This category is sponsored by Co-Lab
This category recognises smart, efficient approaches that achieve better outcomes while reducing costs and maximising value for communities. This includes initiatives that improve processes, optimise resources, or deliver services in more effective ways. Entries should demonstrate clear efficiencies without compromising quality, with practical learnings that others can apply.
Vote for your choice and help recognise the projects making the biggest impact – open exclusively to Taituarā members! Voting is open 13 - 17 April.
Vote hereBetter Value Projects
Auckland Council
Better Value Projects (BVP) is an Auckland Council programme improving cost effectiveness while delivering better outcomes. Built on ten delivery principles, it strengthens decision-making, scope discipline and value focus. BVP has achieved over $10M in savings and cost avoidance without reducing quality, while enhancing collaboration and governance. It represents a long-term shift in how projects are planned and delivered for greater value.
Watch entryBetter Value Projects (BVP) is an Auckland Council programme improving cost effectiveness while delivering better outcomes. Built on ten delivery principles, it strengthens decision-making, scope discipline and value focus. BVP has achieved over $10M in savings and cost avoidance without reducing quality, while enhancing collaboration and governance. It represents a long-term shift in how projects are planned and delivered for greater value.
Climate Resilience versus Recovery Costs for Transport Networks
Auckland Transport
Auckland Transport analysed 215 landslides from 2023 storms, showing prevention is far more cost effective than recovery. Preventative works cost as little as 15–30% of recovery, aligning with global findings. AT has shifted towards resilience-focused design, with modelling showing $670M in prevention could save $2.2–$4.4B over 10 years. A 30-year resilience programme now guides future planning and investment.
Watch entryAuckland Transport analysed 215 landslides from 2023 storms, showing prevention is far more cost effective than recovery. Preventative works cost as little as 15–30% of recovery, aligning with global findings. AT has shifted towards resilience-focused design, with modelling showing $670M in prevention could save $2.2–$4.4B over 10 years. A 30-year resilience programme now guides future planning and investment.
Cyclone Gabrielle North Island Weather Event Recovery Project
Waikato District Council
After severe 2023 storms, Waikato District Council managed 430+ roading damage sites using a coordinated programme approach. By prioritising triage, tailoring engineering effort, and bundling complex sites for efficient procurement, Council restored access quickly while reducing costs. The result was a resilient, cost-effective recovery that strengthened suppliers, met quality standards, and delivered savings—offering a scalable model for other councils.
Watch entryAfter severe 2023 storms, Waikato District Council managed 430+ roading damage sites using a coordinated programme approach. By prioritising triage, tailoring engineering effort, and bundling complex sites for efficient procurement, Council restored access quickly while reducing costs. The result was a resilient, cost-effective recovery that strengthened suppliers, met quality standards, and delivered savings—offering a scalable model for other councils.
Dragons Data Discipline
Horowhenua District Council
For the 2026/27 Annual Plan, Council addressed rising costs and rate pressures by rethinking its approach. Using “Dragons, Data, Discipline,” councillors challenged assumptions, explored new options, and relied on strong analysis. This enabled a reduced rates increase of 5.8% (down from 11.6%) while protecting essential services. The process shows how data-driven, disciplined and innovative thinking can deliver better outcomes for the community.
Watch entryFor the 2026/27 Annual Plan, Council addressed rising costs and rate pressures by rethinking its approach. Using “Dragons, Data, Discipline,” councillors challenged assumptions, explored new options, and relied on strong analysis. This enabled a reduced rates increase of 5.8% (down from 11.6%) while protecting essential services. The process shows how data-driven, disciplined and innovative thinking can deliver better outcomes for the community.
Local Elections 2025 Campaign
Rangitīkei District Council
Rangitīkei District Council tackled declining election participation with a low-cost ($3,353) campaign focused on storytelling, community engagement, and local channels. Led by the “Ben from Comms” persona, it reached 229k people with strong engagement. Results included more candidates, fewer uncontested seats, and 49.6% voter turnout—the district’s highest since 2013—showing creativity can strengthen local democracy without big budgets.
Watch entryRangitīkei District Council tackled declining election participation with a low-cost ($3,353) campaign focused on storytelling, community engagement, and local channels. Led by the “Ben from Comms” persona, it reached 229k people with strong engagement. Results included more candidates, fewer uncontested seats, and 49.6% voter turnout—the district’s highest since 2013—showing creativity can strengthen local democracy without big budgets.
Whakahou Waitaki
Waitaki District Council
Waitaki District Council launched a 2022 transformation programme to modernise systems, streamline processes, and enhance service quality. With a new operating model, technology, and agile structure, the Council improved customer access, introduced a Case Officer Team for complex needs, and strengthened community engagement. The result is a forward-thinking, customer-centred organisation delivering greater efficiency, innovation, and value for its community.
Watch entryWaitaki District Council launched a 2022 transformation programme to modernise systems, streamline processes, and enhance service quality. With a new operating model, technology, and agile structure, the Council improved customer access, introduced a Case Officer Team for complex needs, and strengthened community engagement. The result is a forward-thinking, customer-centred organisation delivering greater efficiency, innovation, and value for its community.
Vote for your choice and help recognise the projects making the biggest impact – open exclusively to Taituarā members!
Voting is open 13 - 17 April.
Vote hereVoting is open 13 - 17 April.
