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 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

Taupō District Council
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

East Urban Lands – Oroko Rise

Taupō District Council
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
Award Year: 2026
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Excellence in Environmental Leadership

Toi te whenua, Manaaki ki te whenua

Wairoa District Council
This was a project that resolved an environmental issue that, while far from unique, was a pressing community issue. Wairoa District Council coordinated the removal of some 800 abandoned car
Award Year: 2022
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