Community engagement continues to be one of the strongest categories in the LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards, with 18 entries received in 2026.
This category celebrates initiatives that go beyond expectations to genuinely engage and empower communities, delivering meaningful and lasting results. This includes approaches that build trust, encourage participation, and support inclusive decision-making. Successful entries will show how strong community relationships have led to tangible outcomes, with learnings that can be shared across the sector.
This is the second-highest number of entries recorded in a single category, and one with a strong track record, four of the 11 previous Supreme Award winners have come from community engagement initiatives.
This year’s entries reflect the full breadth of local government work, from elections and long-term planning to resilience and recovery. Local government elections are a clear focus, with initiatives from Far North District Council, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Gisborne District Council and Whakatāne District Council all aiming to lift awareness and voter turnout in their communities.
Coastal adaptation also features prominently, with entries from Christchurch City Council and Northland Regional Council continuing a steady stream of work in what is increasingly seen as a defining public policy challenge. Natural disaster response and recovery are also highlighted in two entries from the Hawke’s Bay region where relationships and partnerships have been key to delivering results.
Community-led planning features in Horowhenua District Council’s work in Shannon shows how locally driven engagement can achieve high participation and lasting impact, while initiatives like Gore’s Ready for Living programme highlight the importance of ongoing connection and wellbeing.
Together, the entries highlight a shift towards deeper, more collaborative approaches, where communities are actively involved in shaping decisions, not just consulted on them.
The 18 2026 entries are:
- 2025 Community Survey – Carterton District Council
- Coastal Hazards Adaptation Planning with Communities – Christchurch City Council
- Community Builds Flood Resilience – Hastings District Council
- Deliberative Forum on the Future Recreational Use of A F Thomas Park – Auckland Council
- From Consultation to Collaboration: Resetting Community Engagement in Lower Hutt – Hutt City Council
- Kāpiti Connect – Supplier Hub – Kāpiti Coast District Council
- Mobile Ballot Box Tour – Far North District Council
- Putting Community Partnerships at the Centre of Recovery – Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
- Ready For Living – Gore District Council
- Shaping Shannon: Small Town, Big Ideas – Horowhenua District Council
- Stand for Something | Tū Tūturu – Elections 2025 – Whakatāne District Council
- Strengthening Resilience in Tararua – Tararua District Council
- Te Ara Ako Waitaki (The Waitaki Learning Pathway) – Waitaki District Council
- The Highest Vote – Queenstown Lakes District Council
- Tō Reo Tō Mana 2025 Local Elections Campaign – Gisborne District Council
- Waikirikiri Selwyn Place Brand and Community-Led Platform – Selwyn District Council
- Waitoa Citizens Panel – Matamata-Piako District Council
- Whirinaki Managed Retreat – Northland Regional Council
Members’ choice
Taituarā members have the opportunity to recognise the initiatives making the biggest impact through the Members’ Choice Award. The with the top-voted projects progressing to a final round of voting across all categories.
Winners of the LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards® will be announced at the Awards Dinner on 18 June in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. Tickets are available to purchase now.
