2122 days ago

Council bids for Government funding to help kick start economy

Steph Rangi Reporter from Taupō Times

In an effort to kick start the economy post COVID-19, one council has put in an application for over $300 million.

Taupō District Council made an application for $316 million of Government funding for 16 projects that have been previously identified in the council’s Long-Term Plan.

With the 16 projects comes an estimated employment benefit of almost 2300 jobs.

The Government announced two weeks ago it was looking to invest in construction and infrastructure projects considered ‘shovel ready’.

The council’s applications include ensuring safe drinking water by bringing forward upgrades required to ensure we can provide water that meets the Government’s Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand.

A social and community housing project that would bring forward a significant greenfield residential subdivision, with the intention of bu

• Funding for a community, service and emergency centre for the Taupō District, which will include the council’s administration building.

• A social and community housing project that would bring forward a significant greenfield residential subdivision, with the intention of building affordable housing.

• An events and cultural centre for Turangi to address youth issues and deliver a range of social and health benefits.

• District wide recreational improvements including the development of sporting facilities at Mangakino and in Turangi.

Mayor David Trewavas said there was no doubt the Taupō Disrict economy had been severely impacted by COVID-19.

“It is our job to now look for ways we can help our economy recover in the quickest way possible,” he said.

“A number of these projects will no longer be going ahead without Government funding so this was our opportunity to move our district forward without have a financial impact on our ratepaying community.”

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22 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.4% Complete
  • 43.6% I want to be able to choose.
    43.6% Complete
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2488 votes
20 days ago

Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

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6 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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