Waipahihi, Taupo

1190 days ago

Top 10 Holiday Park on a renovation cycle

The Team Reporter from Taupō Times

It’s been in operation in Taupō since 1957 but many would have driven past the Top 10 Holiday Park on Rangatira Street without realising it covers just over two hectares.
Owner Darren Blank said he and his brother Matt and their wives Suzi and Kris, who bought the park three years ago, have … View more
It’s been in operation in Taupō since 1957 but many would have driven past the Top 10 Holiday Park on Rangatira Street without realising it covers just over two hectares.
Owner Darren Blank said he and his brother Matt and their wives Suzi and Kris, who bought the park three years ago, have embarked on a series of renovations since they arrived.
“Owning a holiday park you never stop spending money.”

The park which has won NZ Holiday Park Association awards for the top renovation under $100,000 for two years running will this year, with the addition of a pool, tip into the category of improvements over $100,000.

“We have been pretty lucky,” said Blank, “a lot of places are struggling... but we have 80 per cent domestic market and a lot of people are travelling within New Zealand.”

The park, which swells to accommodate about 400 guests over the Christmas holiday period, even had 30 internationals stranded onsite during the Covid-19 lockdown last year.

“We were the only holiday park in the central North Island that stayed open, we spaced them out and once they had been here for a few weeks they formed their own bubble and started having afternoon drinks,” said Blank

Large events like the Summer Concert series and sporting events such as Ironman are major sources of revenue, he said, with all of the park’s units, powered and non-powered sites usually booked out a year in advance.

He’s hoping the latest addition, an 18m x 9 m pool with slide and waterfall will be ready for use by December.

The unit being demolished to make way for it has probably been there for the last 70 years, he said.

Not shy in dubbing the park a “hidden gem”, Blank said this was backed up by ratings - reviews in Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice 2021 placed the park in the top 10 per cent worldwide.

“We’re not the biggest, flashest park in Taupō but we do sensational service.”

Image
1190 days ago

Industry Skills Development Handbook

Competenz

Is this you?

You know building the skills and capability of your staff is vital, but it’s hard to know where to start or even where to turn for advice, so it keeps sliding down your to-do list.

Use this guidebook to develop your company’s capability and improve your bottom line.
Free download

Image
1191 days ago

Council facilities and services at alert level 4

Darren Petry from Taupō District Council

With Alert Level 4 now in place please be aware all Taupō District Council community facilities will be closed until further notice.

This includes all libraries, pools, recreation and events centres, community halls, customer service and i-SITE visitor centres across the district, public toilets … View more
With Alert Level 4 now in place please be aware all Taupō District Council community facilities will be closed until further notice.

This includes all libraries, pools, recreation and events centres, community halls, customer service and i-SITE visitor centres across the district, public toilets (with the exception of the public toilets on Tongariro Street in Taupō which will remain open) and the Taupō Museum. This means no public access to these facilities.

Please follow all Level 4 guidelines from the government, but rest assured that our essential council workers will be on the job to keep things functioning in our district. Our call centre will still be in operation to answer your calls – you can contact us anytime by calling 07 376 0899 or 0800 ASK TDC (0800 275 832) or email info@taupo.govt.nz.

While we’re in level 4, kerbside rubbish collections will continue across the Taupō District, but there will be no kerbside recycling collection, so please stockpile your recycling for the time being. Our landfill and district transfer stations will be open but we will not be accepting recycling or green waste at this stage.

Taupō Airport will be operating for essential services only during this time. If you are a passenger travelling to Auckland or Wellington during this period, please check with your airline regarding flight status prior to showing up at the airport. The terminal building will be for travelling passengers with a confirmed flight booking only. The terminal café will not be operating during this time. All passengers entering the terminal will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Be kind, stay home, save lives.

Image
1191 days ago

This week's latest Blueprint

Hamilton Harcourts

View Hamilton Harcourts' latest interactive Blueprint.

