Taituarā members have spoken in greater numbers than ever!
Over recent weeks, members have voted across each Excellence Awards category, highlighting standout initiatives that demonstrate innovation, leadership and tangible community outcomes. More than 500 votes came in across the categories (including a few enthusiastic non-member votes we sadly couldn’t count).
From these category votes, the top finalists have now emerged and will go head-to-head in the final round.
Below are the finalists, each representing the highest-voted entry from their category.
The Beca Award for Excellence in Placemaking
Joint finalists (equal votes)
- Building a Sense of Place for Former Refugee Whānau in Horowhenua – Horowhenua District Council
A collaborative initiative that supports former refugee whānau to feel welcomed and connected through culturally grounded community programmes and partnerships. - Whakatupu Ngaengae – Hutt City Council
A community-led regeneration project transforming Naenae’s town centre through integrated facilities, partnerships and placemaking.
The Datascape Award for Excellence in Digital Local Government
- Turning The Tide: Large Woody Debris AI-assisted Removal – Gisborne District Council
An AI-enabled system that prioritises and manages debris removal after severe weather, protecting infrastructure and communities.
The Award for Excellence in Community Engagement
Joint finalists (equal votes)
- Kāpiti Connect – Supplier Hub – Kāpiti Coast District Council
A co-designed digital platform improving transparency, engagement and access to procurement opportunities for suppliers. - Shaping Shannon: Small Town, Big Ideas – Horowhenua District Council
A resident-led planning process that achieved high participation and resulted in a community-adopted local plan.
The Morrison Low Advisory Award for Excellence in Collaborating for Results
- Taking Care of Business – Masterton District Council
A streamlined, cross-council approach that simplifies processes for new businesses and improves their experience.
The GHD Award for Excellence in Environmental Leadership
- Tupua Horo Nuku – Hutt City Council
A coastal resilience project combining climate adaptation, ecological restoration and active transport infrastructure.
The Co-Lab Award for Excellence in Cost Effectiveness
- Dragons, Data, Discipline – Horowhenua District Council
A data-driven approach to financial planning that reduced rates increases while maintaining essential services.
Te Tohu Waka Hourua – The Buddle Findlay Award for Excellence in Māori–Council Partnerships
- Manaaki o Mātakitaki-a-Kupe – South Wairarapa District Council
A partnership with Ngāti Hinewaka to protect a culturally significant coastal area while addressing access and environmental concerns.
Have your say
Voting for the Members’ Choice Award is now open to all Taituarā members. The finalist with the most votes will be announced at the Excellence Awards evening on 18 May, celebrating the initiatives that have made the greatest impact across the sector.
Find out more about the finalists and vote for who you think should come out on top. Voting for this category is open from 29 April – 6 May.
Winners of the LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards® including the Members’ Choice Award will be announced at the Awards Dinner on 18 June in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. Tickets are available to purchase now.
