Winner of:
Excellence in Digital Local Government Award

Nothing but Net

Nothing but Net is a digital strategy, purpose built by Far North communities focussed on finding a solution to the digital divide. We are advised that the approach has been accepted by all Northland councils as a foundation document for the region as a whole to build on.

The Judges said: We commend Far North for its application of a sound co-design methodology and a new (to NZ) online engagement tool. We also recognise the Council’s willingness to walk the talk and change its own internal service offerings. The Council’s recognition that digital connectivity is only limited value without sufficient levels of digital literacy to take best advantage of the opportunity. We look forward to hearing more of the progress of the rollout, and of the steps Council and community take to developing digital literacy in the Far North. 

See more award winning entries

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
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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
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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
Award Year: 2026
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