swimming in metres of snow on Mt Ruapehu.
All Black stars unveil the ‘bench for 5 million’ in Reporoa
The All Blacks have named an extended squad of 5 million people for the Rugby World Cup.
Bulli Pt highway ‘top priority’ for Taupō MP
Road crashes at Bulli Pt are even disrupting political campaigns.
TDC team checking for building consent problems after allegations made
An investigation is under way into building consent concerns.
Fees rise for a load of rubbish
Dump fees are set for a big increase in the Taupō District from July 1.
Native trees face chop due to flight path concerns
An aerial battle between humans and trees is likely to see botanic garden trees chopped.
Opinion: Ruapehu skifields set to open this weekend
The ski season is a big part of the culture of the central North Island.
Two good deeds deserves a dog trial
There's no better way to say 'thanks for rescuing me' than a dog trial.
Taupō 'housing crisis' prompts council action
The Taupō District Council is looking at its role in providing housing.
Off-road cyclists spend a mountain of money
More than 55,000 people come to Taupō each year for off-road cycling.
Taupō sports and club results
Sports and club reports from around the Taupō district.
Turning a personal crisis into a national treasure
Shanelle Barrett is a member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to triathlon.
Social spin-offs from economic development a focus for new council CEO
Julie Gardyne has been given the job of Taupō District Council CEO.
Wheels in motion for Taupō Cycle Challenge
It's time to up the ante in preparation for the Taupō Cycle Challenge.
'Several processes at play': Taupō volcano alert changes again
The Volcanic Alert Level was raised to 1 in September.
Taupō sport and club reports
Sports and club contributions from around the Taupō district.
Honey business sweet now the buzz is back
The Huka Honey Hive is still buzzing after 30 years.
Coromandel leaders upset over loss of concert
Cancelled Whitianga Summer Concert is another blow to the region's visitor industry.
Homeless family with baby forced to sleep in car
A family of five had to sleep in their car in Taupō as temperatures reached 4 degrees.
Life just got a little slower in Taupō
Residents might be a little surprised with at least one of the new speed limit changes.
Rescue spurs $37k in fundraising from grateful mother
Wai Johnson's son was rescued five years ago and she's been paying it back in spades.
Small town banking trial sunk due to lack of a suitable building
A banking hub trial in Tūrangi has ended before it began.
Sheep and beef farmer clinches top beer award with perfect pilsner
A farmer forced to rethink his business has brewed up the best beer in NZ.
Ambulance station a second home for many officers
Tūrangi's new ambulance station adds an important function to the community.
NZ’s oldest man dies two days after his 107th birthday
NZ's oldest man Jack Coe marked his 107th birthday last week and died a few days later.
Tūrangi Bowling Club is on a roll
Big projects are underway at the rapidly growing bowling club.
Another birthday for NZ's oldest man
Jack’s long life had humble beginnings - he was born in a tent.
Still plenty of legs in prawn park after setbacks
It's been a tough time for the Huka Prawn Park but the future is bright.
Taupō Sports Awards return and junior sport gets a big boost
Taupō district students will benefit from a new sponsor for the KiwiSport programme.
Cupid of jobs smoothes the way for youth employment
An innovative employment programme is working wonders for youth and employers in Taupō.
Young motorcyclist's death: Club post sparks flood of condolence
Taupō Motorcycle Club has confirmed the death of a young rider on Sunday.
The 'unsung heroes' behind the RSA
Taupō's Ngaire McIntosh has been awarded a life membership to the RSA.
Five youths arrested after Taupō jewellery store incident
Youths have been taken into custody following an incident at a Taupō jewellery store.
Opinion: Luxon gets Taupō's wishlist ahead of election
Taupō & Tūrangi Herald editor Dan Hutchinson joins the election lolly scramble.
Fishy focus for photo contest
Fishy photo contest offers prizes for the ones that didn't get away.
Women's health: Let's talk hormones
Dr Ala Farah's own health journey has made her a passionate advocate for women's health.
The big reset: Key issues laid bare in tourism plan
Taupō plan highlights need for hotels, highways, museum and more.
First new state houses in 40 years to take pressure off
Regional director for Kāinga Ora said it was exciting to see work starting.