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.
A unanimous thumbs down from Taupō to Three Waters proposal
Council seeks immediate stop to the Government's Three Waters reform programme
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.
Court says company failed to respond to warnings
Wellhead discharge ended up in Waikato River after Contact's system alarms went unheeded.
Not an inventor: Taupō designer is 'a solutions finder'
In a quiet Taupō workshop, a local firm is making and exporting innovative solutions.
At $3100 for 200g, it's strictly for the wealthy
A limited-range premium honey with high anti-bacterial properties fetches $3100 per 200ml.
Collapsed in a river, her breath stopped for 18 minutes
Heather Macdonald was dead when pulled from the freezing Tongariro River. CPR saved her.
Back for more: female anglers return to Tūrangi
Tongariro River Motel's second annual women's fly fishing tournament kicks off next week.
Taupo arsons: Residents worry next fire could prove fatal
People living on Lake Taupō's eastern edges worry spate of deliberate fires will continue.
Taupō couple's doggie farmstay proves a hit
Kim and Lee Surman set up a farmstay for dogs on their lifestyle block near Taupō.
What are wartime sea mines doing in the Waikato River?
Mercury donates former World War II sea mines used on Taupō control gates boom to museums.
Around the world in 50 days: meet the Bazflyers, our first Earthrounders
Taupō couple Barry and Sandra Payne have flown around the world in their Piper Comanche.
Gisborne group out reels in a whopper
Gisborne angler lands monster brown trout in Lake Taupō.
'Very disturbing': Tūwharetoa board on Lake Taupō spill
The Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board will be calling for a full investigation.
Bringing back eels to Central North Island
Ngāti Hikairo couple John and Lena Morgan are restoring long-fin eels to their area.
The secrets of dog trials: A man out standing in his field
When you've owned 1000 dogs, the ones that stand out are really special.
Obituary: Ian Gillard's distinguished career
Ian Murray Gillard, who died recently, was former Deputy Chief of Air Staff in the RNZAF.
Hunters' mission to save the whio
Group raises funds and trap pests to help protect endangered blue duck.
Pamu takes more environmental approach to farming
Pamu Farms is quietly moving away from intensification on its farms north of Taupo.
Divers catch 2605 catfish in southern Lake Taupō.
Thousands of catfish have been culled from southern Lake Taupō.
Man who was missing for two days in bush will be okay, police say
Scott McPherson 'suffering a bit' after two days lost in bush near Taupō.
Optimism difficult in future of NZ freshwater
The government is promising a noticeable improvement in water quality within five years.
Taupō's 'Lake Nukuhau' swamp spreads to highest level yet
The swamp in front of a property is Taupo has grown to its highest level.
Shot hunter minutes from death
Gravely injured hunter was winched from heavy bush needing blood immediately.
Thousands protest changes to rescue chopper
A protest against cutting Taupo's Greenlea rescue helicopter attracted 1200 people.
Closure of rescue helicopter service opposed
Residents brave heavy rain to support the continued air rescue operations at Taupo.
Mayor: Lives will be lost if Taupo rescue chopper goes
Under a new proposal, Taupo would no longer have a rescue helicopter.
Kevin Hackwell: Pest free NZ not just a dream
New Zealand can be pest free by 2050, says Kevin Hackwell of Forest and Bird.
Heat keeps lake's toxic algae bloom
Lake Taupo's toxic algae bloom is expected to stay around while hot weather continues.
Watch for lake snow
Lake snow is a sticky, biological material made up of groups of algae that form colonies.
Nursing in rural settings different type of challenge
A new clinical nurse manager of Taupo Hospital's Inpatient Unit has extensive experience.
Boy reunited with adventurous pet lamb Milkshake
The power of social media helped reunite a boy and his pet lamb Milkshake.
Map shows where to go for fishing
Sometimes, if you want something, you just have to create it yourself.
Tauhara College student taking a leap to freeriding
Hugo Cameron admits his mum worries "a little bit" about his choice of sport.
Staying safe in the wild
How people can keep themselves safe in the Taupo district's great outdoors.
Eco-friendly lodge for Timber Trail
The lodge is expected to have spin-offs for tourism in the Rotorua and Taupo districts.