Articles

Amplify is the Economic Development Agency for the Taupo district and is charged with growing the district's economy. We an independent charitable trust and are governed by a Board of seven trustees. There is one Trustee vacancy and up to one Associate Trustee vacancy and an Appointment Panel has been formed to undertake the recruitment process. Amplify invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals. Using a skills and competencies matrix, Amplify

When Miles and Christina, owners of A&T Glass Taupō, relocated from Nelson to Taupo nearly two years ago, they weren't just looking for a business opportunity; they were looking for a new adventure. With their children recently moved out of home and years of experience working alongside trade businesses the timing felt right to take on a new challenge. After some time searching for the right opportunity, they knew they wanted something more than a lifestyle operation or a on

The Taupō economy is showing strong signs of economic recovery. Infometrics provisionally estimates GDP to have grown 2.8%pa in the March 2026 quarter compared with the same quarter last year. Over the year to March 2026 growth measured 1.3%, as growth was weak in earlier quarters. The national economy grew 0.4% over the year. An active housing market was a major contributor to the economic recovery with the rental, hiring and real estate services growing 6.3% over the year t

Summary The April 2026 Taupō District Business Sentiment Survey highlights a business community that remains resilient but increasingly cautious as economic conditions continue to tighten. Rising operating costs, fuel prices, softer consumer demand, and broader geopolitical uncertainty are placing increasing pressure on business performance and future expectations. Business confidence remains above 2024 levels, although confidence has decreased since September 2025 and more b

The April 2026 Business Occupancy Review shows the Taupō District’s commercial environment remains relatively stable despite ongoing economic pressure and changing business conditions. Key Insights Taupō occupancy increased to 86.8% Taupō industrial premises increased by 2.8% since October 2025 Business relocation was more common than widespread closures Tūrangi occupancy improved 2.1% since October 2025 Taupō continues to maintain strong occupancy levels, supported by indust

Creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued and able to grow doesn’t happen by chance. For Taupō based company SiteCare, it’s the result of several years of intentional decisions, consistent leadership and commitment to a belief that looking after people is essential to long-term business success. Recognised as Employer of the Year at the Unison Great Lake Taupō Business Awards in 2025, the award reflects what SiteCare has been prioritising for many years: buildi

Kelsey’s journey into business ownership began with a need for a lifestyle change. She had previously worked as an accountant in Taupō, but after having her daughter, Kelsey was seeking balance and flexibility in her work life. She had discovered reformer pilates shortly after having her daughter and quickly fell in love with it. What started as a personal interest turned into her future business opportunity when she opened her reformer pilates business Ora Studios in Moto

The first tentative signs of economic recovery from a deep recession are showing in Taupō’s economy. Economic output in the December 2025 quarter was up 1%pa compared with the same quarter in 2024, according to provisional estimates from Infometrics. However, because of weak previous quarters, GDP for the full year to December 2025 was up by just 0.4%pa. The national economy also grew 0.4% over the same period. The very large energy sector was the biggest contributor to the d

The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on the work done in the past 12 months, for Amplify last year was focused on helping local businesses in the Taupō District grow, connect and thrive. Over 53 events, we shared practical knowledge on everything from AI and marketing to business strategy and networking. We had 164 one-on-one support meetings, secured $87,000 in capability funding and ran programmes like Amp It Up, Geothermal Week and Tech Week, engaging over 1,

When family circumstances led Elle Knight to purchase Lakeside Accommodation in 2014, she saw an opportunity to own a business that could be flexible around her young family while providing some additional income for the household. At the time, Lakeside Accommodation held the management rights to eight apartments. Today, that small Taupō business has transformed into MyStays , a people-first, strategy-driven national brand managing more than 150 holiday homes across the Nort

Taupō’s economy is showing tentative signs of recovery after a deep recession. The local economy grew 0.2% in the September 2025 quarter compared to the same quarter last year, according to Infometrics provisional estimates. Over the full year, GDP declined 0.8%, a slightly worse outcome than the national decline of 0.5%pa. A range of industries have contributed to the negative economic outcome over the year to September 2025. A slowdown in the construction industry was the l

The Te Rahui Solar Farm is one of the most significant new energy investments in the Taupō District, bringing economic opportunities for local businesses. Once both project stages are complete, Te Rahui will be New Zealand’s largest solar farm, delivering 400MW of renewable energy - enough to power approximately 100,000 homes. The project is being developed as a 50-50 joint venture between Nova Energy and Meridian Energy. The partners have agreed to build stage 1 (200MW) of t

The October 2025 business occupancy data shows a steady commercial environment across the Taupō District, supported by ongoing growth in industrial areas and consistent activity in town and suburban centres. Overall occupancy remains stable, reflecting continued investment and development. In Taupō, the total number of business premises has increased by 4.3% since April, driven by new industrial developments. Occupancy has held at 86.1%, indicating solid demand as new capacit

Summary Business confidence in the Taupō District continues to strengthen, with 63% of businesses feeling confident about their outlook, the highest level in more than two years. Concern about their outlook has fallen to 13% of businesses, down from 21% in April and 29% last year. Trading conditions have stabilised following a strong summer, and most businesses expect steady or improving performance over the next six months. Hiring intentions have nearly doubled since April,

When Marina opened here.for.it in July 2024, she made an unusual move in today’s business climate by opening a physical store, in the Tūrangi Mall . Six months later she added an online offering, but her brick-and-mortar shop has remained at the heart of her business. For Marina, the store was more than a retail outlet — it was a long-held dream that she had shared with her friends and family for years. “I wanted to create a space that showcases beautiful, quality Māori prod