Notes from Taupahi Road Neighbourhood Support Group After posting the blog yesterday, several commented that we may have frightened readers and could spoil the town’s reputation? If so, I apologise. Obviously, that was not the intention. For anyone wanting more information of the meeting, please email: ross@tongarirorivermotel.co.nz for the “official” summary from the convenor of the meeting of residents with the police – “Notes from Taupahi Road Neighbourhood Support Group”. The “research” on google showed concerns from people asking whether Turangi is a safe town? So I have to reply YES – definitely, particularly compared to the cities. The youth crime comments were about a tiny percentage of young trouble-makers who are not representative of Turangi. Every town has similar issues with undisciplined kids. We are just more open and honest about it as they do seem to target motels.
Others have responded about how pleasant it is to live here compared to wherever they came from previously. Just like every other small town in NZ, Turangi has its social problems.
A response from anon google contributor comments: Very sad to read all the misinformed comments. I have lived here since 1985 and love the place. We also have a holiday home which people love to stay at. I would rather walk around Turangi any night of the year than wander down Queen Street, or Courtney Place or Victoria Street. Raised three boys here who all like to come home as often as they can and now our 5 granddaughters also love to come here. Yes we are on the ministry side of SH1 not the river side. Highly recommend.
We concur. Naturally we might be considered biased after living here for over 18 years but previously had been regularly visiting for over forty years. We cannot comment on behalf of others but, for what it is worth (?), this is our view.
I first fished here as a schoolboy with my family and stayed at Motutere in the 1950s and later at – you guessed it – Tongariro River Motel. My school friend became my best fishing buddy after his father purchased a house on Taupahi Road around 1960. Back then we were so impressed with the Tongariro River fishing and the cute little fishing village called Taupahi, we discussed how we would retire here. For teenagers, that was extremely forward-thinking. Sadly my friend died far too young but I was fortunate to live the dream. Since then the Ministry built Turangi as a town for their employees of the Tongariro Hydro project so it has changed.
When we eventually decided to retire here – back about 2001-03 – another fishing buddy offered to go halves as long as he could stay with us whenever he visited on fishing trips. After about two years of trying to find a suitable property, late in 2003, while staying at TRM my fishy friend (obviously influenced by Capt. Morgan?) suggested “Why don’t we buy the bloody motel?” It was not even on the market. So we did. TRM may not have been the best property $ investment but in terms of lifestyle, it was priceless.
We came here from Auckland. We developed an orchard property in Kumeu, which was then out in the country in 1975, and then about 13 years later moved to Takapuna which we thought was absolutely the best place to raise a family from the 1960s through to 2000. Back then it was heaven. The last house we owned and raised our kids in was a quiet little side street (Minnehaha Avenue) with access to an almost private sandy beach a few minutes’ walk away. But then, when all the issues from unrestrained growth, congestion, pollution, and commuting became apparent, we escaped. Now, when I compare the problems here to what other friends have since experienced in Takapuna, we are so fortunate. We have compared many other locations and have decided Turangi ticks all the boxes!