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 Cost-Effectiveness

Climate Resilience versus Recovery Costs for Transport Networks

Auckland Transport
Auckland Transport analysed 215 landslides from 2023 storms, showing prevention is far more cost effective than recovery. Preventative works cost as little as 15–30% of recovery, aligning with global findings.
Award Year: 2026
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Excellence in Digital Local Government

Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Event Centre Asset Management BIM and Digital Twin

Hastings District Council
Hastings’ construction of a digital twin for Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre is understood to be the first application of this technology to a community asset in
Award Year: 2022
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Excellence in Environmental Leadership

Shoreline Management Pathways Project 

Thames-Coromandel District Council
Thames-Coromandel has undertaken shoreline management planning for its 400km of coastline to reduce risks to people, property, the environment, and tāonga associated with coastal hazards. The result is a set
Award Year: 2023
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