Local councillors make decisions that affect your rates, roads, water, and the future of your community. They rely on feedback from residents to understand what is really happening on the ground. If people stay silent, decisions get made without that local input. Speaking up, asking
The text below is that of myself John Funnell, not necessarily that of the Taupo District Councillors. Trump’s war has dramatically increased fuel prices, which is having a ripple effect across the economy. Ratepayers will be worried that increased fuel costs will lead to increased
25th April 2026 Good morning, I am Mayor John Funnell and I welcome each and every one of you here today. We are honoured to have: Today, on ANZAC Day, we pause together to remember. We remember those who served, those who sacrificed, and those who
As your Mayor, I want to provide an update on the Draft Joint Management Agreement (JMA) currently being presented to Council, so that all residents of the Taupo district understand its meaning and intent. My position is straightforward: I support the legal requirement to partner
Travelling across the district I meet a lot of people who are still struggling with the cost of living and their rates. When I mention the Rates Rebate scheme many people are unaware of this. If your income or pension is below a certain level
The Minister for RMA Reform, Minister of Agriculture, and Minister for the Environment have set clear expectations to all Regional and Unitary Councils to take a pragmatic approach when issuing consents, ahead of the transition to the new planning system. “Ministers continue to receive concerning
Residents and Ratepayers of the Taupo District should be reading this draft Joint Management Agreement. I have attached a full version at the end of this article. This agreement has been introduced by the Taupo District Council and was to be voted on at the
Your climate change and resilience policies 1. First policy Leave climate change to the central government. It is a central government’s responsibility. I will not be virtue signalling with “climate emergencies” or wasting ratepayers money on policies that make no difference at all. 2. Second
John has a long career in the private sector of finding cost savings while providing value to customers and he will do this with the Council. If elected John will propose capping rates to or below the rate of inflation as his first action as