Economic Development Taupo District (Taupo, Turangi, Mangakino),
New Zealand. Business & Investment opportunities.
Education. Clean Energy. Wood Processing. Agriculture & Horticulture.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Tourism.

MAIN CENTRES - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Taupo
Turangi
Mangakino

Taupo

The city of Taupo is one of the fastest growing provincial cities in New Zealand. Its population of around 22,000 comprises about 62% of the total population of the district. Its vibrant growth is due in part to its central location, in part to the innovative and entrepreneurial nature of its people, and in part because today - with cell phones and email making communication so easy - more and more people are realising that they are able to enjoy the kind of lifestyle that Taupo offers, yet still conduct business - anywhere in the world. Major employers include Fletcher Challenge Forests, Fletcher Wood Panels, Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, Lakesawn Lumber, Total Transport, The Warehouse, Woolworths, and Pak n Save. 

Interested in Taupo as a business location?

Turangi

With a population of approximately 3,500, Turangi is the second largest township in the Taupo District. The township is situated at the southern end of Lake Taupo and is the gateway to Tongariro National Park (a World Heritage Park featuring the andesitic volcanoes of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu), Kaimanawa Forest Park, Lake Taupo and its tributary catchments, and Tokaanu geothermal field. Turangi sits on the banks of the Tongariro River - world famous for its trout fishing. The Turangi-Tongariro region has large areas of protected native bush, exotic forest and natural scenic beauty and offers numerous outdoor recreational pursuits. These include trout fishing on the Tongariro River as well as Lake Taupo and its tributaries, hiking and mountain biking, hunting, boating, rafting and canoeing, and of course skiing and snowboarding in winter. Major employers include ITM Building Supplies, Genesis Energy, Department of Conservation, McCarthy Transport, and NZ Forest Managers.

Following is a list of business ideas which we believe to be appropriate for Turangi. Some of these may already be under consideration by various parties. If you have an interest in any of these ideas, please contact Kevin Snowdon (ksnowdon@laketaupodevelopment.com) to discuss. 

• Taxi Service 
• Personalised tours based on up-market 4 WD transport and emphasizing the area's natural and cultural heritage. 
• Transport service for anglers, servicing the Tongariro River. 
• Parasailing and Jet Ski operation in Stump Bay. 
• Tours of the Tongariro Power Scheme - Including the Rangipo Underground Power Station. 
• Locally based craft production. Cottage industry, could produce souvenirs. 
• Wine Shop. 
• Guided walks in the Tongariro National Park and the Kaimanawa Forest Park - emphasizing the areas natural and cultural heritage.
• Bottled Water Production. 
• Rest Home/Retirement Village. 
• Production and sale of garden mulch utilizing the Turangi Green Waste resource. 
• Garden centre servicing the Southern Lake Taupo area. 
• Native plant nursery specializing in Central North Island alpine plants and grasses. Marketing from a unique and local base. 
• Hydroponic vegetable production utilizing geothermal energy in Tokaanu. 
• Mushroom production utilizing green waste mulch from the Turangi Transfer Station and Geothermal Energy in Tokaanu. 
• Quarrying and manufacture of Pumice-based products. (Major product in Europe and USA). 
• Establishment of major transport hub for national courier/transport service/s.
• Watercress-growing business. 
• Establishment of a Health Spa/Retreat in Tokaanu utilizing the Geothermal fields.

Interested in Turangi as a business location?

For more information: Watt Architects

Mangakino

Mangakino Lakeside Village is nestled on the shores of Lake Maraetai in the heart of the North Island, less than an hour from the cities of Rotorua and Taupo. It is surrounded by lakes, forests, farmland and wilderness areas, making it the perfect place to enjoy a quiet lifestyle with easy access to a variety of outdoor pursuits, in an unspoiled natural environment. The towns mission statement encapsulates the local community spirit admirably: "The best small community with a stable population enjoying quality of life." Mangakino-area employers include local Pouakani Trust farms, Carter Holt Harvey Kinleith, Crusader Meats Bennedale, Fletcher Challenge Taupo, seasonal workers at Tokoroa orchards and nurseries, PPL Therapeutics, the local Council office and the Mangakino Community Agency. 

• Production of a root vegetable crop, to be trailed locally if the conditions suit. Could be a good export earner 
• To promote Mangakino as an alternative training ground for various sporting events e.g. Iron man. 
• Tours of the dams in the area. 
• Market days to promote the work of local artists and attract visitors to the town. 
• Promote the area for adventure tourism as the area has some ideal natural surroundings. 
• Local bus service to support out-of-town workers. Pick up patrons from various clubs and hotel. 
• Kindling business - this could be established with off cuts from local mills. 
• Energy museum. Talks with Mighty River Power have already begun.

Interested in Mangakino as a business location?