If you'd like to receive Blueprint in your inbox each week, subscribe here.
Read more

Image
1191 days ago

New Zealand at Alert Level 4

Neighbourly.co.nz

UPDATE
August 18
1.16pm

The Prime Minister and the Director-General of Health are currently giving an update to the nation at the Beehive.

Here's what you need to know:
- Genome sequencing was undertaken last night and it has been confirmed that this is linked to the NSW outbreak.
- … View more
UPDATE
August 18
1.16pm

The Prime Minister and the Director-General of Health are currently giving an update to the nation at the Beehive.

Here's what you need to know:
- Genome sequencing was undertaken last night and it has been confirmed that this is linked to the NSW outbreak.
- There are no genomic matches to those cases at the border to this case.
- There are a further two cases to report in the community. ​
- From 11:59pm, it will be compulsory to wear masks when accessing essential services.
- From 8am tomorrow, the Covid-19 vaccination programme will resume.
___________________________________________________________

UPDATE
August 18
9.10am

- Four new cases have been identified, all genomically linked to the original case
- The original case has been confirmed as having the Delta variant
___________________________________________________________

New Zealand will move to a Level 4 lockdown after a community case was detected in Auckland.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was joined by Ashley Bloomfield at a press conference, where she confirmed that Auckland and Coromandel would move to Alert Level 4 from 11.59pm for seven days, while the rest of the country will be under Level 4 conditions for three days.

It is unknown whether this case is that of the Delta variant. Bloomfield stated that genome sequencing will be completed by tomorrow morning.

There is currently 23 locations of interest, 10 in Auckland and 13 in Coromandel. Current locations of interest can be found here.

The case has no links to the border and interviews are currently being undertaken with the case to find any possible locations of interest and how they came to be in contact with Covid-19.

Here's what you need to know:
- A refresh on Level restrictions and what it means for you.
- Here are the locations of interest.
- If you have any flu-like symptoms, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or ring your GP.
- Find your closest Covid-19 testing location on the Healthpoint website
- Essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open.

For more information, visit covid19.govt.nz.

Image
1192 days ago

Looking for your next career path?

FICA

Take up a career in Forestry. We love our work!

If you are a great outdoors person, practical, or science-minded, love technology and enjoy working in a team then take a closer look at what the forestry industry can offer you.

Come and visit at any of these locations, we will be there with … View more
Take up a career in Forestry. We love our work!

If you are a great outdoors person, practical, or science-minded, love technology and enjoy working in a team then take a closer look at what the forestry industry can offer you.

Come and visit at any of these locations, we will be there with plenty to keep you busy and plenty of information for you to make the right decision to join our industry.

Taupo Great Lake Center on the 26th of August.

For more information about a career in forestry check out our website here. To speak with a forestry representative then enquire on: office@fica.org.nz
Learn more

Image
1193 days ago

Forest for sale

Arotahi Agribusiness

Amakiwi Forest is a unique production and carbon forestry opportunity located in the Waikato.

The forest consists of 151ha freehold land with 148.7ha established exotic and natives, registered in the ETS with ongoing carbon income.

A registered valuation for land, tree crop and carbon of … View more
Amakiwi Forest is a unique production and carbon forestry opportunity located in the Waikato.

The forest consists of 151ha freehold land with 148.7ha established exotic and natives, registered in the ETS with ongoing carbon income.

A registered valuation for land, tree crop and carbon of $1.64m + GST (if any) is available upon request.
Find out more

1193 days ago

Putaruru, Tokoroa & Districts Herb Society Meeting

Mohan from South Waikato District

All welcome. Come and experience the magic of herbs

Free

Image
1199 days ago

a country without power

Bruce from South Waikato District

never heard of a power supplier before that would put profit before people and make a country run out of power, we need some answers and firm promises from transpower I think.

1194 days ago

Limited time offer!

Neighbourly

Want to increase your reach by thousands? Now's your chance!

For a limited time only, we're offering you a 3 month Premium Business listing for only $79+GST*

Usually $149+GST, Neighbourly Premium enables you to grow a strong presence in your local community. Find friendly … View more
Want to increase your reach by thousands? Now's your chance!

