Support for Lakefront operators

The future of businesses operating on Taupo Lakeshore Reserves has been given a boost from Taupo District Council.

The Taupo/Kaingaroa-Mangakino/Pouakani (northern rating area) committee has recommended that existing lessees and licensees be granted renewed concessions to continue operating on their existing sites.

The Original Floating Hole in One Challenge, Activities Unlimited, Kayak NZ, The Steaming Bean, Taupo Mini Golf, and the Two Mile Bay Sailing and Watersports Centre will all be able to continue serving the public for periods of between five and 15 years. New licences have also been granted to Gelateria Taupo and Taupo Artz.

Many of the operators presented to the committee before it made its decision. Jo Hoogerbrugge from the Hole in One Challenge said her business had been established for 15 years, employed in excess of 20 staff in summer and has supported the community through a variety of sponsorships.

Previous agreements between the operators and Taupo District Council had expired but roll over arrangements had been put in place while the Council’s Tapuaeharuru Bay Lakeshore Reserves Management Plan was finalised.

A small number of concessions sites remain vacant and will be tendered to interested parties. These include the opportunity to sell refreshments at Acacia Bay/Wharewaka Point and to provide recreation activities at Northcroft Reserve.