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 determined relocation was the safest long-term option for around 80 homes in a flood-prone valley. The Whirinaki Masterplan enables whānau to move to elevated papakāinga, restoring the floodplain and creating new opportunities, while demonstrating shared leadership and Te Tiriti partnership.
Entry credits:
Northland Regional Council
Thankyou to our award sponsor:
Eagle Technology
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Excellence in Māori-Council Partnerships - Te Tohu Waka Hourua (the Double Canoe)
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Award Year: 2023
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Destination Kāwaroa, led by Taranaki Foundation with Ngāmotu, Ngāti Te Whiti, NPDC and NP Partners, transformed Kāwaroa Park into an intergenerational play and learning space celebrating the area’s nature, culture
Award Year: 2026
Excellence in Digital Local Government
Christchurch City Information Network (CCIN) – Early Fire Detection Sensor Network
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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
Award Year: 2023
