Latest from Taupo

Data show more Kiwis struggling to pay bills, behind on mortgage payments
Those most affected by financial hardship are aged between 35 and 49.

Golden 16-metre Buddhist statue set to ‘tower above’ horrified community
Auckland Council art 'loophole' horrifies neighbours as giant golden statue takes shape.

Ranfurly Shield-winning prop retires at 28 due to 'head knocks'
Joel Hintz's proudest moment was lifting the Log o' Wood as his side arrived in Napier.

'Scaring me': Heavy rain brings flooding
'My whole back section’s flooded, it’s coming up to my back door step.'

Geothermal baths with silica terraces planned for BoP town
The project includes an 'attractive bath complex' using geothermal fluids.

Finished: 25 new Kāinga Ora homes ready for Rotorua families
The project has employed about 300 tradespeople, mostly from Rotorua, since October 2023.

Is your ski field open? What to know about the snow ahead of school holidays
The forecast brings hope for skiers amid a warm, wet June.

Editorial: Local government reform could mean reshaping, not ditching, regional councils
OPINION: Shane Jones argued there's no compelling case for regional councils. Is he right?

From highway to the bush: Spiked car crashes, police dogs track down pair inside
They'd avoided two sets of police road spikes but couldn’t avoid a third.

The family campground split by a 100km/h highway
Motutere Holiday Park is a prime spot for camping, watersports and heavy traffic.

Hunt for motorcyclist after fatal hit-and-run: Police get several responses
Johnson suffered critical injuries after he was hit on a pedestrian crossing.

'Never came home': Runner plans marathon for women murdered on runs
Nicole Pendreigh will wear a top with the names of 115 women killed on runs.

Hill farming and Arabian horse breeding in Taumarunui
The Duncans breed Crabbet Arabians, known for their stamina and agility.

'It was my calling': Inside the Taupō farm taming wild horses
There are 93 horses still facing an uncertain fate.

Tūrangi homicide investigation: Man arrested after woman found dead
The 27-year-old is expected to appear in court today.

50 years on the ice: How an Olympic gold medal kickstarted a couple's business
Ross and Nell Blong’s family has run ice rinks and skates business for 50 years.

Hate skiing? Try these snow-free winter adventures in NZ instead
If you need a break from the slopes or don’t fancy a ski, there’s still a lot to do this.

Cold showers, decontamination for workers at scene of truck crash
'The clean-up was thorough and there is no ongoing risk.'

Publican on rugby, running 'tough' bars, and the night he sold 85 kegs of Guinness
Reg Hennessy has owned pubs, taverns and liquor stores over a nearly 50-year career.

'Technology has come so far': Drones could be coming to farms and beaches near you
Drone Zone displays how technology is revolutionising farming, fishing.

'A let-down': Iwi challenges DoC, minister over ski field deals
They allege the Crown ignored Treaty obligations by not engaging with them.