Winner of:
Excellence in Placemaking Award

Destination Kāwaroa

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.

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

Joint Land Ownership – the Right Thing to Do

Tauranga City Council
Te Manawataki o Te Papa – the Heartbeat of Te Papa – is a transformative redevelopment of Tauranga’s Civic Precinct, which will reinvigorate its city centre and make it the
Award Year: 2023
Read more
Excellence in Organisation and People Development

Reimaginging Work

Whakatāne District Council
Whakatāne District Council has reimagined work. What began as a building refurbishment in response to required earthquake strengthening work resulted in a seismic shift in how we work. We realised
Award Year: 2024
Read more