Laurilee McMichael is editor of the Taupo & Turangi Weekender
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
$20 million being spent on Tūrangi projects
Several projects in Tūrangi are hoped to be completed in the next five years or sooner.
No shortage of suitors for unused Waihi Village water project money
Waihi Village turned down a council offer for reticulated water and wastewater.
This angler can't see if he has a trout on the line. But he can feel it
Toni Marks is not like the other trout anglers on Tūrangi's famous Tongariro River
Donating and shopping at hospice shop supports terminally ill
Lake Taupō Hospice Shop helps provide the funds to keep the hospice service running.
Well-known Tūrangi couple moving on after big community contribution
Rob McCarthy was a coach builder heading to work in Manapouri - but fate had other plans.
Young Kiwi riders heading to Europe in 2022 to take on the best
James Officer and Mia Cameron want to see how they stack up against international fields.
The three simple steps that could save your life
Heart attack survivor Betty jokes that the pearly gates had closed before she arrived.
Whether you're in Taupō or Tūrangi, it's a super day to get the jab
Super Saturday is a nationwide event to encourage all Kiwis to get a vaccination.
A damp squib: Disappointment as Covid halts iconic Taupō fireworks display
Covid-19's latest victim is Taupō's loved Starlight Cinema Centre fireworks extravaganza.
He survived World War 2. Now Norm, 100, plans to survive Covid-19.
Taupō veteran Norm Fraser, 100, was initially hesitant about receiving the Covid vaccine.
First podium finish for Kiwi triathlete at world series
Nicole van der Kaay lands first podium finish as an individual at WTCS event in Hamburg
A unanimous thumbs down from Taupō to Three Waters proposal
Council seeks immediate stop to the Government's Three Waters reform programme
From waist-length to wigs: Noah's three-year mission
Noah Martin, 11, is helping change the world by growing his hair.
Para cyclist relishes record-breaking claim to fame in Tokyo
Para cyclist Anna Taylor overcame cancer at 19 and a back injury at 25 to get to Tokyo.
'It provided me with distraction from the deep, dark hole I was in'
Art is saving Chris McSkimming. Now the former nurse's Facebook page is also saving lives
Three Waters: 'Change is coming and the status quo is not an option'
Council workshop mulls over some of the big questions around Three Waters reforms.
Regional councillor visited lockdown protest 'to hear concerns'
Councillor says she was at lockdown protest to hear concerns, not to join in.
Lakes DHB hits 80,000 vaccines and counting
Taupō's first drive-through vaccination clinic will run this weekend.
Village says no to water connection despite proximity to lake
Historic village on Lake Taupō's shores rejects offer of council water and wastewater
Māori scholar works on US college fellowship from Taupō
Hemopereki Hoani Simon says some people find his work on political philosophy challenging.
Hapu and council co-governance committee proposed for Tūrangi
Differing views on how Tūrangi area should be represented in oral submissions to council.
She was an elite rower. A back injury changed everything
She was a top rower. Now, she is representing New Zealand in cycling at the Paralympics.
Concerns new NZMCA park siphoning business from town's only campground
New Turangi NZMCA campsite popular with visitors - but not everyone benefits.
Foodbank stalwart can't stand to think of kids going hungry
"I can't bear to think about children not having enough to eat," says Harcourts Good Sort.
Painters to engineers: New power station build needs 500 workers
Work is continuing apace on a new geothermal power station on Taupō's outskirts.
Turning wood into art: Robbie's award-winning style
It wasn't until a friend messaged 'congratulations!' that woodturner realised he had won.
Taupō Geothermal Week was full steam ahead
Over 2400 locals and 300 industry professionals took part in inaugural Geothermal Week.
Community Board member says he resigned out of frustration
Former community board member says he kept raising concerns but was always ignored.
"We are providing a sense of purpose and belonging"
Manager of Taupō not-for-profit says helping vulnerable people find meaning is his passion
An eye for colour: Special exhibition by a special woman
Isabella Thomas has combined creativity and memory in a very special at-home exhibition.
New book tells the Tūwharetoa stories of Māui-tikitiki-a-Taranga
Te Kanawa Pitiroi grew up hearing the oral histories of Māui. Now he is passing them on.
Trees slowly strangled by a vine onslaught
It seemed an impossible task. But a team effort has saved a gully of native trees.
Pilot programme results in big energy savings at home
Partnership between King Country power trust, MBIE and Ecobulbs is saving residents money.
'If I could take back that day I would': Moment of inattention led to serious crash
Driver went through a stop sign, causing a crash that broke another woman's neck.
Thank you for the music, Barbara
After thinking she had given up playing, Barbara was lured back to the piano by a choir
Thanks a ton for picking up Taupō litter, Carol
"Find your environmental heart" urges Taupō anti-litter campaigner Carol Lamb.
Shawn's dream to bring back the birds slowly becoming reality
Wairakei Drive is becoming a haven of native plants - and one man has played a huge part.
Taupō's newest Olympian fulfills childhood dream
"I was lucky they chose me and I'm very thankful and grateful."
Community board out, Mana Whakahono in, under new proposal
Taupō District Council wants the community's views on proposal to change representation.
