Three tourists freedom travelling the country thought their companion had turned back to the carpark when they became separated tramping the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Dan Stephens-Kingi got sick of seeing plastic shampoo bottles in the recycling each week. 

So he sought his own solution.

A strong female line up is among the talent secured for the seventh annual Graffiato: Taupo Street Art Festival to be held in Taupo's town centre this Labour Weekend.

Fast chargers for electric vehicles are to be installed on the Napier-Taupo Highway.