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.

See more award winning entries

Excellence in Māori-Council Partnerships - Te Tohu Waka Hourua (the Double Canoe)

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board – Ko te Pūkakī: 2040

Auckland Council

The Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board is a co-governance partnership with Auckland Council, jointly managing reserve whenua. With equal representation, it enables shared decision-making, resourcing, and accountability. Through iwi-led delivery,

Award Year: 2026

Excellence in Collaborating for Results

Stronger Together Councils’ buy-out puts people at heart

Hastings District Council

Helping flood-devastated homeowners get their lives back on track following Cyclone Gabrielle drove the Hastings and Napier Voluntary Buy-out Programme, a pioneering model for disaster recovery in New Zealand. The

Award Year: 2025

Excellence in Community Engagement

Whirinaki Managed Retreat

Northland Regional Council

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