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.

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Excellence in Environmental Leadership

Shoreline Management Pathways Project

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

Excellence in Placemaking

Hastings District Council’s Place Based Housing Solution

In five years, the waitlist for social housing in Hastings has increased from 57 people to approximately 640. The Place Based Housing Solution is the result of a conversation between

Award Year: 2021

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

Transfer of Functions to an Iwi Authority under s33 RMA

Section 33 of the Resource Management Act allows a local authority to transfer any one or more of its functions under that Act to an iwi authority. Waikato Regional Council