Eke Panuku Development Auckland’s green corridor project has been awarded the GHD Award for Environmental Leadership as part of the 2021 LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards, presented at a Gala Dinner event in Wellington tonight.
The project, Te Ara Awataha, will link Northcote’s existing parks, town centre, schools and homes, regenerate a degraded natural taonga, and generate environmental benefits.
Te Ara Awataha captured the judge’s attention for its interweaving of Te Ao Māori, urban design and environmental remediation principles. It’s a collaborative piece of placemaking that goes beyond a physical corridor to employment, social procument and educational objectives. The project also demonstrates a regard for all four dimensions of well-being.
Taituarā Chief Executive, Karen Thomas, congratulated Eke Panuku Development Auckland and said that this year’s Gala Dinner was extra special after last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19.
“The last year was challenging for the local government sector, and there are plenty of challenges ahead.
“It was wonderful to gather to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible mahi in the sector.
“This initiative demonstrates a commitment to all four dimensions of well-being. It’s also the first time since 2012 that a council-controlled organisation has won an Excellence Award. Congratulations Eke Panuku, and thank you to GHD for supporting this Award.”
The judges also highly commended Greater Wellington Regional Council for their Low Carbon Acceleration Fund. Greater Wellington Regional Council has a target of being carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon positive by 2035. The Fund is a pool of money set aside to fund activities or initiatives that reduce carbon emissions faster or at a greater scale.
Seven category winners of the 2021 LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards, plus a Supreme Award were announced, along with an award for an emerging leader, overseas manager exchanges, and a leadership scholarship. Also announced was the winning team of the New Zealand leg of the Australasian Management Challenge.
For further information, please see the 2021 Awards Media Pack or contact Ann Thomson on 027294385.