Throng

After a gruelling and hard-fought competition, Taupo has won the coveted title of New Zealand's Top Town.

Fifteen towns from Northland to the bottom of the South Island competed over the last eight weeks, with Whakatane and Taupo fighting it out in the final.  The Unison Taupo Lakers had to employ skill, strength, strategy and style to overcome their rivals, on the toughest water obstacle course the country has ever seen.

Fighting for the pride of their community and the all important title of Top Town, the Unison Taupo Lakers are thrilled to have come out on top.

Darrin Gale-O'Donnell aka 'Mr T/Mr Taupo' gave some insight on Taupo's winning ingredient:  "Having fun first and foremost was the key to the Unison Taupo Lakers success.  I personally had a lot of fun with the Mr T character and the audience really got in behind it - the kids especially loved Mr T and were cheering for Taupo the whole time, which gave us a real boost."

"Every member of the Unison Taupo Lakers was in the same boat paddling in the same direction.  Power in numbers, not just in the physical sense but also power of the mind, gave us an edge over our competition," he adds.

Gale-O'Donnell also enthused over the course:  "The Top Town course was incredible. It challenged every competitor's determination, stamina, physical ability and soul, which brings out real champions."

Competing in the first ever Top Town in 1976, this is only the second time Taupo have taken part in the competition and the first time they have won it.  Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper attended the final in Christchurch and commended the team on their hard work, saying:

"I know just how intense the competition was and I think I speak for the whole town when I say we are proud of the team.  Their commitment, athletic competitiveness and team spirit shone through.  Believe me, it was more stressful than it looks on TV and they deserved the win.  They truly have "energy to burn" and represent the essence of Taupo." 

"Take a bow Unison Taupo Lakers, let's celebrate being the Top Town in New Zealand (and make the most of the bragging rights)" he concludes.

Jeff Latch, Head of Television at TVNZ was also full of praise for the team.  "Taupo have accomplished a great feat.  They proved that through hard work, team commitment and focus, anything is achievable.  On behalf of TVNZ, I would like to congratulate them on their efforts and on being New Zealand's Top Town."