Taupō Electorate Profile

Profile

Taupō is a vast central North Island electorate dominated by the caldera of Lake Taupō and the course of the Waikato River. Spanning from the affluent equestrian belt of Cambridge in the north down to the alpine environment of Ruapehu, it encompasses diverse communities including the tourism hub of Taupō, the forestry town of Tokoroa, and Tūrangi. The local economy is a powerhouse of primary industry and tourism, driven by forestry, geothermal energy generation, dairy farming, and international visitors drawn to the region’s natural wonders. Politically, the seat has evolved from a marginal bellwether into a safe seat for the National Party. While the working-class and multicultural town of Tokoroa provides a reliable base of support for Labour, the growing population in Taupō and the conservative rural hinterland tips the balance decisively to the right. The electorate is currently held by senior National MP and Cabinet Minister Louise Upston, who has represented the area since 2008 and consistently secures strong majorities. The 2025 boundary review resulted in minor boundary changes to Taupō.

Facts
Type
General
Current MP
Louise Upston
Party
National
Runner up
Labour
Majority
16,505
Margins
Nat 38.40% • Lab -38.40%
2023 booth results