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.

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Excellence in Cost Effective Impact

Hurunui District Water Safety Project (protozoa compliance)

Hurunui District Council manages 17 water schemes with 26 water sources spread across a district of 8,641 km2. With around 14,000 residents, the district has the 6th lowest population density

Award Year: 2025

Excellence in Organisation and People Development

Whangarei District Council’s Organisation Strategy

Whangarei District Council embarked on a radical journey of transformation led from the ground up to build a more inclusive, cohesive and effective organisation. Powered by the collective genius, passion,

Award Year: 2021

Excellence in Collaborating for Results

Stronger Together Councils’ buy-out puts people at heart

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