Taupo Diwali Mela

FAQs

• What is Taupō Diwali Mela 2026?

  Taupō Diwali Mela 2026 is a community celebration of Diwali – the Festival of Lights, presented by the Taupō Indian Community. The event celebrates Indian food, culture, music, dance, entertainment and community spirit.

• When and where is the event?

  📅 Date: Sunday, 1 November 2026
  ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  📍 Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupō
  📍 Address: 5 Story Place, Taupō 3330

• Is the event free?

  Yes! Entry to Taupō Diwali Mela 2026 is FREE.

  Registration is required so we can plan the event and manage attendance.

  🎟️ Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/taupodiwali

  You can also scan the QR code on the event poster.

• Do children need tickets?

  Yes, please include children in your registration so we can have an accurate estimate of attendance. Children must be supervised by their parents or caregivers.

• Can I attend without registering?

  Entry is free, but registration is requested/required to help organisers manage attendance and event planning.

  Please register through Humanitix before attending:

  https://events.humanitix.com/taupodiwali

• Why is registration required if the event is free?

  Although entry is free, advance registration is required because the Great Lake Centre has a maximum venue capacity.

  Registration helps organisers manage attendance, meet venue requirements and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

• What can I expect at the event?

  You can enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment, including:

  🍛 Indian food stalls
  🛍️ Indian and cultural stalls
  💃 Live Indian music and dance performances
  🎨 Rangoli and traditional activities
  👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family entertainment
  🚂 Lions Express miniature train ride at Southern Domain
  ✨ Diwali celebrations and community activities

• Will food be available?

  Yes. A range of food will be available from food stalls during the event.

  Food options, menus and prices will be determined by individual food stall operators.

• Will there be live performances?

  Yes! 🎶💃🕺

  The programme will include cultural performances featuring Indian music, dance and other entertainment.

• Can my group or organisation perform?

  Cultural groups and performers interested in participating are welcome to contact the organisers.

• Can I have a stall at the event?

  Stall opportunities are available, subject to event requirements and available space.

  If you are interested in a food, Indian, cultural, community or other suitable stall, please contact us.

• Can businesses sponsor the event?

  Yes! We welcome businesses interested in supporting Taupō Diwali Mela 2026 through sponsorship.

  Sponsorship provides an opportunity to support a community event and connect with the Taupō community.

  Please contact us for sponsorship opportunities.

• How can businesses support the event?

  Businesses can support the Taupō Diwali Mela by becoming a sponsor or event partner.

  Sponsorship packages are available at different contribution levels, allowing businesses of different sizes to participate and receive recognition through event promotional activities.

• What benefits will a sponsored business receive?

  Sponsoring the Taupō Diwali Mela provides businesses with an opportunity to promote their business and connect with a large local audience, while also supporting a community event.

  Depending on the sponsorship level, businesses may receive benefits such as:

  • Business logo and branding displayed across event promotional material

  • Banner/display opportunities at the event

  • Promotion through event social media and digital channels

  • Acknowledgement during the event

  • Opportunity to connect directly with the local community

  • Association with a free, inclusive community celebration

  • An opportunity to demonstrate their business's commitment to supporting the Taupō community

  By becoming a sponsor, businesses are not only gaining promotional exposure but also helping make it possible for the wider community to enjoy a free Diwali celebration.

• Can I volunteer?

  Yes! 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

  We welcome volunteers to help make the event a successful community celebration.

  If you would like to volunteer, please contact us.

• Is the event suitable for families?

  Absolutely! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

  Taupō Diwali Mela is designed as a community and family-friendly celebration, with cultural activities, entertainment, food and activities for people of different ages.

• Is there parking available?

  Please use available public parking and follow any parking instructions or restrictions around the venue. We encourage visitors to allow sufficient time to find parking.

• Is the event indoors or outdoors?

  The main event is being held at Great Lake Centre, Taupō. Some activities, including the Lions Express miniature train ride, will take place at Southern Domain.

• What happens if I cannot attend after registering?

  If you register but later cannot attend, please update or cancel your registration through the ticketing platform where possible. This helps us keep attendance information accurate.

• Is the event accessible?

  We aim to make the event welcoming and accessible to everyone. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please contact the organisers before the event so we can assist where possible.

• Who is organising the event?

  The event is proudly presented by Taupō Indian Community Volunteers.

  The event is sponsored by supporting businesses and supported by:

  🤝 Lake Taupō Rotary
  🤝 Taupo Lions Club
  🤝 Taupō Multicultural Community Council

• How will the event be funded?

  The Taupō Diwali Mela is being organised as a community event and will be funded primarily through sponsorship contributions from small and medium-sized businesses and event partners.

  We are grateful to businesses and organisations that support the event and help us bring this community celebration to Taupō.

• Where will the sponsorship money be spent?

  Sponsorship funds will be used towards the costs of organising and delivering the event.

  Our aim is to use sponsorship funds directly towards delivering a safe, enjoyable and professional community event.

• How will if any surplus sponsorship funds be used?

  After all approved event expenses and commitments have been paid, any remaining surplus will be distributed to participating charitable/community organisations in proportion to their volunteer contribution and support to the event, subject to the applicable organisational and financial requirements. If event is in loss, volunteers will contribute the cost.

  The intention is for the event to provide a wider benefit to the Taupō community and support the organisations that contribute their time and resources.

• Where will sponsorship payments be made? Is tax invoice available?

  Taupo Indian Limited has been established to manage the event's financial and administrative requirements, including receiving sponsorship contributions and paying event-related expenses. Sponsorship payments will be made to Taupo Indian Limited, the company established to manage the financial administration of the event.

  Businesses will receive the appropriate sponsorship documentation and tax invoice where applicable. GST treatment will be applied in accordance with New Zealand tax requirements, and GST-registered businesses may be able to claim the GST component where the relevant requirements are met.

  The company structure allows the event finances to be managed through a dedicated account with appropriate records of sponsorship income and event expenditure.

• Is the Diwali Mela a commercial event?

  No. The Taupō Diwali Mela is being organised as a community-focused celebration to bring people together and showcase Indian culture, food, music, dance and traditions.

  The event is being supported by volunteers and community organisations, with sponsorship contributions helping cover the costs of delivering the event.

• What should I bring?

  Bring your family, friends and your enthusiasm for celebrating Diwali! 🪔✨

  We also recommend bringing your event registration/ticket confirmation on your phone for easy entry.

• How can I contact the organisers?

  For questions about sponsorships, performances, stalls, volunteering or the event generally:

  📧 taupoindiancommunity@gmail.com
  📞 021 394 093