For a limited time only, we're offering you a 3 month Premium Business listing for only $79+GST*

Usually $149+GST, Neighbourly Premium enables you to grow a strong presence in your local community. Find friendly neighbours who need your services, showcase what makes you stand out from the rest and connect with people who want to ‘shop local’.

*T&Cs apply
Sign up now

Image
1195 days ago

Warm welcome to Digital Boost

Neighbourly

We're very excited to announce Digital Boost as our new Neighbourly partner.
Digital Boost is a free online learning platform providing tutorials on how to operate a business in today's digital world.

We truly believe in the support and tools they provide to help digitally upskill … View more
We're very excited to announce Digital Boost as our new Neighbourly partner.
Digital Boost is a free online learning platform providing tutorials on how to operate a business in today's digital world.

We truly believe in the support and tools they provide to help digitally upskill New Zealand SME businesses.

Please join us in welcoming Digital Boost and stay tuned for tips and tricks, online tutorials and other exciting content!
Learn more

Image
1196 days ago

Take a stand

The Team from Resene ColorShop Taupo

Create a pastel-hued cake stand painted in your favourite Resene pastel testpots and use it to create an enticing display of Easter treats or home-baked delicacies. This Easter-themed, tiered pedestal cake stand is so easy to make, and you'll use it over and over again, whether it’s for a … View moreCreate a pastel-hued cake stand painted in your favourite Resene pastel testpots and use it to create an enticing display of Easter treats or home-baked delicacies. This Easter-themed, tiered pedestal cake stand is so easy to make, and you'll use it over and over again, whether it’s for a party, afternoon tea or just a cute way to display your home baking. Find out how to create your own.

Image
1196 days ago

Kiwis are being stung by high power bills.

Flick

⚡ Weather and supply has been the scapegoat for the price hikes, but the truth is that New Zealand’s electricity market is broken - denying Kiwis access to fair pricing. 👎🏽 Over 100,000 NZ households are currently living in energy hardship, and if things continue, more families will be … View more⚡ Weather and supply has been the scapegoat for the price hikes, but the truth is that New Zealand’s electricity market is broken - denying Kiwis access to fair pricing. 👎🏽 Over 100,000 NZ households are currently living in energy hardship, and if things continue, more families will be at risk.

Kiwis deserve better, which is why we’re fighting for power affordability for all of us. But we can’t do it alone.

Join us in the Revolt to bring power prices down, by signing the petition to demand that the Government reforms NZ’s broken electricity market. #Powergate ✊🏾 ✊🏿 ✊🏼 ✊🏽

Sign and share the petition at jointherevolt.co.nz
Find out more

Image
1196 days ago

Poll: Have you got a side hustle?

Neighbourly.co.nz

Are you making a bit of cash from your hobby, offering a service on the side, selling things on social media or doing a few paid hours in the community? If you’re supplementing your main income or superannuation, you’re running a side hustle! Maybe you’re baking cupcakes, a part-time retired … View moreAre you making a bit of cash from your hobby, offering a service on the side, selling things on social media or doing a few paid hours in the community? If you’re supplementing your main income or superannuation, you’re running a side hustle! Maybe you’re baking cupcakes, a part-time retired handyman or selling hand-knitted scarves - we’re curious. Let us know if you have a side hustle in our poll below!

Image
Have you got a side hustle?
  • 22.4% Yes I do - it’s up and running
    22.4% Complete
  • 11.2% I’m just getting one started
    11.2% Complete
  • 59.2% No I don’t
    59.2% Complete
  • 7.2% I don’t understand what a side hustle is
    7.2% Complete
1103 votes
1197 days ago

Climate Change Public meeting - Taupo

Louise Upston from Louise Upston MP

Join Stuart Smith MP, Spokesperson for Climate Change and me at a public meeting on Climate Change in Taupo on 18 August, 5:30pm.  Suncourt Hotel & Conference Centre, 14 Northcroft Street, Taupo

Image
Top