You know his aunt's name. Now meet her talented nephew
Meet the young Taupō actor selected for the National Shakespeare Schools Production.
The perfect volunteer: Margaret likes people and organising things
Margaret Green runs tennis tournaments, teaches Scottish country dancing - and more
Taupō duo winner and finalists in crowded radio field
Two finalist spots and a winning commercial spelt success for Taupō media specialists
Biggest challenge getting students ready for full-time work
A new certificate in trade skills in Tūrangi aims to help young people become work-ready.
Playing the right notes: Musicians off to NZ Youth Wind Band
Taupō's top youth musicians heading to NZ New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds Concert Band.
"Skinny-legged teen" to boss - building's been good to him
Students from Taupō schools check out career paths, while employers check out future staff
Mums birthing at Taupō must leave afterwards if no staff
New mums who have just given birth have to leave if there are not enough staff to cover.
Taupō council secures public access to scenic spot
Public access to much-loved spot secured thanks to agreement between council and owners.
Sisterly music: Tūrangi twins in harmony
Whenever Darlene and Dynasty sang together their mother would say it was music to her ears
Duo behind The Bitches' Box and Sons of a Bitch are back
The creators of the hit The Bitches' Box have come up with another canine-inspired play.
Five minutes to turn Shakespeare upside down
In this version of Shakespeare's famous play, it's the men being sold off in marriage.
Council takes funding gamble on dangerous intersection
Councillors decide they can't wait for Waka Kotahi to part-fund Taupō intersection change.
'There are now a billion people able to understand our stories'
From puppets to audio books - meet the creative couple taking Māori stories to the world.
Jive the night away or slide on the ice - festival has it all
The 20201 Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupō Winter Festival returns from July 9 to 25.
Eliminating three killer Pacific diseases next on Rotary's list
Rotary/Unicef project aims to vaccinate Pacific children against three deadly diseases.
Lach and Fynn spin and twist their way to top of freeride ranks
Lach and Fynn Powell have just returned from the Junior Freeride World Champs in Europe.
Sermons to lattes: New life for old Taupō church
The church Henry built - grandson approves of makeover for Taupō's most historic church.
To make road safe, 'first of all, fix the road'
Local man claims Waka Kotahi asked for feedback on lowering speed limits, then ignored it.
New mural telling stories, giving hope, shining light
Tūrangi young people worked hard with artist Mr G Hoete to produce a stunning town mural.
Chief executive excited by new role and warm welcome
Miraka's new chief says he's excited to be in a business that goes from gate to plate.
'Proving that no dream is too big and no moment too late to start'
Taupō's Dr Doug Wilson, 83, is Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year.
'Every Māori family wants to have a kākahu'
Artist and designer Paretuiri Simeon makes kākahu that go on to become family heirlooms.
Driving to the top: Mason pursues rallying dreams
Mason Grimmer, 20, kicked off his 2021 rallying season in style - with a first place.
Got a fisherman in the family? This is the book for you
Stuck for what to do with that trout you caught? Tūrangi Rotary Club's cookbook can help.
Top rider started off as an 8-year-old at local event
Taupō rider started racing at the Monster Mountain Bike Challenge, which runs on April 8.
Marin's 1964 Buick Wildcat the only one in NZ
A beautifully restored muscle car is off to Whangamatā this weekend for Beach Hop 2021.
Cats' cold war over vegetable trug drawing online fans
Cat who has staked a claim to a vegetable trug has become an unlikely Facebook hit.
'We've got to be like the ABs': Pio's passion for parents
Entertainer, comedian and MC Pio Terei is also passionate about helping parents do well.
From water funding to a museum: Council calls for input
The Taupō District Council is asking for residents' feedback on four key issues.
Long-term outlook for damaged Taupō college still unknown
Education Ministry won't release report that assessed whether classrooms worth repairing.
Big day celebrates book launch and truck's 100th
Old Truck and the Flood is the story of a 1921 Republic truck and Tūrangi's flood in 2004.
An active life: Norm celebrates a century
Norm Fraser, who turns 100 today, used to swim from St Heliers to Rangitoto for fun.
Noted artist wanted to pass on love of NZ's heritage
A landmark collection was her beautiful pencil drawings of all 23 Ngāti Tūwharetoa marae
Tūrangi's new community hub for advice, support
A new hub in the Tūrangi town centre aims to keep the community safe and connected.
Troublesome trees: a growing problem in Tūrangi
Windfall from Government to repair crumbling kerbs means 94 trees must be replaced.
From ground to air within 10 minutes, day or night
It used to take the patients to the care. Now, it takes the care to the patients.
NZQA Top Art Exhibition: Excellence art looks like this
"It does your head in trying to produce something that's not just a pretty picture."
For home and country: 100 years of women's fellowship
Where there's a need, they try to fill it - including informally adopting seven children.
Lost trust: Teen's cancer journey leaves emotional and physical scars
Ainsley Tonks is facing life after barely surviving treatment for lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Fun with cars: car show and swap meet returns
If you're into retro cars, Tūrangi is the place to be this weekend.