This category is sponsored by Beca
This category recognises projects and programmes that create vibrant, inclusive places and contribute to stronger local economies, cultures, and community wellbeing. This includes initiatives that enhance public spaces, support local identity, or improve how people experience their communities. Entries should show clear benefits and outcomes, along with learnings that can inspire similar approaches elsewhere.
A Bridge Across Time Te Ikaroa a Rauru
Te Kaunihera o Te Tairāwhiti - Gisborne District Council
Te Ikaroa a Rauru, formerly the 1000-Year Walkway Bridge, is an iconic cultural landmark celebrating Tairāwhiti’s ancestral and navigational heritage. Co-designed by Ngāti Oneone and Gisborne District Council, it links Puhi Kai Iti and Titirangi maunga, restoring tīpuna stories and creating space for reflection, learning, and connection. Delivered amid COVID-19 and cyclones, it exemplifies partnership, cultural integrity, and enduring placemaking.
Watch entryTe Ikaroa a Rauru, formerly the 1000-Year Walkway Bridge, is an iconic cultural landmark celebrating Tairāwhiti’s ancestral and navigational heritage. Co-designed by Ngāti Oneone and Gisborne District Council, it links Puhi Kai Iti and Titirangi maunga, restoring tīpuna stories and creating space for reflection, learning, and connection. Delivered amid COVID-19 and cyclones, it exemplifies partnership, cultural integrity, and enduring placemaking.
Building a Sense of Place for Former Refugee Whānau in Horowhenua
Horowhenua District Council
Iwi, agencies, community organisations and Council have partnered to intentionally shape Horowhenua into a place where former refugee whānau from Colombia and Venezuela feel welcomed, connected and fully able to participate in community life. Initiatives like housing blessings by Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, flag‑raising ceremonies, civic engagement roles and community events have strengthened belonging, cultural identity and participation, reducing isolation and building a more inclusive, vibrant community.
Watch entryIwi, agencies, community organisations and Council have partnered to intentionally shape Horowhenua into a place where former refugee whānau from Colombia and Venezuela feel welcomed, connected and fully able to participate in community life. Initiatives like housing blessings by Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, flag‑raising ceremonies, civic engagement roles and community events have strengthened belonging, cultural identity and participation, reducing isolation and building a more inclusive, vibrant community.
Destination Kāwaroa
New Plymouth District Council
Destination Kāwaroa, led by Taranaki Foundation with Ngāmotu, Ngāti Te Whiti, NPDC and NP Partners, transformed Kāwaroa Park into an intergenerational play and learning space celebrating the area’s nature, culture and stories. Featuring sensory play, water and hill elements, accessible facilities, and learning linked to NZ curricula, it has become a thriving, free hub for connection, recreation and cultural engagement, attracting up to 2,000 daily visitors since August 2025.
Watch entryDestination Kāwaroa, led by Taranaki Foundation with Ngāmotu, Ngāti Te Whiti, NPDC and NP Partners, transformed Kāwaroa Park into an intergenerational play and learning space celebrating the area’s nature, culture and stories. Featuring sensory play, water and hill elements, accessible facilities, and learning linked to NZ curricula, it has become a thriving, free hub for connection, recreation and cultural engagement, attracting up to 2,000 daily visitors since August 2025.
Papaioea Place: Where social housing becomes community
Palmerston North City Council
Papaioea Place in Palmerston North demonstrates placemaking through social housing. Since 2017, 48 ageing homes have been replaced with 85 modern, energy-efficient, accessible homes meeting Healthy Homes and Lifemark® standards. At its heart is Whakaruruhau, an accessible lounge and communal spaces fostering connection, manaakitanga and wellbeing. Delivered in three stages with strong partnerships, the project has created a vibrant, inclusive community residents are proud to call home.
Watch entryPapaioea Place in Palmerston North demonstrates placemaking through social housing. Since 2017, 48 ageing homes have been replaced with 85 modern, energy-efficient, accessible homes meeting Healthy Homes and Lifemark® standards. At its heart is Whakaruruhau, an accessible lounge and communal spaces fostering connection, manaakitanga and wellbeing. Delivered in three stages with strong partnerships, the project has created a vibrant, inclusive community residents are proud to call home.
Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga
South Taranaki District Council
Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga, Hāwera’s transformational civic centre, revitalises the CBD as a welcoming “living room” reflecting local identity. Its design references farming heritage, dairy factories and Taiporohenui Marae, while cultural elements, a town square and co-located library, gallery, i SITE, AA and café create a vibrant hub. Sustainability features and inclusive spaces foster connection, pride and daily community life at the heart of town.
Watch entryTe Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga, Hāwera’s transformational civic centre, revitalises the CBD as a welcoming “living room” reflecting local identity. Its design references farming heritage, dairy factories and Taiporohenui Marae, while cultural elements, a town square and co-located library, gallery, i SITE, AA and café create a vibrant hub. Sustainability features and inclusive spaces foster connection, pride and daily community life at the heart of town.
Whakatupu Ngaengae
Hutt City Council
Whakatupu Ngaengae in Naenae, Lower Hutt, is a community-led regeneration project transforming three public facilities into a connected town centre. Partnering with mana whenua, a Community Advisory Group and stakeholders, Hutt City Council delivered Te Ngaengae Pool and Fitness, Te Mako Community Centre, and redeveloped Walter Mildenhall Park. The initiative has revitalised activity, supported local businesses, and strengthened social, cultural and economic outcomes through integrated placemaking.
Watch entryWhakatupu Ngaengae in Naenae, Lower Hutt, is a community-led regeneration project transforming three public facilities into a connected town centre. Partnering with mana whenua, a Community Advisory Group and stakeholders, Hutt City Council delivered Te Ngaengae Pool and Fitness, Te Mako Community Centre, and redeveloped Walter Mildenhall Park. The initiative has revitalised activity, supported local businesses, and strengthened social, cultural and economic outcomes through integrated placemaking.
Wood Street and surrounds revitalisation and stormwater project
Kaipara District Council
The Wood Street revitalisation in Mangawhai transformed a congested, vehicle-dominated area into a safe, people-centred destination. Kaipara District Council collaborated with the community and Mangawhai Business Association, testing an interim layout over five years to guide the final design. Completed in November 2025, the project improved safety, pedestrian space and vibrancy, celebrated with a street party enjoyed by hundreds of locals.
Watch entryThe Wood Street revitalisation in Mangawhai transformed a congested, vehicle-dominated area into a safe, people-centred destination. Kaipara District Council collaborated with the community and Mangawhai Business Association, testing an interim layout over five years to guide the final design. Completed in November 2025, the project improved safety, pedestrian space and vibrancy, celebrated with a street party enjoyed by hundreds of locals.
