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.
![Passers-by pull person from car after it crashes into Lake Taupō](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Council flogs off number one licence plate to pay the bills
'It was either this or that giant metal fish' - something had to go.
![A free feed is the signature dish in this town](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
A free feed is the signature dish in this town
Twice a month the Tūrangi community sits down to dinner.
![Perfect gift for the town with everything - an ambulance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Perfect gift for the town with everything - an ambulance
The generous donation is a way of saying thanks to the town that's been kind to them.
![Kiwi Blokarters battle it out on dry Nevada lake bed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Kiwi Blokarters battle it out on dry Nevada lake bed
The dry Ivanpah Lake is one of the best places in the world for blokarting.
![Special RSA bar leaner is the place to share stories](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Special RSA bar leaner is the place to share stories
Southeast Asia vets have a table to call their own in the Tokaanu-Tūrangi RSA.
![Kaimanawa muster: Wild west comes to Waiouru](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Taupō Supercars round looks set to be permanent fixture
Supercars Championship organisers say a second NZ round is not out of the question.
![NZ approach to youth driver training 'the definition of insanity'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
NZ approach to youth driver training 'the definition of insanity'
Motorsport park owner says the death of a child takes a long time to heal.
![Pedestrian dies after being struck by car near Taupō Pak'nSave](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
The gold that no one wants: Invasive species found in Taupō fun park
Biosecurity NZ finds highly invasive species after tip-off.
!['Between a rock and a hard place' Taupō people face big rates and fees rises](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Between a rock and a hard place' Taupō people face big rates and fees rises
Taupō ratepayers are in for a big hike in rates this year.
![Auckland to Hamilton motorists told to avoid expressway this weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Auckland to Hamilton motorists told to avoid expressway this weekend
Long delays are expected on the Waikato Expressway for the next few weeks.
![Regional routes marginal in some areas says airline boss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Regional routes marginal in some areas says airline boss
The airline says it has been subsidising routes since 2020.
![International education sector continues slow road to recovery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
International education sector continues slow road to recovery
Education agents are returning to NZ for the first time since Covid-19 struck.
![Waikato disc golf course takes a flying leap in world rankings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Waikato disc golf course takes a flying leap in world rankings
Disc golf is soaring to new heights in Taupō.
![Taupō manhunt ends in Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Taupō manhunt ends in Auckland
A man has been arrested in relation to an alleged firearms incident in Taupō last week.
![Taupō hotel future uncertain with land up for sale](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Taupō hotel future uncertain with land up for sale
Plans for Taupō's tallest building went all the way to the Environment Court.
!['It’s time to front-up': Police urge man who locked down Taupō schools to hand himself in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'It’s time to front-up': Police urge man who locked down Taupō schools to hand himself in
'You know who you are and we know who you are.'
![Taupō schools in lockdown as armed police respond to incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Taupō schools in lockdown as armed police respond to incident
Schools in the Taupō suburb of Hilltop have been placed into lockdown.
![Rural and primary care a focus for new medical school](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Rural and primary care a focus for new medical school
'Stop contemplating" and get on with it says University of Waikato vice-chancellor.
![Celtic cross discovered on ancient Kaimanawa wall near Lake Taupō](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Celtic cross discovered on ancient Kaimanawa wall near Lake Taupō
An amateur historian scraped off moss to discover a carved symbol.
![Decades of fundraising finishes in style](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Decades of fundraising finishes in style
She has been fundraising for good Taupō causes for the past two decades.
![Fire threatens homes near Taupō foreshore](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Fire threatens homes near Taupō foreshore
A fire in Taupō came close to houses overlooking Lake Taupō.
![Taupō loses only movie theatre but not through lack of demand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Taupō loses only movie theatre but not through lack of demand
Taupō movie buffs will have to content themselves with streaming services for now.
![Thunderbolts and lightning prompt a fitting end to Waikato's Summer Concert Series](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Thunderbolts and lightning prompt a fitting end to Waikato's Summer Concert Series
Sizzling music on a soggy weekend makes for a steamy Summer Concert Series.
![When it comes to horses - happiness has a beat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
When it comes to horses - happiness has a beat
The therapeutic nature of horses is proving to be an antidote for stress.
![Brutal schedule - man attempts to run the length of NZ and Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Cyclist knocked off his bike, pecked by birds and chased by a helicopter
No challenge is too big for this tough-as-nails librarian.
![Mo bros to risk it with the brisket at burger eating contest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Mo bros to risk it with the brisket at burger eating contest
Burger eating contest to feed funds into men's health.
