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=783)
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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
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=783)
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=783)
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=783)
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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
'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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Taupō sports and club results
Sports and club reports from around the Taupō district.
![Turning a personal crisis into a national treasure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Several processes at play': Taupō volcano alert changes again
The Volcanic Alert Level was raised to 1 in September.
![Taupō sport and club reports](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Taupō sport and club reports
Sports and club contributions from around the Taupō district.
![Honey business sweet now the buzz is back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Tūrangi Bowling Club is on a roll
Big projects are underway at the rapidly growing bowling club.
![Another birthday for NZ's oldest man](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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=783)
First new state houses in 40 years to take pressure off
Regional director for Kāinga Ora said it was exciting to see work starting.
![The locations bucking the property value trend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
The locations bucking the property value trend
Taupō is one of just two Waikato districts to record positive property price growth.
![Mean beans and oat milk makes for a winner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Mean beans and oat milk makes for a winner
Jenna Phillips has placed fourth in a major contest.
![Missing limbs no hindrance in a 4WD](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Missing limbs no hindrance in a 4WD
Amputees are being given the chance to experience the Kiwi back country.
![Taupō District Council mulls rates rise remedies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Taupō District Council mulls rates rise remedies
Taupō District Council rates could rise by as much as 8.6 per cent this year.
![Heavy horses attain equine equality](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Heavy horses attain equine equality
Heavy horses don't have to be on the outside anymore now that they have their own show.
![Nau mai, haere mai Taupō](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Nau mai, haere mai Taupō
The impressive mana whenua features in Taupō's town centre have an important purpose.
![Taupō set to host a feast of rugby](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Taupō set to host a feast of rugby
The best young rugby players will be battling it out in Taupō over the next week.
![Cyclone recovery: PM says it might be best to 'give up' on some roads](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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.
![PM attends sculpture unveiling in Taupō's new town centre](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
PM attends sculpture unveiling in Taupō's new town centre
Taupō people are celebrating the completion of a $25m upgrade of the town centre.
![Taupō-Napier road set to be closed until April](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Taupō-Napier road set to be closed until April
Waka Kotahi NZ TransportAgency was hoping to have the road open earlier.
![Sudden downpour overwhelms Taupō drainage systems](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Sudden downpour overwhelms Taupō drainage systems
Taupō residents are mopping up after a short, sharp deluge on Sunday.