When you start comparing the council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP) across the Taupō District, it becomes pretty clear …not all towns are being treated equally.
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening in Kinloch, Mangakino:
Kinloch
A small, lakeside town with increasing residential development and proximity to Taupō.
Recently received a high-spec footpath and intersection upgrade — what started as a 1.5m path turned into 930m of 2.5m-wide concrete with a hardwood-decked bridge, stainless steel rails, 170m of retaining wall, safety barriers, decorative concrete, and even a “viewing platform” with no view — all delivered without public clarity on the scope expansion or cost. The new path now sits above road level, disrupting the water table and requiring another 600m of kerb and channel to fix.
Funded through the government’s “Better Off” package, but with no clear public explanation about how the scope and budget expanded so significantly.
No town centre, library, or community facilities — but infrastructure is modern and polished. They do, however, have a small cafe and a Four Square-type superette. It’s very nice, but the residents need better information and inquiry from the council when they potentially “blow the budget” on projects and mishandle the job.
Mangakino A proud, hardworking community with strong local spirit — but visibly left behind.
No full supermarket, only a Four Square.
Many homes date back to the 1940s, and residents say they’re being rated out while Taupō’s CBD sees beautification.
Sewerage system fails during holiday peaks, leaving lingering smells until temporary fixes arrive.
Bike rack recently installed is reportedly unusable, and footpaths are missing from many streets.
The Bus Stop Café was reportedly forced to close, leaving a big hole in the town’s social space.
Only recent upgrade? A children’s library refresh — welcome, but modest.
Other council updates for Mangakino? Mostly over four years old.
Small Wins:
- Native tree planting at the Pouākani Totara site, in collaboration with Whakamaru School — a meaningful step in local environmental care.
- Council-approved traffic safety upgrade with new Give Way signage and road markings at the Wereta Rd–Otake Rd intersection in Marotiri.
- Dump station relocation is being explored after complaints about the current site — funding dependent on the 2024–25 Annual Plan.
But overall, there are still holes — literally and figuratively.
And What About the Others?
If Mangakino is still waiting… and Kinloch’s upgrades came with little transparency… and Tūrangi is just starting to gain traction…
What’s happening in the smaller towns we never hear about?
Whakamaru recently drew council attention to speeding and safety issues—though solutions are still under investigation. Waitahanui. Omori. Hatepe.
Some places aren’t just off the radar — they’re falling through the cracks.
Sources & References – Part 5.5
Taupō District Council – Kinloch Footpath Upgrade Project
https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/projects/kinloch-footpath-and-intersection-upgrades
Taupō District Council – Long-Term Plan 2024–2034 (Complete PDF)
https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/plans-and-strategies/long-term-plan
Also saved as “COMPLETE-LTP-web-version (1).pdf”
Taupō District Council – Long-Term Plan 2015–2025
Archived version referencing Mangakino wastewater upgrades and Kinloch WWTP compliance
Saved as “2015-25_TDC_Long-term_Plan_final.pdf”
Mangakino Lakefront Development Project Page
https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/projects/mangakino-lakefront-development
Mangakino Town Centre Upgrade – Completed Projects (pre-2020)
https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/projects/zpast-projects/projects-completed-pre-2020/mangakino-town-centre-upgrade
Abbotts Infrastructure – Mangakino Wastewater Network Upgrades
https://www.abbotts.co.nz/blog/post/137224/mangakino-wastewater-upgrades/
Waipā District Council Agenda – November 2024
Refers to the $1.4 million economic impact of the Mangakino Lake Hop (part of SkySpeed series)
https://www.waipadc.govt.nz (specific agenda PDF not linked publicly at time of writing)
Facebook post (Taupō District Council, June 2024)
Regarding Mangakino Library children’s section makeover. Screenshot provided by user.
Firsthand community feedback
Collected from public comment sections, messages, and local forums. Quotes anonymised for privacy.
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