An innovative Hasting District Council housing project has been awarded the BERL Award for Collaborative Government Action as part of the 2021 LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards, presented at a Gala Dinner event in Wellington tonight.
The project, Hastings Place Based Housing Solution, has seen the Council take a leadership role with the Crown, iwi, NGOs and social service providers to tackle an interwoven series of complex housing needs. To date the project has resulted in several completed housing developments, with more underway.
The judges said that the project is an excellent example of a council taking a leadership role to identify a local issue and mobilise a diverse collection of players to deliver a bricks and mortar outcome.
Taituarā Chief Executive, Karen Thomas, congratulated Hastings District Council 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.
“Congratulations to Hastings on this community-based solution to a complex issue.”
The judges also commended Tauranga City Council in this category for their Notice of Change Project – a collaboration between the Council and LINZ that transformed how solicitors notify councils and LINZ of changes in ownership.
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.