![Huge garden and native nursery to provide free food and jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Huge garden and native nursery to provide free food and jobs
An ambitious project to grow fresh food for the community is under way in Taupō.
![Upston sets her sights on fixing child poverty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Upston sets her sights on fixing child poverty
Taupō MP Louise Upston is comfortably winning her electorate for the sixth time.
![Coffin Club to send member sailing away in style](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Coffin Club to send member sailing away in style
The full benefits of the Coffin Club kick in when members check out.
![Bring the noise: Car stereo contest so loud it 'irritates the kidneys'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Bring the noise: Car stereo contest so loud it 'irritates the kidneys'
Car stereo lovers are taking their passion to a newer, noisier level.
![Future of popular Lake Taupō reserve to be reviewed by council and iwi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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.
![Lots of roadworks planned for Waikato highways over the next month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Lots of roadworks planned for Waikato highways over the next month
Waikato's roads have been under the weather lately, delaying some works.
![Fire fighters set social media ablaze with hilarious videos](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Winston Peters confident of National-Act-NZ First arrangement
Winston Peters says he can work with anyone - except Labour.
![Cannabis company buzzing after 'milestone' export](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Cannabis company buzzing after 'milestone' export
Cannasouth is the first company in NZ to export cannabis API to Australia.
![Huge tracts of land retired, fenced or planted to protect Waikato rivers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Huge tracts of land retired, fenced or planted to protect Waikato rivers
Massive private and council efforts have gone into protecting Waikato waterways.
![Tokoroa ram raids leave business owners frustrated](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Autumn date announced for Taupō Supercars round
Dates and level of government spending to attract Supercars to Taupō has been revealed.
!['Huge opportunities': Major milestone connects business park to highway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Huge opportunities': Major milestone connects business park to highway
A massive new industrial park near Te Puke has made a $60 million leap forward.
![Battery disposal sparks Hamilton fires](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Battery disposal sparks Hamilton fires
Council is warning people to dispose of lithium batteries correctly after several fires.
![CBD light feature still on despite cost over-run](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
CBD light feature still on despite cost over-run
Taupō's new town centre is about to get a whole lot brighter.
![Kmart introduces robots to its NZ stores, opens huge new facility](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Kmart introduces robots to its NZ stores, opens huge new facility
Robots are coming to a Kmart store near you.
![Early intervention could prevent up to 80 per cent of eye health problems](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Supercars set to supercharge Central North Island tourism
Supercars are coming to Taupō providing a big boost to the central North Island economy.
![Plan highlights ongoing impacts of Coromandel storms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Plan highlights ongoing impacts of Coromandel storms
Thames Coromandel District Council has finalised its disaster recovery plan.
![Bad vibe sinks Thames' 'tactical urbanism' trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Bad vibe sinks Thames' 'tactical urbanism' trial
A plan to liven up the Thames CBD has proved to be widely unpopular.
![ATM machine stolen from 1938 phone box in Tairua](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
ATM machine stolen from 1938 phone box in Tairua
Thieves have stolen an ATM machine and destroyed the historic phone box it was housed in.
![Heavy snow dump has Ruapehu skifield operators smiling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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.
![He's found! Bodhi comes home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
He's found! Bodhi comes home
Missing Coromandel dog Bodhi has been reunited with his owner after three weeks.
![Native trees face chop due to flight path concerns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Native trees face chop due to flight path concerns
An aerial battle between humans and trees is likely to see botanic garden trees chopped.
![Two good deeds deserves a dog trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Off-road cyclists spend a mountain of money
More than 55,000 people come to Taupō each year for off-road cycling.
!['Several processes at play': Taupō volcano alert changes again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Several processes at play': Taupō volcano alert changes again
The Volcanic Alert Level was raised to 1 in September.
![Coromandel leaders upset over loss of concert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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.
![Rescue spurs $37k in fundraising from grateful mother](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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.
![NZ’s oldest man dies two days after his 107th birthday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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.
![Another birthday for NZ's oldest man](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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.
![Five youths arrested after Taupō jewellery store incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Five youths arrested after Taupō jewellery store incident
Youths have been taken into custody following an incident at a Taupō jewellery store.
![The big reset: Key issues laid bare in tourism plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
First new state houses in 40 years to take pressure off
Regional director for Kāinga Ora said it was exciting to see work starting.
![Cyclone recovery: PM says it might be best to 'give up' on some roads](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Cyclone recovery: PM says it might be best to 'give up' on some roads
Some roads, like State Highway 25A, just shouldn't be there, says Chris Hipkins.