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Background / Horopaki

OUR HISTORY

Taupō Hospital & Health Society

A community-led commitment to protecting and strengthening local health services since 1992

Community beginnings

The Taupō Hospital & Health Society grew from a major community meeting held more than 30 years ago, when rumours emerged that Taupō Hospital might close. More than 1,000 businesspeople, councillors, health professionals and community members attended. Together, they agreed to establish an independent society that would work alongside the hospital, raise funds for essential equipment and help safeguard local health services.

The Society was formally incorporated in 1992 and has been governed by a voluntary Board ever since.

Community leadership

The Society’s leadership has included prominent local businesspeople, councillors and health professionals. Early and long-serving contributors included the late Mayor Joan Williamson, Joan Gartner, Bruce Hodgkinson, Eileen Clapperton. Laurie Burdett, Joan Gartner, and Les Winslade have also supported the Society as patrons. Their collective service helped establish the Society as a trusted and enduring Taupō community organisation.

Fundraising and community support

Funding has been generated through membership subscriptions, corporate contributions, Life in Perpetuity memberships, community fundraising, philanthropic gifts and generous bequests. A notable campaign raised more than $100,000 for the Pihanga Health Centre.

While Taupō Hospital remains the Society’s primary focus, support has also been provided to organisations contributing to local health and wellbeing, including Taupō Hospice, Anamata, Taupō Bowling Club and other eligible community agencies.

Our district and ongoing partnership

The Society serves the wider Taupō District, including Taupō, Tūrangi and Mangakino. It maintains a strong relationship with Taupō Hospital and Health New Zealand. For over 30 years, the Society has worked closely with the hospital and Lakes health service management, supported by a formal Memorandum of Understanding.

Today, the Society continues the vision of its founders by bringing the community together to improve healthcare services, facilities and wellbeing throughout the district.