Winner of:
Excellence in Environmental Leadership Award
Supreme Award Winner

Waiaroha – Loving water

Waiaroha is home to a state-of-the-art water treatment plant, built right in the city centre, that supplies clean, safe drinking water to Hastings. But it is so much more than

Waiaroha is home to a state-of-the-art water treatment plant, built right in the city centre, that supplies clean, safe drinking water to Hastings. But it is so much more than that…

The discovery centre and its landscaping are fully focused on helping people of all ages to understand all things water, maunga to moana, from a te ao Māori and a scientific perspective; helping us learn from the past to guide us through the future. 

All those involved in the project are passionate about sparking curiosity through hands-on learning, inspiring adults and children to explore, discuss new ideas, and be inspired to look after this precious taonga. 

Our purpose-built discovery centre, believed to be a first in the world, is premised on everyone understanding that water is critical to survival, that you cannot pull apart the three waters – to impact one is to impact all, the important part we all play in protecting water, and how we might do better in this space.

See more award winning entries

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

He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa

In a historic moment for Aotearoa, Taupō District Council and Ngāti Tūwharetoa have further strengthened their partnership and connection by coming together in one purpose-built whare ‘He Whare Hono ō
Award Year: 2025
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Excellence in Collaborating for Results

Waiora House

As part of Taupō District Council’s commitment to the provision of social services in the district, a project to rebuild Waiora House, a social services hub and affordable home to
Award Year: 2024
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Excellence in Placemaking
Members Choice

Te Whare Whakatere – Re-creating the Heart of Ashburton

Re-creating the heart of Ashburton through the Te Whare Whakatere and Baring Square East project has created a new community hub housing the Ashburton District Council's civic and administrative functions,
Award Year: 2025
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