'Our Neighbourhood, Our Future' Expo well underway

The FREE Council and Community Expo ‘Our Neighbourhood, Our Future’ is a hive of activity with over 700 people through the doors on it’s first two days.

Over 40 exhibitors including both council and community stalls are on display down at the Great Lake Centre from 10am – 4pm daily, during the three day event (Thursday 14 August – Saturday 16 August).

The Expo was kicked off yesterday (Thursday 14 August) with the winner of the community art competition announced. Taupo local Fay Vaughan took away first prize with her piece of art which according to the judges was “a unique interpretation of the theme ‘Our Neighbourhood Our Future’ and executed exceptionally well.”

Fran won a cash prize of $500, kindly sponsored by Mighty River Power. Highly commended prizes were awarded to Dean Stebbing, Doug and Colleen Duxfield and Fran Edwards.

As a lead up to the District’s ten year plan ‘Towards 2019’, the EXPO is an opportunity for Council to speak to as many people as possible to collect people’s ideas, dreams and aspirations for the future of the Taupo District.

Mayor Rick Cooper and Councillors are at the Expo during the three days, chatting with members of the public as they wander through the stalls and joining them for a coffee at the Cottage Café. “This Expo is not only about telling people what we do but also listening to what they want. We want to provide opportunities for people to have a say in how their neighbourhoods look and feel and grow,” said Mayor Rick.

If you haven’t already, make sure you pop into the Expo. It is FREE to enter and there is something for all the family including a youth area, a community art exhibition, entertainment, competitions and prizes up for grabs and lots to learn about our neighbourhoods and the future of the Taupo District.

Don’t miss Ruben the Road Safety Bear at Expo tomorrow (Saturday 16 August). Shows will be running at 10.30, 11.30 and 1pm.