Taupō District Council partnered with developers and Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust to deliver Oroko Rise, an innovative affordable housing project. Combining private expertise, iwi leadership, and council planning, it increases supply without ratepayer subsidy. Launched in 2025 with strong demand, it provides a scalable model showing how collaboration can deliver sustainable, community-focused housing solutions.

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

Te Rere o Ōmanawa – Ōmanawa Falls

Tauranga City Council

Te Rere o Ōmanawa – Ōmanawa Falls is a $9 million project which has featured a unique level of co-design and collaboration between the project partners. The physical aspects of

Award Year: 2024

Excellence in Organisation and People Development

Toitū te Kotahitanga – Better Together

Whakatāne District Council

Toitū te Kotahitanga is Whakatāne District Council’s journey of transformation of its organisational culture and leadership capability. This led to staff developing and owning their vision and values and working

Award Year: 2023

Excellence in Digital Local Government

Christchurch City Information Network (CCIN) – Early Fire Detection Sensor Network

Christchurch City Council

This is a highly successful pilot project of a sensor network as a means for detecting fires in the Waitākiri / Bottle Lake Forest Park. The network sends warnings to