QUICK LINKS: Recipients | Video Messages | Photos
What a wonderful afternoon celebrating the people and organisations making a difference across the Taupō community.
Our 2026 Taupō Awards brought together recipients, donors, supporters and community members at Waiora House to recognise this year’s grants, scholarships and awards.
There was a wonderful sense of community throughout the afternoon, with the opportunity to hear from recipients, acknowledge the people behind the funds and celebrate the many different ways local people and organisations are contributing to Taupō.
At the heart of these awards are the donors who make them possible. Through the funds they have established, and the gifts made by individuals, families and organisations, opportunities are being created and local organisations supported year after year.
This year was also particularly special as we presented the first awards from the Andrew and Sharon Welch Fund, established in memory of Andrew and Sharon, a highly regarded Taupō couple with a strong connection to the arts.
We were also delighted to recognise Peter Jarvis as our Taupō Outstanding Donor of the Year. Reflecting on his giving,
Thank you to our speakers
A special thank you to everyone who spoke and shared their stories with us:
Michelle Barnett – Deputy Chair, Geyser Community Foundation
Mayor John Funnell – Taupo District Council
Alan Wills – Chair, , Geyser Community Foundation
Rosie Riggir – General Manager, Geyser Community Foundation
Brigette Arnold Manaia – Helm Wealth Advisory
Peter Jarvis – Taupō Outstanding Donor of the Year Award
Kathryn Uvhagen
Lydia Curtis – Andrew and Sharon Welch Scholarship Recipient
Jenny McDonald – Jenny and Colin McDonald Fund
Leanne Rankin – Community Engagement Officer, Geyser Community Foundation
Michele Frost – Taupō Community Gardens
Jesse Archer – LakesFM
Angie Hendricks – Taupō Multicultural Community Council
Congratulations to all our Geyser Award Recipients
Click on each category below to view the 2026 award recipients.
Peter Jarvis
Lydia Curtis
Elliott Crimp
Mackenzie Loudon
Awhina Society Trust
Storytime Foundation
Taupō Community Gardens
Turangi Foodbank Inc
Village Aunties
Epilepsy New Zealand
Horses R Us NZ Charitable Trust
Mawake Te Kohanga Reo
Taupō Multicultural Community Council
24/7 Youth Work
Wairakei Community Group
