Quality Inn Acapulco

ABBY BESWICK | EDITOR

Quality Inn Acapulco Taupo has two on-site conference rooms that can take up to a total 50 attendees. Whether you require a boardroom for an intimate meeting, a venue for a training seminar or even two seperate areas in close proximity. Quality Inn Acapulco Taupo can provide the perfect solution.

19 Rifle Range Road Taupo, 3330 North Island NZ

E: stay@acapulcotaupo.co.nz

W: www.acapulcotaupo.co.nz

Plenty to look forward to in the Taupō District

Kia ora koutou,

As the sun sets on another summer in the Taupō District, it’s safe to say there was not quite as much sunshine as we might have hoped. However, that did not stop holidaygoers flocking to our beautiful district for some rest and relaxation.

It was another busy summer, helped by the hosting of major events such as the Taupō Summer Concert, the New Year’s Big Bang fireworks event, Ironman New Zealand and Le Currents Culture and Arts Festival.

The fun does not end there though. Last year’s Ironman New Zealand event being postponed from March to December means a short turnaround as the 2023 edition takes its usual place in March. We can’t wait to host all the athletes, supporters and spectators once again.

Meanwhile, it is going to be a big year for our district with a number of major projects either completed or close to it. After taking a well-earned break for Christmas, the Camex crew has been back at work on Roberts Street, putting the finishing touches on the Town Centre Transformation ready for a grand opening in March.

The new terminal at Taupō Airport has been blessed and welcomed its first passengers in February. It is fantastic to see the new terminal completed, it is going to be a wonderful asset for our district.

We are also making steady progress on Waiora House and the Tūrangitukua Park sports facility, which will also be welcome additions to the district.

So, lots happening and plenty to look forward to!

Ngā mihi, David Trewavas MAYOR, TAUPŌ DISTRICT

Home for live performing arts returns to Rotorua

Kia ora koutou,

Our city has been bustling this summer with visitors taking the opportunity to explore the many attractions, events, and natural wonders that Rotorua has to offer.

Families from all over the country came to Rotorua to watch the NRL Harvey Norman All-Stars Māori vs Indigenous Games, and what a game it was! We’re proud to have hosted this prestigious event as it’s the first time being played out of Australia and in New Zealand.

If you’ve been in Rotorua lately you may have noticed our beautiful new Sir Howard Morrison Centre. With multiple performance spaces and three studios, the centre is set to become a thriving hub for performances from local, national and international artists.

In the coming months, locals and visitors will be able to experience Koiora - live music sessions on Friday nightsNZTrio will present ‘Homeland 1: Songs my mother taught me’ on 10 March, the Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine will perform ‘Forest Song and Don Quixote’ in April and a mini NZ Music Month festival will run from 19 - 21 May, among others.

It’s wonderful to have upgraded and opened the doors again to a world-class facility our region can be proud of. I encourage those from near and far to explore what’s coming up at the centre and keep an eye out for future acts yet to be announced. Visit sirhowardmorrisoncentre.co.nz/whats-on for more information.

Ngā mihi, Tania Tapsell MAYOR, ROTORUA

Make summer last longer

Kia ora koutou, Having grown up in Whakatāne and travelling extensively as an adult, I can hand-on-heart say there are fewer places more wonderful than this. As a district that often features at the top of the sunshine stakes, Whakatāne locals will tell you the best time of year is autumn. Warm days stretch late into April and it's not unusual to see beach swimmers in May. For those who haven’t had their expected dose of vitamin D this summer, a Whakatāne autumn breakaway might be just the ticket.

While I’m not surprised, I am very pleased to see that Ōhope Beach has placed in three of the five categories in NZ Herald’s Most-Loved Beach competition, with one win and two second places. Ōhope has been acknowledged as the Best Family Beach and runner-up as Best Camping Beach and Best Surfing Beach (West End). And just around the point from West End Beach you’ll find the winner of the Best Hidden Gem Beach, Ōtarawairere. Why not come and explore. The exploration could extend to the wonderful offshore sanctuary Moutohorā – and if sports-fishing and diving are your thing, we have that covered too.

The Whakatāne Local Wild Food Festival returns in 2023 bigger and better than before. The Festival will encompass multiple events across the weekend of 24-25 March, ranging from kid's cooking competitions, to a multi-course dining experience created by award-winning chef Des Harris.

There really is something for everyone here in the Whakatāne District. Visit whakatane.com/discover/whenvisit/autumn for everything you need to prepare for your autumnal getaway to the beautiful Whakatāne District. Nau mai haere mai.

Ngā mihi, Dr Victor Luca