In Whirinaki, Te Hikutū Hapū, supported by Northland Regional Council, led a proactive, hapū-driven managed retreat to address severe flood risk. Using mātauranga Māori and the PARA framework, the community determined relocation was the safest long-term option for around 80 homes in a flood-prone valley. The Whirinaki Masterplan enables whānau to move to elevated papakāinga, restoring the floodplain and creating new opportunities, while demonstrating shared leadership and Te Tiriti partnership.
See more award winning entries

Excellence in Organisation and People Development
Whangarei District Council’s Organisation Strategy
Whangārei District Council
Whangarei District Council embarked on a radical journey of transformation led from the ground up to build a more inclusive, cohesive and effective organisation. Powered by the collective genius, passion,
Award Year: 2021

Excellence in Organisation and People Development
Great Workplaces
Far North District Council
This initiative emerged from a staff survey taken during the first 2020 COVID-19 lockdown where 83 per cent of staff reported their productivity was the same or better working at
Award Year: 2022

Excellence in Collaborating for Results
America’s Cup 36 Base Infrastructure
Auckland Council
This entry covers the infrastructure necessary to prepare the Auckland Waterfront to host America’s Cup 36 – a project brought in on time, under budget and with a legacy that
Award Year: 2022

