What We Do
Graffiato: Taupō Street Art Festival
Taupō transforms every Labour Weekend into a living canvas during Graffiato, New Zealand’s premier street art festival. With a backdrop of the lake and mountains, artists take to the town’s streets, bringing bold, beautiful murals to life right before our eyes, adding to the existing 80 plus public displays of art.
The kaupapa (principles) of the festival are of both creative freedom and close connections, which have been welcomed with overwhelming positivity by the artists themselves, the viewing public and the landlords/businesses that have graciously allowed their walls to be included. Because the artists are able to paint what their heart desires, and since they are working within a compact CBD, we have been left with what many consider to be the most diverse (and dense) collection of street art in the country. The only limitations for the art are that it reflects positivity and the beautiful sides of life, resulting in a town centre that holds dear to those values.
Stella Business Awards
The Stella Awards provide an incredible opportunity for businesses to strengthen teams, celebrate success in the face of adversity and gain recognition for those efforts. Unlike other awards programmes, the focus is on people rather than financial results or business planning.
There are categories for a range of business attributes. Whether you create an outstanding customer experience, display exceptional team work, are passionate about the environment, support local charities, have a depth of resilience rarely seen in business or have a legendary digital presence, the Stella Awards are for you!
Entry is easy and the process fills teams with a sense of pride for their achievements. The big rewards comes when all finalists are given the chance to shine at the Awards Celebration Evening in front of the Taupō business community.
Christmas comes to Taupō with CBD Decorations, the Santa Cave & the Santa Parade
Every December, Taupō is mysteriously decorated by little elves in the dark of night; an empty shop is commandeered for photos with Santa; and Santa is made ready for the Christmas Parade.
These special little elves just happen to be part of the Town Centre Taupō team, and with the work they do, Taupō turns into Christmas central for our district. The town looks festive; families get to have their photo taken with Santa; the Christmas Parade goes off without a hitch (and with a hundred kg’s of lollies).
We are always working hard to make Taupō the vibrant centre of our district, but at no other time of the year do we feel more important than Christmas time. The district depends on us!
Taupō Halloween Trick or Treating
For the biggest Halloween Trick or Treating experience, the place to be is the town centre! With more than 40 shops and restaurants handing out lollies (provided by TCT), the crowds are sure to follow.
It’s one of the most special events of the year, where it feels like the entire community descends on the town centre, overwhelming shop owners with calls for MORE LOLLIES!
Despite all the sugar rushing kids driving poor parents crazy, there is no doubt that Taupō is committed to celebrating the spookiest all holidays. Everyone is dressed up, including the shop and restaurant staff, the parents and of course, the kids. For all the good vibes, it’s worth the sugar crash!
Look out for side events like TDC’s “Pick or Treat” and Bluelight Charities “Bluelight Boogie”.
Easter and Winter Festival - Colouring Competitions & Scavenger Hunts
To ensure our local community has activities for the kids, especially at school holiday time, and likewise, to get them traversing our CBD, team TCT prepares the annual colouring-in competitions and scavenger hunts.
With 500+ kids taking part, dragging their parents around our town centre on the lookout for beanies and Easter eggs, and colouring in festive designs, these are essential times on the annual calendar of family events.
For the Taupō Winter Festival, providing these activities is our way of sponsoring and supporting the festival.